Wickliffe named Guilford Extension director
Dr. William “Wick” Wickliffe, long-time North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service agent in Guilford County, has been named to direct the county’s Cooperative Extension program.
Wickliffe’s appointment as Guilford Extension director, effective July 12, was announced by Dr. Joe Zublena, interim director of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at North Carolina State University, and Brenda Fox, Guilford County Manager. Wickliffe succeeds Brenda Morris, who retired last year after a 30-year extension career.
Wickliffe has served as an agricultural extension agent in Guilford County since 1988. As the county’s agricultural agent, he has worked with commercial vegetable, fruit and field crops as well as non-traditional agriculture such as the production of organic tobacco, fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. He also aided farmers with farm business management issues and provided information on pond management, specializing in aquatic weeds.
The new Guilford extension director has a doctorate in crop science with a concentration in weed science from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree in agronomy from Western Kentucky University and bachelor’s degree in agronomy from the University of Kentucky.
Wickliffe has been the recipient of a number of awards during his career, including the North Carolina Strawberry Association’s Outstanding Extension Award and the North Carolina Agent Award given by the Corn Growers Association of North Carolina.
“Wick brings a wealth of work experience, helping the people of Guilford County. He has worked with many local farmers and businesses to protect farmland, increase farm profits and develop new markets,” said James C. Cowden, director of extension’s North Central District, which includes Guilford County. “He enjoys solving the problems of others and leading the entire extension program forward. Wick’s leadership style is appreciated by the office staff, and he is always willing to lend a helping hand.”
– D. Caldwell
