SEYMOUR – When Monica Walker starts her new job June 1 as the Texas AgriLife Extension Service family and consumer sciences agent for Baylor County, she will just keep on doing what she’s been doing.
Walker has a legal assistant degree and a bachelor of science in business management, and those will help her on the new job. But more valuable may be the past two years she’s been volunteering with the 4-H program in Baylor County.
Growing up on an Angus cattle ranch outside of Dodge City, Kan., she was an active 4-Her, participating in family and consumer science projects and livestock projects. When her family settled in Baylor County, she was committed to continuing to work with the AgriLife Extension youth program.
Walker earned a bachelor’s degree from Kansas Newman University in Wichita, Kan. and her legal assistant degree from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kan. She has worked for law firms in Kansas and Texas.
“Though I have an extensive legal background, that experience has allowed me to work with all socioeconomic classes, and has required extensive computer skills, organizational skills and communication skills,” she said. “I have been helping with 4-H since my kids have been members.”
“I grew up learning family and consumer sciences at home,” Walker said. “Health and nutrition have always been important in my family.”
She was appointed as a co-leader of the 4-H program in Baylor County by the outgoing AgriLife Extension agent in 2011 and helped keep the 4-H program going during the absence of both the agriculture and family and consumer science agents.
Walker said she’s excited to take the agent position and hopes to start cooking and sewing classes for 4-H and the community.
Donald Kelm, AgriLife Extension district administrator in Stephenville, said Walker’s volunteer work during the time of agency vacancy was instrumental in keeping the participation in the 4-H and family consumer sciences programs going.
“We look forward to her working with us as the family consumer sciences agent now and completing the team in Baylor County,” Kelm said.
-30-