This year, Dean Garey Fox of NC State University’s College and Agriculture and Life Sciences launched Expedition Extension, a statewide tour of Cooperative Extension offices in every county. Along the way, he met with faculty, staff, and stakeholders to better understand Extension’s impact and needs. One of the highlights for many local offices was the opportunity for Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) educators to showcase their work directly to the Dean.

For many EFNEP educators, this was their first chance to interact personally with the Dean or anyone from the campus leadership team. Having him step into their offices and classrooms created a sense of connection, helping bridge the gap between campus leadership and the day-to-day realities of local work.

Our educators reported that these visits were not just symbolic. They opened space for authentic two-way dialogue, where the Dean listened, asked questions, and reflected back the importance of EFNEP’s mission. Efforts like this, when genuine, help build trust and foster a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and more committed to their work.

Showcasing EFNEP’s Impact

Educators took pride in sharing the unique work happening in their counties. Some presented handouts with data showing the number of families reached and the measurable impact of EFNEP lessons. Others gave short talks about their programming goals, such as expanding into every classroom in Mitchell County within the next few years! Several educators emphasized how EFNEP connected with schools, 4-H, food pantries, and local organizations to tackle food insecurity.

EFNEP Educator (Patty S.) speaking to Dean Fox about EFNEP in Johnston County.

One educator shared her personal motivation with the Dean: “I strive to impact more youth and adults than ever before in Avery County… there is always room for growth but you have to plow the field, plant the seed, and put in the work to reap the harvest.” Dean Fox later reflected that this message captured his own vision for Expedition Extension: to put in the work, strive for excellence, and aim for lasting impact across the state.

The Dean’s Engagement

Educators consistently described the Dean as approachable, curious, and engaged. He asked thoughtful questions about how EFNEP staff build partnerships, how they balance large counties with limited staff, and how they use technology like Zoom to reach more families. In several counties, he took notes on data shared by educators and praised the creativity of local programming.

His reactions often reinforced EFNEP’s value within the broader Extension system. One educator noted, “He spoke very positively about EFNEP, valuing it just as highly as all the other Extension programs.” Others described his surprise at the depth of local partnerships and his excitement over the energy of youth participants–whether jumping rope to music or taking part in food demonstrations.

Onslow County EFNEP Educator (Paige S.) showing Dean Fox and Extension Director David Monks the pitch grip technique.

During one memorable visit, EFNEP educator Paige S. led a hands-on demo with the help of a program participant. Together, they taught Dean Fox and Extension Director David Monks the proper “pinch grip” knife technique while preparing peppers for MyPlate Cowboy Caviar. The fact that an EFNEP graduate was confident enough to step in and demonstrate proper technique alongside her educator spoke volumes–it was visible proof of the program’s impact. Both leaders enjoyed the food demo and recipe, leaving with a firsthand experience of how EFNEP equips participants with lifelong practical skills that ripple into their families and communities.

A Mutual Impact

While the Dean gained a deeper understanding of EFNEP’s reach, the visits also left an impression on educators. One shared, “Now I know he is real—coming to visit our office and talk to us, I feel I can reach him if I need to.” Another appreciated that an assistant county manager spoke highly about EFNEP during the visit, affirming the program’s visibility in the community.

The Expedition Extension tour made it clear that EFNEP educators are deeply passionate about their work, and their impact extends far beyond individual classrooms or counties—it reaches across the entire state of North Carolina. Throughout the journey, educators demonstrated the strength of their programming, while Dean Fox modeled the kind of leadership that listens, learns, and inspires.

Dean Fox and NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell learn about EFNEP from Martin County Educator (Jean B.)

Thank you to Dean Garey Fox, Extension Director David Monks, and NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell for taking the time to visit, listen, and engage with our hardworking EFNEP educators! Your genuine interest in their stories and their impact makes a lasting difference for both our educators and the communities they serve.

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. It is an Extension program that helps limited-resource families and youth develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors for healthy eating and active living. Since its pilot in 1969, EFNEP’s proven model of using trained peer educators, trusted community members who deliver hands-on, practical lessons, has been the key to its success. EFNEP assists participants in improving their family’s nutrition, food resource management, and overall well-being. Although federally funded, counties further demonstrate their commitment by investing in EFNEP staff and providing local resources that strengthen program delivery and impact.