West Virginia State University

WVSU Extension Service

Welcome to WVSU Extension!

West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Service is a dynamic entity dedicated to sharing well-researched insights with the public through innovative programs, expert guidance and a wide range of dependable solutions to tackle many pressing challenges in West Virginia. As a vital outreach division of WVSU, our team is committed to creating a positive difference in the lives of our constituents.

Our Extension Service is an integral part of WVSU’s land-grant mission of education and research, focused on disseminating knowledge to address the challenges residents encounter throughout the state. We are proud to be a part of this mission and are continually striving to meet the needs of our communities. Our team is comprised of professionals who are experts in their respective fields and are passionate about using their skills to help West Virginia residents.

We firmly believe in the power of education to transform lives, and we have made it our duty to provide creative and comprehensive resolutions to address the most critical issues in West Virginia. WVSU Extension Service offers various programs, including community-based education, research-based insights and practical solutions to address West Virginia residents’ most challenging problems.

Picture of the Extension Staff in 2023

Empowering Communities, Changing Lives.

As part of a national network of Extension professionals, we bridge yesterday’s knowledge and traditions with tomorrow’s innovation and technology.

Our Team

Adam Hodges, MFA
Adam Hodges, MFA
CVED Program Leader
Kaysha Jackson, PMP
Kaysha Jackson, PMP
Director Urban and Non-Traditional Programming, Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Dr. John Kessell
Dr. John Kessell
Agriculture & Natural Resources Program Leader
Jens-Kristian Kiel
Jens-Kristian Kiel
Director of Agricultural Research and Extension Communications
Melissa Lilly, J.D.
Melissa Lilly, J.D.
Director Healthy Grandfamilies, Assistant Director of Extension
Hannah Payne
Hannah Payne
Director of 1890 Land-Grant Strategic Operations
Dr. Donte Pennington
Dr. Donte Pennington
FCS Program Leader
Sara Price
Sara Price
4-H Program Leader
Dr. Ami Smith
Dr. Ami Smith
Vice President and Dean and Director for Agricultural Research & Extension
Jeanie Sutphin
Jeanie Sutphin
Administrative Assistant II
Dr.  Johnnie Westbrook
Dr. Johnnie Westbrook
Associate Dean and Director of Extension
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