It was nearly five years ago that Phyllis Knight made the transition from the elementary classroom to the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) as an administrative support specialist in the Department of Horticultural Science. Developed from her years of experience as an educator and community leader, Knight contributes diverse skills that elevate the PSEP through customer support, organization and professional development. Most recently Knight was recognized with the Pride of the Wolfpack Award for consistent excellence in providing guest experiences and services.
Wayne Buhler, professor and NC State Extension PSEP specialist, added Knight to the three-person team as the customer-facing component of the training program in helping promote responsible pesticide use through education. Knight’s skills have shined in her role fielding person-to-person inquiries, providing training manuals and materials to customers for certifications, assembling workshops and pesticide schools and program communications.
“Phyllis performs all aspects of her job exceedingly well, and by doing so, she encourages our team to perform likewise,” said Buhler. “I’m grateful for the way that she represents us to all of our clientele, whether prospective pesticide applicators, county Extension agents or NCDA&CS (North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services) staff. The feedback I receive from those stakeholders consistently points out her outstanding work and the positive attitude and grace in which she does it. On a day-to-day basis, she anticipates needs and fills them – most of the time before I request her assistance. Without a doubt, she makes my job easier and personifies the image that I desire to be defined by as a hard worker and compassionate individual.”
When responding to customer inquiries, Knight connects with clientele and provides pedagogical insights to those unfamiliar with pesticide licensing categories and training. During peak business in the fall and winter months, Knight answers emails, in-person inquiries and as many as 27 phone calls per day in addition to other tasks.
In 2023, Knight prepared, packed and shipped over 6,100 training manuals. She manages orders and restocking manuals, updates the e-commerce store and coordinates secure payments while also assisting with manual editing.
“Phyllis Knight is the embodiment of the Pride of the Wolfpack. Her kindness, warmth and compassion are evident in every interaction,” said Esther Morris, a cohort and assistant to the PSEP. “She confronts all problems head-on with a can-do spirit and appears to anticipate the needs of others effortlessly. From fielding frequent telephone inquiries to ensuring the smooth daily scheduling, operation and accounting management of PSEP, Knight is ever mindful of the impact of even the smallest actions on the overall operation. She organizes tasks meticulously and then cheerfully tackles even the smallest ones with both perseverance and contagious enthusiasm. Knight is the perfect employee and coworker — and most importantly, a friend to all, and we are richer for her presence in our lives.”
Knight is well-recognized for her attention to detail, friendliness and efficiency. She schedules and organizes communications for two-day pesticide schools conducted at NC State Extension centers throughout the state yearly. Knight maintains active relationships with NCDA&CS personnel and 98 county Extension agents to host and instruct the workshops, totalling 31 schools and 1,726 participants in 2023.
“The Pride of the Wolfpack Award is special since it’s shared with others who work hard daily to fulfill NC State’s land-grant mission,” said Knight. “With or without an award, I feel like a winner since I work with the best colleagues and stakeholders.”
