AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Alabama Cooperative Extension System provides careers rooted in service. Through Extension, people work directly with Alabama communities, farmers, families, schools and businesses — connecting them to resources from Auburn and Alabama A&M universities. From county office staff and 4-H to program area agents and specialists, there are many appealing career options with Alabama Extension.

From Intern to Extension Professional

Court Green-Johnson, animal sciences and forages Extension agent

Court Green-Johnson, an animal science and forages agent with Alabama Extension at Auburn University, did not always have her sights set on an Extension career. However, after learning about Extension’s mission during her first semester as a student at Auburn, Green-Johnson knew it was the job for her.

“Knowing I can help make someone’s life better is more than a profession; it’s my passion,” Green-Johnson said.

With a new career opportunity in mind, Green-Johnson changed her major to animal sciences and applied for a summer internship with Extension. Working as intern with three teams — animal sciences and forages, food safety and human sciences — gave Green-Johnson insight into Extension’s regional and county operations.

“I learned that no matter the program area or region that someone serves, Extension is one big family that is passionate about helping their communities,” Green-Johnson said.

Although her focus is on farms and fields in west central Alabama, Green-Johnson reminds all her clients that no matter the need, Alabama Extension does that.

“I end all my presentations with the note, ‘If you need something, give me a call. If I don’t have the answer, I will find someone who does,'” Green-Johnson said. “That is the trust that Extension is built on. We want everyone to know that we are excited to help in any way we can.”

Building a 4-H Legacy

Kenneth Reese, Jefferson County 4-H agent

Kenneth Reese, the Extension 4-H agent in Jefferson County, is a product of the land-grant mission. He first experienced 4-H during an in-school program in the fourth grade. Now, Reese’s story has come full circle, serving as the 4-H agent in his home county.

Reese began with 4-H demonstrations and competitions, including Chef 4-H and Egg Cookery. He even competed at the national level in 4-H. The passion for 4-H and confidence Reese gained from these experiences led him to serve as the 4-H State Ambassador president.

“Participating in competitive events and 4-H clubs taught me the soft skills I still use today,” Reese said. “It taught me the importance of education and the impact it can make on someone’s life.”

With a desire to become an educator and his experiences as ambassador president, Reese attended Auburn University and earned a bachelor’s degree in agriscience education.

“I am forever thankful I had the ability to connect with such great leaders who encouraged me through school and who still support me in my career,” Reese said.

4-H builds belonging, independence and new skills in young people. As the 4-H agent in his hometown of Birmingham, Reese uses his unique experience to invest in youth, just as previous leaders did before him. He hopes to encourage students to step outside their comfort zones and try new things in 4-H.

“It is so rewarding to pour back into my community,” Reese said. “4-H programs can build the next generation of servant leaders and world changers.”

Foundation Through Extension

Kim Mullenix, head of the Auburn Department of Animal Sciences

Like many others, Kim Mullenix began her career in Extension, but her path has expanded into academic leadership. Today, she leads the Auburn University College of Agriculture’s Department of Animal Sciences.

Prior to becoming department head, she served as the beef systems Extension specialist and program team coordinator for the Animal Science and Forages team. Despite the shift in roles, her commitment to delivering science-based guidance to cattle producers has not changed.

“Being an Extension specialist allowed me to see the unique perspectives and challenges of agricultural producers, stakeholders and even the researchers,” Mullenix said. “The beauty of my role now is that I can engage with our faculty and students as we work through those challenges, ideally creating solutions that benefit everyone.”

Mullenix said she hopes to expose Auburn students to each piece of the land-grant mission.

“Sometimes people forget that our overall mission as a land-grant includes teaching, research and Extension,” Mullenix said. “It is our statewide mission, beyond Auburn’s campus, to touch the lives of Alabamians. Alabama Extension is statewide, from field demonstrations to youth livestock programming, so we can deliver to every county we serve thanks to Extension agents who live and work in those communities.”

Paths to Extension

These three individuals have taken different paths, but all have similar directives — helping and connecting communities. While these careers are not about the glitz and glamour, they do allow people to shine as they support families, farms and communities that depend on Alabama Extension.

More information on the positions and educational areas in Extension is available in the publication, “Careers in Alabama Extension.” For those interested in an Extension career, job opportunities are listed online at aces.edu/blog/topics/about-us/employment-opportunities.

This story is one of five news stories published for Alabama Extension Week, celebrated April 12-18, 2025. To learn more about Alabama Extension Week, visit aces.edu/go/ALExtensionWeek.