Sowing Seeds of Change

For Libby Blosser, a graduate student in agricultural and extension education at NC State University, the path to graduate school wasn’t always clear. Growing up in Columbus County, she knew she wanted to stay connected to the agricultural community near her home. Yet, as an undergraduate, her career path was still forming. A pivotal conversation with a local N.C. Cooperative Extension director changed everything. She realized that a career in Extension could allow her to work directly with farmers, producers, and her broader community.

Her undergraduate journey was distinctive. Blosser earned a degree in extension education—the last one awarded at NC State before the program merged with agricultural education—and minored in agricultural business management, crop science, and horticultural science. Now pursuing her master’s degree in agricultural and extension education, she feels this step is a natural continuation of the work she began as an undergraduate and plans to graduate in May 2025.

Blosser credits the unwavering support of the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences (AHS) faculty for much of her success. Professors Bob Patterson and Bryce Lane left a lasting impression with their enthusiasm for crop science and horticulture and their ability to make complex subjects engaging. Within the department, her advisor, Joseph Donaldson, has provided consistent guidance with a “servant attitude,” while Virginia Stage has supported Blosser in refining her thesis ideas.

Beyond academics, Blosser has embraced student life at NC State. She played for the club softball team during her undergraduate years and remembers it as a highlight of her college experience. She also joined the agricultural and extension education club and has been an active member of the Ducks Unlimited Collegiate Chapter for five years, enjoying Wednesday nights spent with fellow conservation enthusiasts.

Blosser draws inspiration from her family’s values and work ethic. Her parents, who built their business with integrity and perseverance, and her grandmother, a longtime schoolteacher, continue to influence her. Like them, Blosser hopes to give back to the community that shaped her, envisioning a future career in Extension in Columbus County. Whether she’s working with field crops or horticulture, she aims to be a resource for farmers and a mentor to young people, promoting sustainable agriculture.

Currently, Blosser serves as a graduate research assistant in the AHS Department. She works with the Career Pathways in Agriculture for Community College Students (PACCS) program, helping community college students explore majors and minors that align with their future goals. She also contributes to the More PEAS Please! program, establishing and maintaining raised-bed gardens at Head Start preschools. This initiative introduces children to gardening and fresh fruits and vegetables, helping address food access gaps and encourage healthier eating habits.

Originally, Blosser pursued assistantships to help fund graduate school, but the experience has been transformative. Working with N.C. Cooperative Extension and the AHS Department have strengthened her confidence, expanded her professional network, and deepened her passion for agriculture.

When she graduates in 2025, Blosser plans to return to Columbus County to serve her community and collaborate with the agricultural industry that shaped her. The seeds of knowledge and service planted at NC State have grown into a clear vision for her future—one rooted in sustainability, mentorship, and a commitment to giving back.