From the outset, her ability to help Cooperative Extension faculty and staff members set clear and obtainable goals for their communications projects has been clear. Among her first projects was to co-edit a legislative study document that went through seven drafts of 200 pages. In the end, this document was effective in explaining Cooperative Extension to the state legislative study committee and it continues to serve as a valuable resource for explaining Cooperative Extension and its value to stakeholders.

Natalie also has a proven track record of success in working with the media to successfully tell the story of Cooperative Extension's value to individuals, families and communities through the media. The editor of Perspectives, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' quarterly magazine, depends heavily on Natalie, noting:

"Natalie can be depended upon to produce highly readable and accurate copy on any story that needs covering. Her articles cover all three of the college's functions - research, teaching and extension - and ranged from event announcements to complex science stories. Her versatility and dependability are important to the magazine's success."

Meanwhile, her press releases have resulted in coverage for Cooperative Extension in newspapers and TV broadcasts throughout North Carolina and as far away New South Wales, Australia.

In addition to providing leadership for such traditional communications projects, Natalie also has been instrumental in using new communications technologies to enhance communication within Cooperative Extension. During her tenure as editor, the readership of Extension On-Line News, Cooperative Extension's Web-based newsletter, has reached record levels, providing faculty and staff with timely and relevant information. Through involvement in showcases and expositions at the state and national level, she's been able to share the newsletter's award-winning, low-cost formula with countless other communicators and educators.

Natalie has received countless letters from professionals at all levels in Extension expressing their appreciation and respect for her work, but none is more to-the-point than that of Tina Bryan, a Craven County extension secretary:

"I think that On-Line News is an excellent source of information for Extension employees. It is a well-developed site, and I enjoy reading about what Extension offices across the state are involved in."

Editing Extension On-Line is just one of the ways that Natalie has prove to be a leader in helping the Department of Communication Services' adopt new communications technologies that help Cooperative Extension and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences effectively convey information to targeted audiences. A new Academic Programs recruitment CD-ROM is exemplary; as head of the departmental team of creative professionals charged with creating a highly complex, interactive CD project to promote the college's two-year, four-year and graduate programs, Natalie helped pave the way for adoption of CD technology for other educational and marketing applications while setting a higher standard for the university's recruitment materials.