Virginia State University Welcomes New Associate Administrator in Cooperative Extension
New Associate Administrator Wants To Make Cooperative Extension A Household Word
Dr. Janine Parker Woods is settling into her new role as associate administrator for Virginia State University (VSU) - Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and her first priority is finding ways to empower others.
“I really do believe in servant leadership. I think it’s extremely important to empower your team whether it’s a team of one or a team of many. It’s important that we put the people of Virginia first, so by me supporting and empowering my team, they can then support and empower the people of Virginia,” said Woods, who joined VSU on Oct. 12.
Servant leadership is a philosophy and leadership style that works to enrich the lives of individuals, families and communities through service in order to build a better world. Similarly, the mission of the Cooperative Extension system is to help people improve their lives through the use of research-based information, education and community programs that extend this knowledge.
Woods is no stranger to servant leadership or Cooperative Extension. She previously served as interim program leader for the Agriculture and Natural Resources Unit with Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and developed and led regional, statewide small farm production workshops. At VSU, Woods will provide oversight to Extension specialists at VSU; help specialists develop their plan of work; serve as a liaison between Cooperative Extension at VSU and Virginia Tech and create opportunities for collaborations; assist in developing strategies and processes for Extension; and improve operational effectiveness and efficiencies.
“We are delighted to have Dr. Woods join our team. Her proven leadership skills and thorough knowledge of Extension programs both nationally and internationally make her an asset to Cooperative Extension and to the College of Agriculture,” said Dr. M. Ray McKinnie, VSU College of Agriculture dean/1890 Extension administrator. “As a millennial, Dr. Woods will bring fresh ideas to attract younger audiences to agricultural careers and will also help enhance the collaboration between Extension specialists and agents and ensure our programs are aligned with Cooperative Extension’s mission,” McKinnie added.
Woods wants to engage younger audiences to consider careers in agriculture. “There are many diverse career opportunities in the field for women and minorities, but often people only associate agriculture with farming,” she said.
Woods hopes to shed more light on urban agriculture, alternative agriculture systems and building stronger local food systems. “One thing that COVID-19 has shown us is a need for strong local food systems,” Woods added. She also wants to make sure that Cooperative Extension is more recognizable as a resource for Virginians. Agriculture impacts almost every aspect of our lives, and too often she hears the phrase that “Cooperative Extension is a well-kept secret.” She wants to change that mindset by helping to develop and promote programs that make Cooperative Extension a household word in rural and urban communities.
Connection is published by Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture. Special thanks to everyone who contributed content, photos, ideas and time to this edition.
Executive Editor: Michelle Olgers; Writer/Editor: Lorraine Blackwell; Art Direction, Graphic Design: Brittany R. Hughes
Send address changes and circulation inquiries by email to molgers@vsu.edu. Editorial inquiries and other comments should be sent to Executive Editor, Connection, P.O. Box 9081, Virginia State University, VA 23806 or molgers@vsu.edu.
©2020 Virginia State University College of Agriculture
Dr. M. Ray McKinnie, Dean/1890 Extension Administrator; Dr. Wondi Mersie, Associate Dean/Director of Research; Dr. Janine P. Woods, Associate Administrator VSU Virginia Cooperative Extension; Dr. Michelle Corley, Interim Chair, Associate Professor Department of Agriculture; Dr. Crystal Wynn, Chair and Associate Professor Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; Dr. Berkita Bradford, Chair and Associate Professor Department of Hospitality Management
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