Equipped with a passion for agriculture education and lifelong ties to West Virginia University Extension Service, Jennifer Friend has joined our Agriculture and Natural Resources program as the agent in Harrison County, effective July 1.
Growing up with a WVU Extension Service agent as a parent, agriculture has always been a major part of Friend’s life, and it was through all the work-related programs and events that she attended with her mom, that she discovered her interest in sharing agriculture with others. In her new role, she’s ready to use her knowledge to serve the Harrison County community.
Friend received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and extension education from WVU’s Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design before completing her master’s degree in extension education from Colorado State University.
While pursuing her graduate degree, Friend used her education training as an agriculture, foods and natural resources instructor for Nicholas County Schools. She credits that position with further preparing her for this new role with WVU Extension Service, sharing how it expanded her horticulture knowledge and experience.
A native of Braxton County, Friend was an active member of her local 4-H club and FFA throughout her childhood. After becoming a teacher, she also served as the local FFA advisor.
“I’ve been preparing to become an Extension agent for a long time, and I’m really excited to be stepping into this new role in Harrison County,” Friend said. “I’m looking forward to supporting the agriculture programs already established in this area, but I also hope to grow the youth agriculture offerings – that’s really where my passion lies.”
As an agriculture and natural resources agent, Friend will work directly with residents and the agriculture community in Harrison County to identify agricultural needs and opportunities for growth. While she has more extensive experience working with livestock, Harrison County has a strong horticulture presence, as evidenced by its well-established Master Gardener program, and Friend is eager to learn more about how she can best support programs like this.
“Jennifer is no stranger to the work of WVU Extension Service or agriculture, and her experience both in the field and in the classroom will be a valuable tool as she begins to deliver programming to the people of Harrison County,” Ronnie Helmondollar, WVU Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources program director, said. “We’re excited that Jennifer will be the one supporting this community.”
To learn more about WVU Extension programs, visit extension.wvu.edu, or contact your local WVU Extension Service office.
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hb/8/13/20