October 28 – Dr. Carolyn Williams, executive associate director for Extension, has been elected to the Board on Agriculture Assembly (BAA) Policy Board of Directors (PBD). Dr. Williams will succeed Dr. Mark Latimore as the representative for 1890 Universities on the BAA-PBD.  The Policy Board of Directors of the Board on Agriculture Assembly is an elected representative body that takes action on critical matters affecting the interests of the member institutions and the BAA. The PBD is responsible to the Association of Public and Land-Grant University’s (APLU) for the management of BAA affairs and has two standing committees: (1) Budget and Advocacy Committee (BAC); and (2) Committee on Legislation and Policy (CLP).

“I am truly honored that my colleagues have faith and confidence in me to fulfill this important role that provides a seat and voice at the table,” said Williams. In her role on the BAA-Policy Board of Directors as the chair for the 1890s, Dr. Williams will serve a two-year term. Most important, she can directly address critical concerns regarding policy as it relates to 1890 extension.

For Williams, one of the most crucial issues the Board is involved with is related to the Farm Bill language.  Leadership is nothing new to Williams. Since 2016 she has chaired the  Association of Extension Administrators (AEA) and is preparing to pass the gavel in January. Nevertheless, this new role has an exceptional meaning. “This opportunity is humbling because I was elected by my colleagues and peers, with extension being a large representation of the voting body,” she said.

Williams will travel to Washington, D.C. for orientation in December. That is when she will learn the roles and responsibilities of this new position. There she will be joined by other colleagues representing the six sections:  Academic Programs, Administrative Heads, Cooperative Extension, Experiment Station, and the International Agriculture.  “The key to being successful in any role is support from your agency and ability to engage in meaningful initiatives that advance the Extension mission locally and globally.”

That is something College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs Dr. Gerard D’Souza is confident we can do. “We are immensely proud to have Dr. Williams on the forefront to represent the college and university in such a significant and important manner,” said D’Souza.

Williams, a 1977 B.S. in Home Economics Education, and 1991 M.S. in Home Economics Education graduate from PVAMU College of Agriculture & Human Sciences, and a Ph.D. in Agriculture Education from Texas A&M University.  She has enjoyed a vibrant and rewarding career with the Extension Program of USDA for 42 years.

“I look forward to sharing information from this Board with the 1890 community. My plans also include keeping state and national elected officials abreast of issues and policies impacting budget and outreach programs.”

Williams also sits on the Board of Directors of the 1890 Universities Foundation, LEAD21, Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), and Chair of the Extension Committee on Organizational Policy (ECOP) Program Committee.

Tucker Wilson

 

Tucker Wilson
Media & Publications Coordinator
tuwilson@pvamu.edu
(936)261-5116