Wilson joins Extension Office team as Agriculture Agent
Published 8:35 am Friday, June 23, 2017
There is no such thing as a dull day on the job for Kathleen Wilson.
In May, Wilson joined the team at the Carter County University of Tennessee Extension Office as the Agriculture Agent. Since starting, Wilson has been getting to know the community and local farmers to find out what she can do to help them out.
As the Agriculture Agent, her job covers a vast spectrum of topics — from agriculture and natural resources to animals and economic development.
“It’s a broad scope that we cover,” Wilson said. “I don’t ever have a boring day. That’s what I like the most.”
Prior to taking on the position in Carter County, Wilson worked at the Sullivan County Extension Office as the 4-H Agent for three years. While she enjoyed working with the students, Wilson said she wanted to get back to focusing more on agriculture.
“I have always had a passion for agriculture,” she said. “My family raises American Quarter Horses. I’ve been on the farm since I was three years old.”
After graduating from high school in Johnson County, Wilson attended UT Knoxville where she majored in agriculture with a concentration in education.
Since coming to Carter County, Wilson said she has enjoyed meeting local farmers and other community members.
“It’s been so wonderful to work with this community,” she said. “Everyone has been so welcoming. The talent in Carter County is so amazing.”
As one of her first tasks with her new position, Wilson is working to complete a needs assessment for the county to see what sorts of classes, programs, workshops and services that farmers and other community members need or would like to see from the Extension Office.
“If anyone has any thoughts on what they would like to see I want them to contact me,” she said.
Wilson is taking over the duties long filled by Keith Hart, who retired from the Carter County Extension Office in 2014 after more than 40 years of service.
“He forged such a partnership with the community, and I want to continue that,” Wilson said. “I can’t say I will fill his shoes because he left some pretty big shoes to fill, but I’m going to try to be what people need me to be.”
Wilson can be reached by telephone at the Extension Office by calling 423-542-1818 or by e-mail to kwilso63@utk.edu.