Content
History
Family and Consumer Sciences views the family, in all its diverse forms, as the cornerstone of a healthy society. Its mission is to improve the well being of the family through programs that educate, influence public policy, and help families put researched-based knowledge from the land grant university of North Carolina State University to work in their lives. The Department and its programs have impacted millions of North Carolina citizens.
Originally a part of the Extension Department of the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic at North Carolina State College, Family and Consumer Sciences was established in 1920 as the Home Demonstration Program. In 1967, the program was renamed Home Economics Extension, in 1978 was elevated to departmental status as in 1995 was renamed again as the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. In 2007, the FCS Department merged with 4-H Youth Development to form the Department of 4-H Youth Development and Family & Consumer Sciences.
From its beginnings in 1911 with gardening and canning programs and later “Tomato Clubs,” the department has provided educational programs that improve the lives of North Carolina families. An early report from the NCSU Board of Trustees in 1913 highlights the department’s effectiveness: “The Extension Department of the College, under the leadership of Dean I.O. Schaub and Dr. Jane S. McKimmon has brought the college into closer touch with the people of the state than any other instrumentality yet tried.”
Beginning as Tomato Clubs (1912-1920) in 1920, the North Carolina Organization of Home Demonstration Clubs (1920-1966) was officially organized to extend Home Economics Extension programming into communities across the state. Later, Negro Home Demonstration Clubs of North Carolina (1940-1946) were formed. These two groups merged in 1967 to form the North Carolina Extension Homemakers Association, Inc. (1967-2000) and continued to extend delivery of programs across the state. In 2000, this vital organization became the North Carolina Extension and Community Association and continues to be an important partner with Family & Consumer Sciences and North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
By 1940, the growth and development of locally based and consumer driven methods of teaching had been extended to all 100 counties in the state as well as the Cherokee Indian Reservation. The program had great public appeal because it had been based on documented needs and wants of North Carolina citizens. First designed to benefit rural homemakers and their families, FCS Programs now reach rural and urban families alike. Cutting edge research that impacts and guides programming was advanced in the 1940’s when a home economics research program was begun at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. In 1978, the Home Economics program at UNC-G was changed to a department bringing a higher status to both the programs and faculty.
State Leaders of the NCSU FCS Program and Department Heads have included Jane S. McKimmon (1911-1937); Verna Stanton (1935-1958); Ruth Current (1937-1961); Eloise Cofer (1963-1981); Martha Johnson, (1980-1991); Marilyn Corbin (1993 -1998); Sandy Zaslow (1999-2007), and Marshal Stewart (2007-present). In addition, Judy Mock, Department Extension Leader served as Interim Department Head and State Program Leader during the 1990’s.
Although historically the Department has met many prestigious goals, several are most noticeable. In 1951, the North Carolina Extension Homemakers Association had a dream of a “house” to serve as the state center for their Association activities. Members contributed “butter and egg” money, assessed their membership $2 each, and conducted fundraisers. In 1966 the Association presented a $100,000 check to North Carolina State University. This “seed” money launched the construction of the state-of-the-art Jane S. McKimmon Center. Completed in 1976, and named after Dr. Jane S. McKimmon, the first woman to head the State Extension Home Economics Program, the McKimmon Center now serves as home to The McKimmon Conference & Training Center, a unit of NCSU Continuing & Professional Education. With an average of over 2,000 events and with more than 190,000 participants, the McKimmon Center continues to serve a vital role in outreach to
the citizens of North Carolina.
The second goal set and reached was the establishment of the Home Economics Family Living Seminar in 1976. The objective of the annual seminar was to target other disciplines and volunteers by enhancing their knowledge and understanding of issues affecting families. Outstanding speakers were brought in from across the country with tremendous success. In 1980, the event name was changed to honor State Leader Emeritus, Dr. Eloise Cofer. Now known as The Cofer Seminar, this event continues to provide Extension and other professionals a forum in which current and cutting-edge topics are discussed.
A third milestone was reached when the Department was approved to offer a joint Masters of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After experiencing much success, the degree program has evolved into a Masters Degree in Family Life & Youth Development offered through North Carolina State University. In addition, a 12-hour graduation Certificate in Family Life Program Development is also offered.
The FCS Department and Program has been recognized nationally for numerous curriculums it has developed. The current faculty members have expertise in areas across the spectrum of family needs including nutrition, food safety, parenting, human development, aging, housing, community and volunteer leadership development, health, and family resource management.
For 100 years, FCS has helped North Carolina Families. We pledge to continue the legacy of delivering relevant and responsive educational programs to North Carolina families.