West Virginia State University Extension Agent Named President of National Community and Economic Development Association

5/13/2019

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Contact: Jack Bailey
(304) 766-4109
jbaile19@wvstateu.edu
     
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – A West Virginia State University (WVSU) extension agent has been named president of a national community and economic development organization, marking not only the first such appointment for the University but also the first time the position has been held by a representative from one of the nation’s 1890 Land-Grant Universities.

Adam Hodges, WVSU’s Fayette County extension agent for community and economic development, will begin a three-year term next month as president of the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP). Comprised of 300 members from across the nation, NACDEP is dedicated to improving the visibility, coordination, professional status and resource base of community and economic development extension programs and professionals. 

“Any time a West Virginian can take a national leadership role is significant, and I am proud to represent both my university and the 1890 land-grant system,” Hodges said. “Representing West Virginia at this level helps to change the narrative about who we are. Community development is critical in West Virginia as we strive to redefine our communities and economies.”

Hodges’ work has led to bolstered community and economic development initiatives throughout Fayette County, such as improving the small business landscape and developing multiple public art murals, as well as facilitating creation of the award-winning “Destination: Beautification” publication, a 90-page resource guide to community beautification projects.

“This speaks volumes to the quality of extension professionals working within WVSU Extension Service,” sad Vice President for Research and Public Service Dr. Orlando F. McMeans. “The University continues to break barriers, in that Adam is the first individual from an 1890 to serve as the president of NACDEP.  We are proud of Adam and will work to ensure his success in this leadership endeavor.”

Hodges will begin his term as president-elect at next month’s 2019 NACDEP Conference in Asheville, North Carolina, and assume the presidency in 2020.

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West Virginia State University is a public, land grant, historically black university, which has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi‐generational institution, located in Institute, W.Va. As a “living laboratory of human relations,” the university is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Its mission is to meet the higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research.