Historically, Virginia Cooperative Extension tenure track specialists and agents applied for promotion. However, non-tenure track Extension specialists have never had this opportunity. We are pleased and excited to share that, for the first time starting in fall 2023, Extension specialists in non-tenure track position classifications can apply for promotion to Extension Specialist and Senior Extension Specialist ranks. The committee responsible for developing these procedures included Philip Brown, Extension specialist, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences; Joel Eifert, director, Virginia Tech Food Innovations Program, Department Food Science and Technology; Chad Proudfoot, 4-H organizational specialist;  Crystal Tyler Mackey, community viability specialist; Cathy Sutphin, associate director, youth families, and health; and Dan Goerlich (Chair), associate director, economy, community, and food. 

 

The procedures were reviewed by the VCE Director’s Council, Extension Department Leaders, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Governance Council, and the College of Natural Resources and Environment Associate Dean for Extension, Outreach, and Engagement.  The Promotion Review Committee members that volunteered to serve VCE and Extension colleagues in reviewing candidate dossiers include Alyssa Walden (Chair), associate specialist, deputy state 4-H leader; Philip Brown, Dave Winston, Extension dairy specialist, School of Animal Sciences; Renee Boyer, professor and department head, Department of Food Science and Technology; Jason Fisher, Extension agent, ANR/Forestry, Halifax County;  Dan Goerlich (non-voting member), and Susan Guynn (external reviewer), assistant professor and director of assessment and scholarship, Clemson University. Overall, 13 applicants applied for promotional consideration this fall.