Seven years ago, Jennifer Williams was named county extension agent for Lincoln County. Her goal then was to invest in the lives of students, building the education and 4H programs to new heights.
“We’ve never had a shooting sports program and, this year, I believe is our fourth year for shooting sports and we’re up to 60 kids,” said Williams. “I have over 500 kids enrolled in the county and I think it was about half of that prior to coming in. So, we’re constantly growing and just branching out.”
Williams is simply doing what she was taught with the example set by her parents, her local extension agent and her college advisor.
“I showed goats, cattle, and horses and my brother showed cattle as well and horses. My extension agent at the time actually proposed the idea of becoming an extension agent,” said Williams. “It’s not something I had considered prior to my senior year of high school, so that’s kind of how the journey kick‑started and my college advisor in junior college was actually my first 4‑H agent. So, it just kind of fell together and here I am today.”
Here on Genesis 31 Ranch near Ruth, Mississippi, students prepare for the livestock show judging event at national competition, just one of several areas in which they will compete. Students take practice very seriously because of the standard set by Williams.
“I just love watching them grow and develop. That’s truly where I find my satisfaction, probably more so than when I competed as a 4‑H’er,” said Williams. “I am a competitive individual, so you know we like to win, and we like to be a success, but it’s definitely fulfilling to see my kids take that journey.”
The work pays off in the short term for the competition, but also long term as Williams’ students start their next phase of life. Jacob Johnson says it was Williams’ influence that led him to college and beyond. Now, he’s back helping Williams and her students’ preparation.
“She was always willing to take us to a practice, you know, whether that was going to a judging contest somewhere else trying to find classes for us to judge somewhere, you know always wanting us to succeed and do our best, said Johnson. “So that meant, you know, just so much to me and I really owe Jennifer a lot of thanks for where I’m at right now.”
But aside from the hard work and competitions, the students who work with Williams say her best quality is she cares.
“Like she’s really good at just being there if you need something. She’s really, really resourceful. I mean she’s reliable, said Chavez, Williams’ student. “She’s given me more opportunities than what other people have, and I can’t thank her enough for it.”