Faylene Whitaker, Friend of Extension ESP Award Winner 2002

In her two terms on the State Advisory Council, Faylene has been a
leader in numerous significant areas.

She guided development of the advisory system newsletter (LINK) and
its content.
Her knowledge and understanding of how emerging issues would impact farmers, families, communities, and business has been instrumental in planning district advisory leader meetings and conferences. The Hispanic/Latino Conference, 2000 is a prime example.
She has served as the CARET (National Council for Agricultural Research, Teaching and Extension) representative for the College of Ag and Life Sciences for three years.
She has helped County Directors in the Northwest District plan educational meetings to explain and discuss the tobacco settlement and other meetings to discuss alternative marketing opportunities for the Piedmont area.
She helped plan and develop the "Back Home Visit" concept to educate our congressmen about Extension programming and provide a forum for them to discuss issues of mutual interest with advisory leaders. This advocacy strategy is being adopted by other states.
She helped plan and facilitate meetings to educate advisory leaders
and other community and district leaders about the UNC Bond Referendum.
Through her involvement on other related councils, state level agencies and organizations boards she has promoted Cooperative Extension and its programs.