Extension Matters, Volume 1 • Number 2

MAGAZINE OF THE MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE

E X T E N D I N G

K N O W L E D G E

•

C H A N G I N G

L I V E S

As schools around the nation open this fall to educate another generation of students, the Mississippi State University Extension Service continues its mission to offer learning opportunities to people all over the Magnolia State.

Extension delivers practical, trustworthy information to help Mississippians just like you make informed decisions about how best to save your money and your time. As Director, I am working collaboratively with Extension faculty and staff, as well as our partners in government and industry, to offer learning opportunities to Mississippians of all ages.

Extension offers Mississippians so many ways to better their lives. You can advance your career, earn needed certifications, increase your earning capacity, or simply learn a new skill or hobby—all through Extension. As always, Extension still provides unbiased, researchbased programs in the major areas of agriculture, natural resources, family and consumer education, 4-H youth development, and community resource development. But we constantly seek to reach our audience in new ways, taking advantage of technology we once only dreamed of. Our client-based initiatives are giving people like you the tools they need to be successful in all walks of life.

In this issue of Extension Matters, you’ll find the stories of hard-working Mississippians who have used the knowledge provided by Extension to make a difference in their own lives and local communities. A long-time tax assessor tells how Extension training opportunities gave her the tools to do her job more efficiently and accurately. If you’re interested in agriculture, the Farmer of the Year shares how Extension assisted him on his path to success. A teen 4-H’er explains how participating in shooting sports is teaching him how to be responsible and self-disciplined, the same qualities he’ll need to be successful as an adult. One Rural Medical Scholar participant now studying at University of Mississippi Medical Center explains how the family and consumer education-based program first inspired him to pursue medicine. Finally, a small business-owner tells how Extension assisted her in expanding her business by growing her online presence.

I am confident you will enjoy this issue, and I hope you will keep reading Extension Matters magazine to learn more about some of the people and places making Mississippi great.

Gary Jackson Director, MSU Extension Service

Extension Matters is published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

CONTENTS

Mark E. Keenum President

Gregory A. Bohach Vice President Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine

Assisting Assessors

4

Extension Assists Producer’s Rise to Success

7

Gary B. Jackson Director MSU Extension Service

Steve Martin Interim Associate Director Agriculture and Natural Resources

Paula Threadgill Associate Director 4-H Youth Development, Family & Consumer Sciences, Center for Continuing Education

Randy Loper Department Head Extension Center for Technology Outreach

What’s New in Extension

10

4-H Shooting Sports Teaches Teen Character and Generosity

12

Extension Where You Are

15

Extension Medical Program Offers Career Insights

16

VIP Helps Female Business Owner Reach Online Customers

19

Sumner Davis Department Head Center for Government and Community Development

Elizabeth Gregory North Department Head Office of Agricultural Communications

Richard Swann Assistant to the Director and Fiscal Administrator

Extension Matters is produced by the Office of Agricultural Communications.

Elizabeth Gregory North Executive Editor

Leah Barbour Managing Editor

Amelia Plair Editor

Phillip Smith Designer Writers

Susan Collins-Smith Nathan Gregory Photographers

Kat Lawrence Kevin Hudson Extension Matters Office of Agricultural Communications P.O. Box 9625 Mississippi State, MS 39762 We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.msucares.com On the cover: Allen Eubanks and his wife Janice, owners of Eubanks Produce Farms and Mississippi’s Farmer of the Year, grow diversified truck crops of fruits and vegetables, as well as classic row crops, such as soybeans. PHOTO BY Kevin Hudson M A G A Z I N E O F T H E M I S S I S S I P P I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y E X T E N S I O N S E R V I C E

ASSISTING Extension Center For Government and Community Development Trains Local Government Officials STORY BY SuSan COllinS-SmiTh

W hen Myra Murrell Davis graduated

with collections, she said she needed

the class, I didn’t know how to read

from East Central Community College

help learning the appraisal part of the

maps. It also helped me understand the

in 1979, she did not have a clear career

job. Extension’s Center for Government

appraisal process so that I can explain to

path in mind.

and Community Development played an

citizens how we calculate the value of

important part in helping her succeed in

their property.”

“I earned a business degree, but I

didn’t really have any idea what I wanted her new role. to do or where that degree would take

“When I was elected, I went through

The Mississippi Certified Appraiser School is part of the center’s Mississippi

the Mississippi Certified Appraisers

Education and Certification Program.

School,” Davis says. “That was very

Created in 1979, it continues to help

Scott County tax assessor and collector’s

valuable to me because I was not

local government officials, including

office in August of that year and ended

familiar with the assessment part of the

appraisers and assessors, gain greater

up with a 35-year career serving Scott

job. I had only worked in collections

expertise in the valuation and

and Lauderdale County citizens.

until that point.”

equalization of property for ad valorem

me,” she says.

She accepted a part-time job at the

purposes.

Except for the seven years she spent

The school is a two-week intensive

in the Lauderdale County tax collector’s

training session that helps assessors and

office between 1987 and 1994, Murrell

appraisers achieve certification required

includes the center, the Mississippi

Davis has worked in Scott County,

by state law. Attendees learn about

Department of Revenue, and the

where she grew up.

mapping, urban and agricultural land

Mississippi Assessors and Collectors

“This is all I’ve ever done,” the Forest

valuation, preparing and maintaining

native says. “I love it. I enjoy everything

tax rolls, and appraisal of personal,

about my job. I get to meet and visit

residential, and commercial property.

with the people we serve in this county.”

In 1997, she was elected tax assessor

“This course gave me an overview of the entire office and how the process of

and collector in Scott County. Although

appraisals and collections is supposed to

she had almost 20 years of experience

work,” Davis says. “Until I went through

4 Extension M AT T E R S

The program is a partnership that

Association. It offers certification, recertification, educational programs, and technical assistance to municipal and county government officials throughout the state.

In addition to the assessor education courses, the center coordinates the

ASSESSORS

Myra Murell Davis, Scott County Tax Assessor and Collector PHOTO BY

Kevin Hudson

Extension M AT T E R S 5

Mississippi Tax Collector Education and

is the taxpayers and citizens of the state

Certification Program in partnership

who benefit through improved services.”

with the Office of the State Auditor. The

As a collector, Murrell Davis

“Without the training I got through the certified appraisers school, learning this job would have been a very slow

program was established in 2010 to

participated in many of the center’s

process,” she says. “I also am able to

provide certification opportunities for

education programs, and she has earned

attend continuing education classes that

tax collectors and deputy collectors.

numerous designations, including

help me learn new aspects of the job

Mississippi certified appraiser,

and keep my certification up-to-date.

“Local government is government that is closest to the people,” says

certifications in assessment evaluator I

“Education is also important for my

Terence Norwood, Extension instructor

and II and collector of revenue I and II,

staff, and I am grateful for the learning

with the center. “These government

and Mississippi assessment evaluator.

opportunities we’ve had through the

officials are the face of government to

She served as the 2013-2014

Extension Service that allow us to

the citizens of Mississippi, and when

president of the Mississippi Assessors

continually improve service to Scott

they attend our certification programs or

and Collectors Association and said job-

County citizens,” Davis says.

training sessions, we are building their

related education has always been a high

capacity as public servants. Ultimately, it

priority for her.

GCD: WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO The Mississippi State University Extension Service Center for

n Tax Collectors

Government and Community Development provides educational

The GCD, the Office of the State Auditor, Mississippi Department

training, information, and technical assistance to government leaders,

of Revenue and the Mississippi Assessors and Collectors Association

community-based organizations, state and local agencies, and

work together to provide educational training that leads to greater

business enterprises.

expertise in county tax collection processes and services to tax payers.

The center coordinates with various state offices to provide several state-mandated certification programs for the following professions:

n Purchase, Receiving, and Inventory Control Clerks

n Attorneys for County Boards of Supervisors and Chancery Clerks In cooperation with the Mississippi Emergency Management

The GCD and the State Auditor’s Office provide education that

Agency, the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, the Mississippi

leads to certification for clerks. County supervisors and county

State Department of Health, and the Mississippi Board of Animal

administrators may also receive training through this program.

Health, the GCD provides educational training and certification,

n Tax Assessors and Appraisers

including Incident Command System training, to local emergency

The GCD, the Mississippi Department of Revenue, and the

managers, 911 operators, and state and local officials.

Mississippi Assessors and Collectors Association work together to

The MSU Extension Service Center for Government and

provide educational training, from performing needs assessments to

Community Development helps build strong relationships and is

grading examinations, that leads to certification and recertification.

committed to strengthening Mississippi communities and improving

n Municipal Clerks and Collectors

the skills of local government officials.

This training, coordinated by the GCD, the Municipal Clerks and Tax Collectors Association of Mississippi, and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, helps city clerks and collectors understand the law and become more proficient in their duties.

6 Extension M AT T E R S

For more information, publications, and associated links, visit http://www.gcd.msstate.edu.

EXTENSION ASSISTS

Producer’s Rise to Success STORY BY naThan GReGORY

Allen Eubanks, 2015 Mississippi Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year PHOTOS BY Kevin Hudson

Extension M AT T E R S 7

Allen Eubanks grew his family business near Lucedale from a 200acre row crop farm to a 2,500-acre, high-tech produce operation, and he credits researchers and agents

watermelons and different

MISSISSIPPI’S SUNBELT AG EXPO

Farmer of the Year

with the Mississippi State University Extension Service with helping him succeed.

Bell peppers, cantaloupe, eggplant, snap beans, and zucchini

Shares Secrets to Success Eubanks’ grandfather, Pat, who grew peas,

distributes to major commercial vendors

butterbeans, watermelons, and pecans.

throughout the Gulf Coast, Southeast, and

Eubanks’ father, Charlie, later grew row

Northeast.

crops, watermelons, and tomatoes. He soon opened 10 acres of tomatoes to the

300 employees grow and hand-harvest

public for picking. That farm has since

crops using GPS technology and drip

grown into a 100-acre farm known as

irrigation to make the most efficient use of

Charlie’s U-Pik. It offers a wide range of

water and the fertile Southeast Mississippi

fruits and vegetables in June and July for

soil. Each week, Eubanks conducts soil and

people wanting to buy produce directly

plant testing on the crops he grows to

from the farm.

free.

The elaborate nature of the operation has significantly evolved from its roots.

Helping his father and mother grew Eubanks’ interest in becoming a farmer himself.

“I grew up helping out where needed

The first seeds of Eubanks Produce were

and just developed a love for it,” Eubanks

planted two generations ago by Allen

says. “I started growing a few more

8 Extension M AT T E R S

worked on my degree in agricultural economics, I would grow more vegetables on weekends and summers.”

Eubanks established his first ties with Extension while he was a student studying under David

plant and soil sciences.

fruits and vegetables Eubanks Produce now

make sure they’re all healthy and disease-

years. While I went to MSU and

Nagel, an Extension professor in

are just a few of the dozens of fresh

During peak growing season, more than

vegetables in my high school

“He was my mentor in college and later did extensive trials for several years on our farm,” Eubanks says.

When he graduated in 1992, Eubanks spent “every dime” he had trying to build a viable vegetable business. The first years were challenging, and he paid his dues with long hours and modest returns.

“I learned mostly by trial and error,” Eubanks says. “It developed and steadily grew in size to where it is today. It was probably 2003 before we had a decent income and consistent business.”

He emphasizes that Extension was especially helpful during the first years of developing his business, and he continues

to maintain relationships with Extension

of the premier farm shows in the U.S.

business. Eubanks and his wife, Janice,

agents and researchers today. With their

Nine participating states select nominees

have engaged their four children in the

expertise, Eubanks says he began

for the award, and an overall winner is

operation. Their 17-year-old son, Andrew,

concentrating on growing the crops that

chosen at the conference.

managed Charlie's U-Pik this summer,

thrived on his land and avoiding the ones

Patricia Knight, Extension research

while daughter Allison, 16, is the farm’s

that did not consistently meet his

professor and head of the Coastal Research

social media and marketing manager.

expectations.

and Extension Center in Biloxi, says

Younger sons Joshua, 12, and Jacob, 9, also

Eubanks was a popular recommendation

assist customers who come by to pick

was George McNeil. I got to know him

among MSU Extension agents and

produce.

early on as a 4-H leader,” Eubanks

agricultural faculty.

“The first Extension agent I remember

says. “He helped us diagnose disease

“His name came up several times,”

“People come from a 150-mile radius to pick their own vegetables each

problems in watermelons. He was a great,

Knight says. “He got such a strong

summer,” Eubanks says. “We really like

very encouraging man. The next agent,

endorsement from our folks that he was

this because it is our connection to the

Kerry Johnson, also helped identify

the obvious choice.”

local community. We also participate in

problems I had and show me other

During multiple visits to Eubanks's

our local farmers market when we can,

potential crops I could plant. He showed

facilities, Knight was impressed with his

and our children have helped out a lot

me how to get information and help when

attention to detail and ability to adapt to

with that.”

I needed it.”

evolving agricultural technology.

More recently, Eubanks says he has

“He has a tremendous variety of truck

Eubanks says he was humbled and appreciative to be chosen as the Ag Expo

regularly consulted with former George

crops, and, in listening to him talk about

County Extension agent Mike Steede and

his operation, he’s very meticulous about

current agent Heath Steede.

quality control and goes beyond what is

than seeing a crop from start to finish,” he

required to bring the best possible product

says. “It’s definitely challenging at times

Mississippi's selection for the 2015

to his customers,” Knight says. “He has an

mostly due to weather and markets, but

Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year. Held

excellent reputation and represents himself

there's nothing else I would rather do. I

in Moultrie, Georgia, the Ag Expo is an

and his business very well.”

feel like I am overly blessed to do what I

Extension nominated Eubanks as

annual trade show featuring more than 1,000 ag-based vendors. It is known as one

A fourth generation of Eubanks is

Farmer of the Year for his native state.

“There’s nothing more satisfying to me

love with my family alongside me.”

already getting involved in the family

Extension M AT T E R S 9

INTRODUCING INTERNATIONAL CULTURE The 2015 4-H State Congress at Mississippi State University opened its first-ever International Village to approximately 50 young people, who “toured” India, Kenya, and Japan.

Because 4-H’ers pledge to serve their clubs, communities, country, and world, state Congress organizers, led by assistant professor of international agricultural and Extension education Susan Seal, organized a cultural experience for 4-H’ers.

Each nation’s representatives dressed in traditional Indian, Kenyan, and Japanese apparel and offered authentic foods typical of the countries.

4-H’ers had the chance to participate in a variety of activities at the International Village, starting with receiving their “passports” and learning about international travel. In Kenya, young people listened to presentations about the nation’s rich diversity, and some 4-H’ers opted to receive temporary henna tattoos from India. All young people removed their shoes to enter Japan before enjoying the nation’s green tea with rice cakes.

Organizers hope the participating students will continue exploring other nations and cultures and share their knowledge of other cultures in their home communities.

CONTROLLING INVASIVE INSECTS The Mississippi Legislature recently confirmed its commitment to controlling invasive insects and educating the public about them by funding Mississippi State University Extension Service’s new Invasive Insects position.

The selected entomologist will lead educational and control initiatives on fire ants, hairy crazy ants, Formosan termites, and Asian termites.

Extension, led by entomologist Blake Layton, has worked with Mississippians for years to combat both fire ants and Formosan termites. More recently, hairy crazy ants have invaded south Mississippi, displacing native species and damaging natural habitats. Asian termites have not yet invaded the state but have been found in Florida and currently are expected to invade Mississippi as well.

The new specialist will work with Dr. Layton on fire ants and also contribute to Bite Back Mississippi, Extension’s campaign to promote both immediate and long-term ant control. The most up-to-date information on how to control fire ants is available at hhtp://msucares.com/biteback/.

10 Extension M AT T E R S

STAYING INFORMED SOCIALLY The MSU Extension Service offers programs in every county for Mississippians of all ages—and they're sharing their experiences on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

With 82 county offices and numerous individual programs and Extension initiatives—how can anyone keep up?

The good news is that social media strategist Ellen Graves recently began The Social Media Buzz, a new weekly Storify series to keep you connected when you don’t have time to sift through every single feed.

At https://storify.com/MSUExtService/, you can sit back, relax, and browse the week’s highlights in agriculture and natural

resources,

family

and

consumer

sciences,

government and community development, and 4-H. The Social Media Buzz may introduce you to an innovative program or community initiative that will help you, your friends, your organization, or your business to

HONORING ADMINISTRATIVE ADVANCEMENTS

grow, develop, and thrive. If it’s Extension, it’s on Storify!

Mississippi State University Extension Service employees are serving in new roles that benefit the state and the nation.

Steven W. Martin was appointed as the interim associate director for agriculture and natural resources following the retirement of longtime associate director Joe Street.

Since 2012, Martin has headed the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Verona, where he administers research and Extension programs within the northeast region and at four branch experiment stations: Northeast Mississippi in Verona, North Mississippi in Holly Springs, Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods in Pontotoc, and Prairie in Prairie.

Also, David Buys, assistant professor in Extension and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, will chair the national chronic disease prevention and management action team. The group is part of a national initiative led by Extension and its partners to deliver trustworthy, researchbased information about living healthy lives.

Buys will lead a group that finds research-based programs and curricula and identifies the gaps in available materials. The team will develop at least one new program, train Extension agents to use it, and launch the program nationally.

Steven W. Martin

David Buys Extension M AT T E R S 11

“I have learned that, with discipline and responsibility, my personal possibilities are endless.”

Taivon Collins, Mississippi 4-H’er PHOTOS BY Kevin Hudson

12 Extension M AT T E R S

4-H SHOOTING SPORTS TEACHES TEEN STORY BY leah BaRBOuR

Character and Generosity Quitman native Taivon Collins learned

grandmother, Catherine Collins, had

“When he wanted to do shooting sports in

an important life lesson when he broke his

talked and were planning to get him a .22

4-H, we already knew he was blind, so we

gun during a 4-H shooting sports

of his own.

started him with an air pistol.

competition.

“If life gives you lemons,” he says, “you get a new .22 rifle.”

He was finishing up his third year participating in 4-H shooting sports, though it was his first competing with a

Taivon discovered that 4-H leadership, volunteers, and supporters could enhance

two people competing in the same

his inborn humor, determination, and

shooting category, he would win. Then one

optimism.

day, he looked at us and said, ‘Let me try

And he concluded, when times get tough, sometimes the tough get a new rifle.

rifle. The day before the 2013 district competition, Taivon broke the firing pin on the county-owned gun he was using.

“Another 4-H’er let me borrow her .22 for district,” he remembers. “I was slightly nervous about shooting a gun I had never shot before, but the whole week before I broke my .22, I was shooting really good.”

However, when Taivon arrived at the 4-H district competition, he realized the gun he’d borrowed was completely different from the one he broke. The size, the weight, and the action were different, but that wasn’t the worst part.

The scope was mounted crooked.

Taivon’s shots were way off the mark, and his standing was awful.

Clarke County Extension agent Christy King was there to support Taivon, and she told him he did pretty well, considering he was shooting with a crooked scope for the first time. Plus, she and Taivon’s

“But because there were only one or

n Overcoming obstacles Before King joined Extension, she taught fourth grade in Quitman. That’s

the .22 rifle.’”

Taivon said he lives in an area where the sound of gunshots usually means trouble, but participating in 4-H shooting sports has changed his opinion about firearms.

“I have learned the most from 4-H

where she first met Taivon. She got to

shooting sports,” he says. “I have learned

know him and his family well because his

that I can take something that was once a

physical obstacles created unique

negative influence in my life and use it for

classroom challenges.

good and that guns aren’t bad when they

Without his glasses, Taivon is legally blind, and, without his hearing aid, he’s

are used with discipline and responsibility.

“And I have learned that, with

almost deaf. To compensate, he wears

discipline and responsibility, my personal

glasses and lip-reads masterfully, King says.

possibilities are endless.”

Taivon grew up in town with his

King explains that 4-H showed Taivon

brothers and sisters and his grandmother

more of the world than he had ever before

Catherine, known to most in the

experienced. But 4-H also taught Taivon

community as Granny.

more about the people right in his own

“I already knew from teaching him in fourth grade that Taivon had hearing and

backyard.

“Everything I’ve done in 4-H—going to

vision problems, and I always had a close

State Congress, going to National

relationship with Granny,” King explains.

Congress—I wouldn’t have been able to do it without community support,” he says.

Extension M AT T E R S 13

“People give but don’t want anything in

stating that he had been selected for a

Taivon a sport coat. JC Penney donated a

return. They just want you to thank

once-in-a-lifetime trip to 4-H National

button-up shirt and tie. King took Taivon

them.”

Congress.

to Old Navy to buy shirts, sweater vests,

“Sometimes, it’s hard to take it, even

“The first-place winner in 4-H shooting

and slacks, and, when the manager found

when it’s something you need. But what

sports had won the free trip last year, and

out about the community support for

I’ve learned in 4-H is, you can always take

you can only win once,” Taivon says. “I

Taivon, he insisted 15 percent be

pride in accepting stuff when you need it.”

was going to nationals.”

discounted from the total and $100

n Memorable moments

Though the trip expenses were covered, Taivon didn’t have the appropriate apparel

deducted from the final price.

“Then, Mayor Eddie Fulton said, ‘You

to participate. So, naturally, he started

and 4-H are changing this boy’s life.’ And

During the summer of 2014, Taivon

asking his grandmother for money to buy

I said, ‘No, Taivon is doing it,’” King

was determined to win a national 4-H trip.

clothes. She wasn’t sure how she would be

remembers. “I told the mayor that Taivon

able to afford nice new clothes for Taivon.

was going to need a cellphone. He’ll need

If he could win first with his record book, he could go to National 4-H

However, a 4-H volunteer team headed

to be able to talk to Granny, and all the

Congress. Likewise, with a top ranking in

by King’s husband sponsored a community

other kids will have cellphones. So the

the 4-H Shooting Sports State Invitational,

drive to help Taivon get exactly what he

mayor talked to C-Spire and they donated

he could compete in the 4-H Shooting

needed to fit in with the other teens at the

one for a week.”

Sports National Championships.

national conference.

“I knew if I could get first place in

“Taivon was in band, and my husband

Taivon was just another normal kid at National 4-H Congress. He was the

something, I’d be going to nationals,”

Chris was the former band director in

Mississippi flag bearer and led the Magnolia

Taivon explains. “But I got second place in

Quitman and an active 4-H shooting

State delegation into the assembly. He saw

record books. I got second place in

sports volunteer leader, so he is still active

the sights of Atlanta and slept in the most

shooting sports. I knew I wasn’t going to

in Taivon’s life. Chris posted on Facebook

comfortable bed he’s ever felt.

nationals, so I thought, ‘Next time, I’ll try

to ask people to donate,” King explains.

harder.’ Then I went home.”

“People started asking what Taivon

Nationals was really fun—something I’ll

needed, and, within 48 hours, Chris had

remember forever.”

A few days later, Taivon received a mysterious yellow envelope in the mail. It was a congratulatory letter from Extension’s 4-H Youth Development

14 Extension M AT T E R S

raised $1,500.”

A news anchor from Meridian donated luggage, and a Sunday School class bought

“I wish I could’ve stayed,” he says. “4-H

EXTENSION Partners and presenters at Extension’s 2015 IMPACT2 workshop

• NASA • East Central Community College LIGO, the Livingston Laser Interferometer • Gravitational-wave Observatory, which detects and measures gravitational waves Marilyn Zecher, Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia • Education Center, discussed multisensory mathematics instruction

IMPACT2 teacher-mentors

• Konya Johnson, Mount Olive • Tammy Krutzfeldt, Poplarville • Michele Lee, Poplarville • Bill White, Louisville • Jackie Wintruba, Gulfport

Michele Lee (right), fifth-grade teacher and IMPACT2 mentor PHOTO BY

Kevin Hudson

Teacher training for Poplarville and beyond Fifth-grade teacher Michele Lee travels from Pearl River County to a two-week MSU Extension conference every summer because she’s learning teaching techniques that help her students understand math better.

Lee, who teaches at Poplarville Upper Elementary, acts as mentor to first-time teachers at Extension’s In-depth Mathematical Practices

concepts, and students benefit from writing about math since state assessments also require writing about proofs.

“Whether it’s division, exponents, or whatever we’re studying, they can copy from me into their notebooks, and they go on to show me what they learned, write the proof, and reflect on what they learned from it,” she says. “They remember it.”

and Content Teacher Training workshop, better known as IMPACT2.

Lee teaches every subject in her fifth-grade classroom, and she

The annual summer workshop is facilitated by the Center for

appreciates teaching opportunities that enable her to combine several

Technology Outreach, and Lee says being a leader at the conference

subjects to reinforce one central concept. She says her students

is also being a learner.

simply understand better.

“This conference isn’t your typical workshop where you sit all day

“We’re building the habit of learning,” Lee emphasizes.

and listen to someone talk; here, we learn like our students learn, and

Her classroom is also benefiting from IMPACT2’s online learning

we all learn from each other,” she explains. “The math instruction at

community where teachers may ask questions about math instruction

this conference is great. We make notebooks, charts, and foldouts,

in different grade levels. Lee says her classes are learning the

and I take them all back to my school where I have my students do

foundation for the standards they’ll learn in both middle and high

their own.”

schools.

Fifth-graders decorate their notebooks, and they write reflections

IMPACT2 is funded by the Mississippi Department of Education

on the concepts their class is reviewing. Lee says art reinforces math

through a Math and Science Partnership grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

Extension M AT T E R S 15

Johnny Lippincott, Rural Medical Scholars program graduate PHOTOS BY Kevin Hudson

16 Extension M AT T E R S

EXTENSION MEDICAL PROGRAM OFFERS Career Insights STORY BY SuSan COllinS-SmiTh

He delayed his journey to become a

Rural Medical Scholars take two pre-

doctor, but Johnny Lippincott has been

med courses, follow various local

intrigued by the field since childhood.

physicians in their day-to-day activities,

program allowed us to see what physicians actually do on a day-to-day basis.”

Although he left the program with an

tour a major medical facility, and attend

enhanced understanding of what it would

medicine,” the Tupelo native says. “My

lectures targeted at aspiring physicians.

take to complete medical school,

dad was a psychiatrist so I was aware of

Students begin the program in a study

Lippincott did not pursue that goal right

the field. I was a member of a club in high

skills workshop and go on to earn college

away.

school that fostered students interested in

credit for the two academic courses.

“Growing up, I was always interested in

careers in medicine.”

Through the club, he found out about

“The Rural Medical Scholars program certainly confirmed and increased my

“Once I got to college, I realized I wanted to explore other things before I dove into medicine,” he says.

Lippincott graduated in 2009 from

the Rural Medical Scholars program. The

desire to become a doctor,” says

program introduces high school students

Lippincott, who completed the 2004

Emory University in Atlanta with a degree

to careers as family medicine physicians. It

program. “I enjoyed the classes, and we got

in philosophy. Afterward he explored law

is directed and funded by the Mississippi

an idea of what college would really be like

school and worked as a paralegal for the

State University Extension Service and the

by living in the dorms and attending

Federal Trade Commission in Washington,

Mississippi State Office of Rural Health.

classes. The program really provided a

D.C., while he earned a master’s degree in

stronger foundation for me when I started

physiology.

The program was held for the first time in 1998 to introduce high school students interested in the medical field to the

college.”

Observing the doctors was perhaps the

Now a first-year medical student at University of Mississippi Medical Center in

rigorous academics and lifestyle

most influential portion of the rigorous

Jackson, he is not sure exactly what type of

requirements of a family practitioner in a

program. Lippincott chose to shadow an

medicine he wants to practice, but he

rural setting.

ear, nose, and throat specialist, an area of

knows he’s in the right field.

Mississippi students between their junior and senior years of high school with

medicine in which he was especially interested at the time.

“There is certainly a need for family practice physicians in the state,”

ACT composite scores of at least 24 and

“One day when I was with him, he

Lippincott says. “But Mississippi has a

high GPAs are eligible to apply. Students

diagnosed a patient with throat cancer,”

wide range of needs when it comes to

accepted to the program live on the MSU

Lippincott says. “And I thought, ‘This is

medicine. There is also a great need for

campus for five weeks.

what I’ll be doing.’ That part of the

mental health physicians. Right now I’m

Extension M AT T E R S 17

not committed to one path. I think that

About 70 percent of the students who

Each year, between 20 and 25 students

will become apparent as I advance in

complete the program go on to a career in

are selected through an application

school and get more experience in

healthcare, Carew said. Several have

process. County Extension offices receive

different specialty areas.”

become nurses, pharmacists, dentists or

detailed information and instructions for

medical researchers.

application in late January or early

According to statistics from the federal government, Mississippi ranks last in the

“Most of them go into medicine right

February each year. To be considered for

number of doctors per person, and at least

away or within two years, but sometimes

the program, prospective participants must

a portion of every county in the state is

they take a different path,” she says.

apply by the March deadline.

designated as medically underserved.

“Johnny was one of those. I haven’t seen

For more information on the Rural

him since about a year after he finished

Medical Scholars Program, visit

Program launched in 1998, more than 300

the program, but he would email me

http://www.RMS.msucares.com.

students have completed it. Thirty-five of

sometimes. And I always felt strongly that

those students have entered medical

he would pursue a degree in medicine.

Since the Rural Medical Scholars

school, and 24 have graduated and are in

“Sometimes people need to take other

residency or private practice, said Bonnie

paths to get where they are going. Those

Carew, assistant Extension professor and

paths broaden them as a person, and that

director of RMS.

makes them better doctors,” Carew says.

18 Extension M AT T E R S

VIP HELPS Female Business Owner

REACH ONLINE CUSTOMERS STORY BY naThan GReGORY

PHOTOS BY Kevin Hudson

After Becky Tatum acquired Delta Grind in 2008, she wanted the wholesale cornmeal production business

While social media outlets helped,

and-mortar businesses, but individuals as

one digital medium issue nagged Tatum.

well. In Becky’s case, she already had an

“I knew absolutely nothing about

established business. She had a website,

to remain true to its roots, but she also

building and maintaining a website,”

but she couldn’t edit or change it. She

had her own vision for what it could be.

she says.

was just wanting to improve her visibility

She made a few tweaks, one of which

That changed last year, thanks to a

online for people who wanted to learn

was upgrading the early 20th century

chance encounter in Water Valley.

Meadows stone gristmill that is the

During a visit to the town’s Main Street

centerpiece of the operation. But the

Association office, she ran into Lara

like Tatum. Bowman recently began a

changes she made were hardly limited to

Bowman, an instructor with Extension’s

second version of the program in Clarke

how the product was made.

Center for Technology Outreach.

County. Five business owners—ranging

Bowman was starting a new project

from retailers to garden nursery owners—

media outlets and started accounts on

designed to help small Mississippi

are participating.

Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest as they

businesses use online resources to

emerged and used them to expand the

enhance exposure and profit. She

at the base level of the community and

business southward. She now caters to

planned to introduce the Virtual

in the online market,” Bowman says.

more than 50 restaurants from

Incubator Program, or VIP, in Yalobusha

“Incubating a business into an online

Memphis to the Gulf Coast and uses an

County.

environment means your market does

Tatum became proficient with social

electric-powered gristmill to produce

“Our goal is to help existing and

more about Delta Grind.”

VIP has grown to assist more people

“We’re trying to grow businesses both

not have to be limited to your

fresh yellow corn, polenta, and masa to

potential businesses,” Bowman says.

community anymore. If we can help a

order.

“I’m not just wanting to target brick-

business grow into an online market,

Extension M AT T E R S 19

we’re helping them reach those new

of how to create a website. She said is

accounts, allowing her to get the best

audiences to help them expand their

more common for business owners to be

out of each online outlet she has.

services and sales.”

familiar with websites only or to be

The nine-month program is divided

The new website has generated an

unfamiliar with both social media and

extra connection to prospective

into two phases. The first phase includes

websites. In Tatum’s case, after she

customers, evidenced by the increased

12 workshops taught by Extension

purchased a domain name for her

number of emails Tatum receives from

faculty over a three-month period. After

online presence, Bowman showed her

people interested in learning more about

the courses are finished, Extension

several website-building programs and

and buying products from Delta Grind.

faculty continue to work with

let her pick the one she thought would

participants for six more months to help

be easiest to use.

them use the coursework information to increase online traffic and sales.

“It was important to have Lara there

“I think the website serves as an introduction to Delta Grind,” Tatum said. “Other resources, like Pinterest and

to guide me through that,” Tatum said.

Twitter, are more geared toward

“There is a lot involved that you need

immediacy and are good to have so I can

start and change her website so she

guidance with if you don’t know exactly

keep people updated on what I’m doing,

could have complete control of the

what you are doing, and she was a lot of

but the new website is more personal

content and the skills to edit her own

help.”

and makes for a good home base.”

“This program taught Becky how to

site,” Bowman says.

She said Tatum’s situation was

Tatum said her new site, http://deltagrind.com, has been up and

unusual in that she was already familiar

running for more than six months. The

with social media platforms but unaware

site has links to her social media

20 Extension M AT T E R S

Becky Tatum, owner of Delta Grind

Extension M AT T E R S 21

NONPROFIT ORG. US Postage PAID Tupelo, MS Permit No. 290

Box 9625 Mississippi State, MS 39762

www.msucares.com

www.facebook.com/MSUExtService www.twitter.com/MSUExtService www.pinterest.com/msuextservice Instagram: @msuextservice

VIP HELPS Female Business Owner REACH ONLINE CUSTOMERS

BY NATHAN GREGORY

Becky Tatum’s cornmeal production business already had a strong social media presence online, but she knew that Delta Grind needed its own website. Extension instructor Lara Bowman was ready to assist—she encouraged Tatum to enroll in the Virtual Incubator Program, learn how to build and change her new website, http://deltagrind.com, and increase her online traffic and sales.

Now, Delta Grind is thriving more than ever.