Celebrating the Legacy of Geri Bushel

For two decades, Geri Bushel has been the heart and soul of NC State University’s Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences (AHS). A dedicated executive assistant, project manager, and advocate, Bushel has played an integral role in shaping the department’s programs, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that faculty, staff, and students had the resources they needed to thrive.

Now, Bushel is retiring, leaving behind a lasting legacy of leadership, innovation, and kindness.

A Career Defined by Dedication and Impact

Since joining NC State’s Wolfpack in 2005, Bushel has been a driving force behind countless projects and initiatives. Whether enhancing faculty programs, coordinating department workshops, or strengthening ties between the university and county Cooperative Extension offices, her influence has been felt at every level.

Bushel’s commitment extended beyond administrative tasks. As the first non-faculty member and Black woman to serve as a liaison and advisor to the North Carolina Extension and Community Association, she broke barriers and created opportunities for greater community engagement. Her perspective and expertise made her a trusted resource within the department.

“Every day … lives are being touched,” Bushel reflects. “Our department is so diverse in the type of work that we do, and I get the opportunity to participate in all of it from where I sit, and I love that. What I appreciate most about this position is the view from 10,000 feet.”

For AHS Department Head Ben Chapman, Bushel’s impact is immeasurable. “Geri is the glue that keeps our department running. Whether it’s an event in the Dinah E. Gore Kitchens, a faculty or staff support need, or helping a student navigate the university system, Geri is always there with her institutional knowledge, passion, and excitement.”

Building a Culinary Hub for Research and Education

One of Bushel’s most significant contributions to NC State was her leadership in developing the Dinah E. Gore Teaching and Research Kitchens, a state-of-the-art facility that has transformed food and nutrition research at the university.

In 2017, Bushel worked alongside Chapman, former Department Head Carolyn Dunn, and other faculty members to address a missing component in the department’s programming: a dedicated kitchen space for teaching, research, and community outreach.

With her project management expertise, Bushel oversaw every detail—from collaborating with architects and contractors to selecting materials and equipment. She even took on hands-on tasks, including carrying a refrigerator through the construction zone with Dunn. “From beginning to end, I thought about it every single day,” Bushel recalls. “It was a labor of love.”

Completed in 2019, the Dinah E. Gore Teaching and Research Kitchens became the first of their kind at NC State, featuring a demonstration legacy kitchen and three research kitchens. Designed for observational research studies, training workshops, educational video shoots, and community programs, the kitchens quickly became a hub for innovation.

Bushel herself led the first live cook-along demonstration in the new space, guiding online participants through a stir-fry preparation. Her outstanding contributions to the project earned her NC State’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) Award for Excellence, the university’s highest honor for non-faculty employees.

A Voice for Change

Beyond her administrative and project management achievements, Bushel also played a pivotal role in fostering important conversations within CALS.

In the summer of 2020, following a period of civic unrest, Bushel noticed a silence within her college that weighed heavily on her. Feeling compelled to act, she reached out to former CALS Dean Richard Linton, initiating a discussion that led to the college’s first virtual town hall on systemic disparities.

Collaborating with Alex Graves, who was the director of the CALS Office of Outreach and Engagement at the time, Bushel shared her experiences and encouraged open dialogue about the challenges faced by many in the university community.

“I felt that I shared my heart,” she says. “As a college, we have to be cognizant of what our colleagues are feeling, what they’re experiencing, and how we can start a conversation even though it’s uncomfortable.”

Her words resonated deeply, sparking an ongoing series of college-wide conversations and initiatives aimed at fostering greater understanding and support within CALS.

A Lasting Legacy of Leadership and Kindness

Bushel’s ability to lead, connect, and uplift those around her has made a lasting impact on NC State. 

“One of the things I will miss the most is not getting to chat with Geri every day,” says Annie Hardison-Moody, former director of the AHS Graduate Program. “She brings such joy, humor, and kindness to our department. She’s not only an incredible colleague but also a good friend and someone you can trust for advice and support.”

Throughout her career, Bushel has worn many hats—executive assistant, project manager, move coordinator, and trainer of culinary programs. But at her core, she has always been a problem solver, mentor, and advocate for those around her.

Reflecting on her 20 years of service, Bushel feels a deep sense of fulfillment. “I love what I do,” she says. “I feel that every day in my work here, I am making a difference in either the life of a faculty and staff member, a student, a community partner, or a citizen of North Carolina. And that’s what brings me joy, but now it is time for me to start a new chapter.”

As she steps into retirement, Bushel leaves behind not only a stronger, more connected department but also a community that will forever be grateful for her dedication and contributions. Her legacy of leadership, service, and kindness will continue to inspire future generations at NC State University and beyond.

Thank you, Geri, for 20 years of unwavering dedication to NC State. Your impact will be felt for years to come!