Extension Professional's Creed
The Extension Professional's Creed was adopted by Epsilon Sigma Phi, the Extension honorary society, in 1927. Even after almost a century, the words still resonate with Extension employees everywhere, describing the work we do, how we do it, and, most importantly, why we do it. The Creed has become a true touchstone that unites us all in service to the people of our states, extending knowledge to change their lives for the better.
In these videos, Mississippi State University Extension employees share their own special interpretation of the words of the Creed.
The Extension Professional’s Creed
I BELIEVE in people and their hopes, their aspirations, and their faith; in their right to make their own plans and arrive at their own decisions; in their ability and power to enlarge their lives and plan for the happiness of those they love.
I BELIEVE that education, of which Extension work is an essential part, is basic in stimulating individual initiative, self-determination, and leadership; that these are the keys to democracy; and that people, when given facts they understand, will act not only in their self-interest, but also in the interest of society.
I BELIEVE that education is a lifelong process and the greatest university is the home; that my success as a teacher is proportional to those qualities of mind and spirit that give me welcome entrance to the homes of the families I serve.
I BELIEVE in intellectual freedom to search for and present the truth without bias and with courteous tolerance toward the views of others.
I BELIEVE that Extension is the link between the people and the ever-changing discoveries in the laboratories.
I BELIEVE in the public institutions of which I am a part.
I BELIEVE in my own work and in the opportunity I have to make my life useful to humanity.
Because I BELIEVE these things, I am an Extension professional.
Epsilon Sigma Phi, The National Extension Honorary, adopted 1927
Publications
News
RAYMOND, Miss. -- A Mississippi State University food safety specialist has been named to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection. Byron Williams, an associate Extension professor of food science specializing in muscle foods processing, regulations and safety, was recently appointed by USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack. Williams is also a member of the MSU Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion.
STONEVILLE, Miss. -- A long-time Mississippi State University entomologist and researcher has been named head of the MSU Delta Research and Extension Center. Jeff Gore assumed the role on Nov. 1.
BILOXI, Miss. -- Each summer, thousands of people flock to the Gulf Coast to soak up some sun and enjoy the water. With extensive beaches and abundant wildlife, there is no shortage of things to see and do here.
If you’re excited about the ocean, you won’t want to miss the park’s annual Shark Week at the Pier.
Angus Catchot assumed the role of interim head of the Mississippi State University Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center Sept. 1. Catchot, who is currently the associate director of operations for the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, will provide temporary leadership for the center’s faculty and staff, as well as the region’s branch experiment stations.
Gary Jackson, who has served as director of the MSU Extension Service since 2011, has been selected to fill a new leadership position focused on university outreach and engagement activities.
Jackson will fill the newly created position of associate vice president for outreach and engagement, effective Sept. 1. Steve Martin, currently associate director for county operations, will serve as interim Extension director.
Success Stories
Following its 2020 cancellation, the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Row Crop Short Course hosted 675 people from Mississippi and neighboring states.
Dear friends,
As you read the powerful client testimonies featured in Extension Matters, you can see the positive impact of Extension’s programs in agriculture, youth development, conservation, healthy living, and community building. Your generosity can help Extension accomplish even more!
Staggers encourages individuals, businesses to support Extension
Contributing to the Mississippi State University Extension Service just got a little easier. William “Will” Staggers joined the MSU Foundation in December 2015 as an assistant director of development. He works to attract additional support for Extension’s research-based educational programs, facilities, professional development, and other needs.
Mississippi Shines as Spotlight State at Sunbelt Ag Expo
The MSU Extension Service, along with Alcorn State University, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, and the Mississippi Farm Bureau, hosted the Spotlight State building at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, North America’s premier farm show, in October 2015.
Mississippi Small Businesses Receive Extension Support
When federal and state lending programs specifically geared toward small businesses were announced as part of the government’s response to natural disasters and COVID-19, Mississippi State University Extension Service personnel went into action to distribute information to Mississippi Main Street’s businesses, organizations, and farmers markets.
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