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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

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News

Filed Under: Extension Administration October 20, 2023

STARKVILLE, Miss.—A county and interim regional coordinator for the Mississippi State University Extension Service will soon take the reins as regional coordinator in its northeast region.

Filed Under: About Extension, Extension Administration October 19, 2023

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University Extension has a new leader with a long history of connecting Mississippians with information they need through research, education and outreach. Angus L. Catchot Jr. is the new MSU Extension director, effective Nov. 1.

Filed Under: Extension Administration October 3, 2023

STARKVILLE, Miss.— A Mississippi State research and extension center welcomes a new department head who brings extensive knowledge, experience and strong university roots to the job. Curt Lacy, extension professor and interim associate director for county operations, steps into his new role at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Raymond Oct. 16.

Filed Under: About Extension, Extension Administration, Regional Extension Coordinators July 14, 2023

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- A Mississippi State University Extension Service administrator with more than 30 years of experience in youth education has been selected to lead Mississippi’s 4-H program.

Filed Under: Extension Program Priorities, Environment, Marine Resources June 19, 2023

BILOXI, Miss. -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality awarded Mississippi State University $800,000 to begin a three-year project to establish the Mississippi Sound Estuary Program and facilitate future conservation and restoration projects from Escatawpa to the Pearl River.

Success Stories

A blonde man wearing a T-shirt with Shuden Farms listed on it standing in front of a bookshelf, smiling.
Research and Extension Centers, Agriculture, Crops, Technology, Waterfowl
Volume 9 Number 3

Stafford Shurden’s weather station is ideal for monitoring conditions on his row crop farm, but he uses it even more during hunting season than growing season.

The grant was awarded to Dr. Eric Sparks, director of the MSU Coastal and Marine Extension Program, and a team from the MSU Extension Service, the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, The Nature Conservancy, Harte Research Institute, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant, and the PEW Charitable Trusts.
4-H, Extension Program Priorities, City and County Government, Mississippi County Elections: Election Prep 101, Plants and Wildlife, Smart Landscapes, Environment, Marine Resources, Waterfowl
Volume 9 Number 2

Mississippi State University and partners have been awarded a grant of nearly $6.6 million from the National Fish and Wildlife Federation for shoreline restoration work on the Gulf Coast.

A panoramic image of a large crowd of people with two large screens in the back.
County Extension Offices, Extension Administration, Agriculture, Crops, Corn, Cotton, Rice, Soybeans
Volume 8 Number 1

Following its 2020 cancellation, the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Row Crop Short Course hosted 675 people from Mississippi and neighboring states.

Four people on a grid.
About Extension
Volume 7 Number 3

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!

A man with hands in his pockets stands smiling in front of a large concrete building.
Extension Program Development Teams, Economic Development
Volume 2 Number 3

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.

Watch

Voices From The Flood 5 | A Community Rising
Voices from the Flood

Part 5: A Community Rising

Thursday, September 17, 2020 - 8:00am
Voices From The Flood 4 | The Hidden Costs
Voices from the Flood

Part 4: The Hidden Costs

Thursday, September 10, 2020 - 8:00am
Voices From The Flood 3 | The Economic Loss
Voices from the Flood

Part 3: The Economic Loss

Thursday, September 3, 2020 - 8:00am
Voices From The Flood 2 | A Perfect Storm
Voices from the Flood

Part 2: The Perfect Storm

Thursday, August 27, 2020 - 8:00am

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