ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Continuing with its mission of expanding extension services throughout South Carolina, the SC State University 1890 Research & Extension program recently appointed Edoe Agbodjan ’96, as associate extension administrator. Before assuming the permanent role, Agbodjan served as acting administrator while the organization transitioned under new executive leadership. The SC State alumnus assumed his new position on Nov. 1 and remains committed to moving the program forward.
"The extension program plays a vital role in changing the community and I see myself as a change agent, who contributes to helping people enhance their lives," said Agbodjan.
A faithful servant to the community, Agbodjan began his career as a graduate student assistant with SC State’s 1890 Extension Program and devoted over 20 years to advancing its mission of providing programs and services to South Carolinians.
“I have worked with Mr. Agbodjan for well over 20 years and I have witnessed his professional growth over time,” Dr. Louis Whitesides, vice president and executive director of the 1890 Research & Extension program stated.
“His deeply rooted connections to business and industry, USDA agencies and other organizations, as well as his rapport with the state’s small farmers will play a significant role in our strategic efforts to advance SC State 1890. Likewise, his career progression from an extension agent to associate extension administrator, gives him the necessary experience required to successfully fulfill this role. I am extremely confident that his expertise will help to advance the mission of the 1890 Extension program.”
In his previous role as senior extension director, he served as the state co-coordinator for sustainable agriculture research and education (SARE). As a co-coordinator, he implemented program incentives for the 1890 Extension small farm assistance and outreach project. He also received a $300,000, three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide programs and resources for socially disadvantaged farmers in the state.
During his transition as acting administrator, Agbodjan secured more than $600,000 in grant funding for small farm programs such as the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers grant program, as well as the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network grant, as a sub-award recipient of the University of Tennessee grant program.
In 2012, he was also responsible for SC State being awarded a $300,000 grant for socially disadvantaged farmers.
Agbodjan received his Bachelor of Science degree in agribusiness from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore before continuing his education at SC State University.
He was awarded the Outstanding Service Award from Heifer Project International and the Outstanding Leadership Award by the South Carolina 1890 Extension Meat Goat Program.
Agbodjan is a member of several organizations such as the Meat Goat Consortium, Agroforestry Consortium and Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute. He also served as chairman of the Southern Region Leadership Network for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) and vice-chair of the Program Leadership Network for the ANR committee.
SC State 1890 Extension offers life-long learning opportunities that help rural and urban citizens across the state improve their quality of life through services and programs including family, nutrition and health; community and economic development; education, innovation and support; sustainable agriculture and natural resources development and 4-H youth development.
"I really worked to advance in my career," said Agbodjan. "In my role, I want to make sure the 1890 Research & Extension Program is efficient and effective in carrying out its mission because South Carolinians depend on the work that we do.”
For more information on the programs and services offered at 1890 Extension, contact Agbodjan by phone at (803) 516-4750 or via email at eagbodjan@scsu.edu.
