Since its inception in 2019, the Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative (EELI) has done more than just develop leaders.
It has created a network of professionals committed to strengthening communities while advancing the mission of Extension at Clemson University and South Carolina State University – South Carolina’s two land-grant universities.
Cohort 5, which graduated in May, is the latest group to be equipped with the skills, confidence and connections that are required to lead with a purpose. Like those before them, the cohort will return to their counties, programs and institutions prepared to tackle challenges, inspire collaboration and make a difference across the state and the region.
“I’m just incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in EELI,” said DeAndra Cooper, a rural health and nutrition agent with Clemson’s Williamsburg County Cooperative Extension office. “I’m looking forward to taking a lot of the things that I’ve learned here and modifying them, manifesting them, passing them on to other people and just continuously becoming a better leader every day.”
The program’s influence can be seen throughout Extension. Graduates have become mentors, program leaders, collaborators and advocates who continue to strengthen the organization and communities it serves. It has helped empower individuals to lead with vision, serve with purpose and create meaningful change.
EELI alums have gone on to serve in more than 73 leadership roles, from county coordinators and program directors to association presidents and leadership roles in national working groups. However, their reach extends beyond Extension with leaders serving in colleges, universities, community organizations and professional associations. They’ve earned recognition across South Carolina and the country with more than 40 awards and honors.
“I cannot take full credit for the success and impact of EELI and its participants over the past five years,” said Deon Legette, associate director of Clemson Cooperative Extension, who is responsible for EELI’s development. “I am grateful to work alongside dedicated advocates and employees who are committed to pursuing leadership excellence through continuous training and development. It is a privilege to help guide and support them as they strive to reach their fullest potential.”
The impact of EELI can be measured in projects completed, partnerships formed and communities served. But perhaps its greatest success is found in the leaders it has helped develop.
The cohorts met monthly in locations across the state, although most were held in Columbia because of its central location. They also held sessions at Clemson and S.C. State.
The group participates in two service projects a year. At S.C. State, they visit the university’s on-campus child development center, donate books, read and engage in activities with the children. At Harvest Hope in Columbia, they donated thousands of pounds of food, providing more than 2,900 meals for needy families.
Also, Cohort 5 was the first to contribute to completing a home that welcomed a family through the partnership with Central S.C. Habitat for Humanity.
“As someone who enjoys leadership development, I feel like participating in the Extension Emerging Leadership program allowed me to ground myself in what leadership meant to me, reignite my passion in leadership development, but also just reignite me to want to bring my why into fruition to help make a better community,” said Rushawnda Olden, 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program director at Clemson.
Each cohort has brought together Extension professionals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, creating opportunities for participants to learn from one another while exploring leadership principles, communication strategies and approaches to organizational change.
“My favorite EELI experience was just getting together with our class during the more social activities that we participated in, getting to know people on a more personal level,” said Boyd Owens, Upstate region director for S.C. State’s 1890 Research and Extension. “That’s always good, especially when you’re planning on working with them. You can use that to develop better work relationships.”
As new leaders continue to emerge, the foundation build by the program’s first five cohorts will continue to shape the future of Extension.
“I remain humbled by the opportunity to be part of their growth and achievements,” Legette said. “Looking ahead, I am excited about the future campus and community partnerships, collaborative efforts and alignment that will further elevate the program’s impact and create even greater opportunities for growth and success in Extension and externally.”
Class of 2026
Clemson Extension graduates:
• DeAndra Cooper, rural health agent
• Sharneece Gary, EFNEP regional coordinator
• Geri Jenkins, administrative assistant
• Alyssa Jones, 4-H youth development agent
• Rushawnda Olden, 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program director
S.C. State 1890 Research and Extension graduates:
• Nana Kusi, Extension agronomist
• Boyd Owens, Upstate regional director
• Tyrone Williams, agriculture and natural resources agent
• Joyce Wilson, administrative coordinator
