Catawba County News
Mull Named New Cooperative Extension Director
Published: August 08, 2024
Donna Mull has been named director of the Catawba County Cooperative Extension.
As director, Mull leads a staff of six in the implementation of a collaborative plan to maximize community engagement in Extension programming. Extension programs and services are currently offered at Extension offices in the Agriculture Resources Center (ARC) in Newton and at various locations throughout the county, often in partnership with other community organizations.
Mull brings 36 years of experience as an Extension Agent to her role. This includes 32 years of service with Catawba County Cooperative Extension, where she led multi-faceted 4-H programs reaching more than 2,000 local youth annually. In addition to planning educational programs and establishing 4-H clubs, Mull developed and led the Catawba County Youth Council and supported the development of the Juntos program.
During her 4-H tenure, a significant number of youth participants earned college scholarships as a result of their 4-H involvement. In 2022, Mull was recognized with the Meritorious Service Awards from the National Association of 4-H Agents, the most recent of many awards she earned throughout her career.
In June 2024, Mull transitioned into serving as Catawba County’s Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent. She will continue to offer educational programs in this area along with serving in the role as director.
Prior to joining Catawba County Cooperative Extension, Mull worked as the Home Economics Extension Agent for Macon County and served as Scholarship and Leadership Coach for the Golden Leaf Foundation’s Center for Creative Leadership.
“Cooperative Extension has been a part of my life for a long time,” said Mull. “My first connection with Cooperative Extension started when I was 9 years old as a 4-Her in Catawba County. My years as a 4-H member had a tremendous impact on me and led me to a career with Cooperative Extension. I have enjoyed a rewarding career with Cooperative Extension and look forward to serving in a new role as the Extension Director, supporting staff in our office and continuing to cultivate community partnerships.”
“Donna has demonstrated unwavering commitment to our community, and especially to our young people, throughout her career with Catawba County Cooperative Extension,” said County Manager Mary Furtado. “With her longtime experience, proven knowledge, and love for all things Extension, she will continue to make a difference for our residents in her new role.”
Catawba County Cooperative Extension is a research-based educational outreach organization affiliated with N.C. State University. Aimed at empowering communities, Catawba County Cooperative Extension provides programming and consultation in the areas of gardening and urban agriculture, row crops and traditional agriculture, livestock and pasture management, 4-H and youth development, academic achievement and healthy living, small farm management and food systems, and family and consumer science programs for healthy and safe eating.