Dateline: June 3, 2004

Extension service names FCS agent

Mary Ruth Bishop of Lubbock will become the family and consumer sciences agent with Texas Cooperative Extension in Donley County effective June 2.

The appointment was announced by Donna Brauchi, district Extension administrator in the Panhandle, in cooperation with the Donley County Commissioners Court.

Bishop earned a Bachelor of Science degree in family studies from Texas Tech University, Lubbock. She pursued graduate study in higher education at College of the Southwest, Hobbs, N.M. She earned an associate of arts degree in home economics from South Plains College, Levelland.

Since 1998, Bishop has been the program coordinator of professional development and community outreach in Extended Studies at Texas Tech. Her duties included developing and implementing community education courses and certificate programs. She was responsible for maintaining and reporting course and event budgets per semester. Also at Tech, Bishop was an administrative assistant for business administration in the Department of Marketing for a year and as a departmental secretary from 1993-1996.

Bishop served for two years as the 4-H agent and home economist with New Mexico Cooperative Extension for Lea County in Lovington, N.M. She was responsible for 4-H programs with 400 members and 18 clubs. Bishop developed a monthly newsletter and established advisement committees for the state and national 4-H alumni associations.

She also served as an adult volunteer for other 4-H clubs. Bishop has been active in civic activities and served as officer in a local Lions Club.

“We are pleased to have someone with Mary Ruth’s expertise in 4-H programs and curriculum enrichment. She will enhance the successful youth development efforts under way in the county. Mary Ruth’s professional experience in organization and management, coupled with her expertise in family and consumer sciences, will benefit education programs for Donley County families.” Brauchi said.