Our Howard County Extension Advisory Committee (EAC) is composed of community stakeholders who inform the University of Maryland Extension (UME) about needs in the county, identify underserved audiences, and contribute concepts and ideas to inform UME programs. EAC members possess a personal interest in community development, the ability to see and reflect the needs of audiences that can be addressed by UME, and maintain a long-term focus to address these needs.

The EAC liaises with Extension clientele and establishes priority activities for the 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture & Food Systems (AgFS), Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-ED), Digitial Literacy, Master Gardeners, & the Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA).

Roles and Responsibilities

The EAC is a civil rights requirement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Its' primary focus is to ensure individuals from underserved and underrepresented groups have a voice in UME programming from a plan of work and civil rights perspective. As a requirement of our funding, per USDA NIFA, stakeholder input is sought on a variety of different levels, that may include:

  • Advice on priority setting and program development
  • Input on both immediate needs and long-term goals 
  • Participation in relevancy and portfolio reviews
  • Guidance on monitoring, evaluation, and oversight systems employed to track performance and results
  • Counsel on emerging technologies and recommendations for public education and discussion about the mission and directions of the University of Maryland
  • Grassroots outreach, advocacy, and representation
  • Active partnership in community engagement
  • Marketing and promotion of UME programs for outreach to diverse audiences and universal inclusivity

Current Members and Affiliated Programs

  • Nellie Arrington (2024-2025)- 4-H Youth Development
  • Chiantel Beaumont (2024-2025)- Agriculture and Food Systems
  • Jamie Bullock (2024-2025)- 4-H Youth Development
  • Maura Cahill (2024-2025)- Agriculture and Food Systems
  • Mike Calvert (2024-2025)- Watershed Stewards Academy
  • Chiara D’Amore (2024-2025)- Master Gardeners 
  • Tyler Hough (2024-2025)- Agriculture and Food Systems
  • Cathy Hudson (2024-2025)- Agriculture and Food Systems
  • Betty Shepherd (2024-2025)- Family and Consumer Sciences & SNAP-Ed
  • Gina Van De Walle (2024-2025)- Master Gardeners
  • Radhika Wijetunge (2024-2025)- Watershed Stewards Academy