Susan Ruiz-Evans New Cooperative Extension Director for Dare County

Susan Ruiz-Evans has been selected to replace Ann Ward as the County Extension Director of the Dare County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Ward retired earlier this year.

``I am very excited to have this opportunity to continue to make a difference for the people of Dare County through this program,’’ said Ruiz-Evans. ``I am proud to work with an incredibly dedicated staff.  I am also grateful to have the support of Dare County government.’’

Ruiz-Evans began work in her new position exactly 18 years to the day after first being hired by the Cooperative Extension, October 1, 1990.

Originally from Northern Virginia, Ruiz-Evans moved to Dare County in 1989 and was hired as an Assistant Agricultural Extension Agent by Cooperative Extension and Dare County.  She earned Associate Agent status after a few years.  While working full time she earned her Masters of Science in Horticulture from Virginia Tech.  That degree qualified her for full agent status, which she obtained in 2000. 

Ruiz-Evans was one of several candidates vying for the position with each making a presentation to a panel made up of two state and two county employees and the Advisory Council for Cooperative Extension. The presentations shared information about each candidate’s life, family and skills for the job.

“I feel very special that Dare County residents have Susan to look to for help in the home or the garden,” said Dare County Public Services Director Tim White.  “Her knowledge of horticulture is nothing short of amazing.” White serves as the liaison between the county and the state to ensure smooth administrative operations for the program.

Cooperative Extension is part of a nationwide educational system which involves the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the state land-grant university system and county government. Extension programs often enhance the work of other government and nonprofit agencies which join together to improve the quality of life for county residents.

“Susan has been a stellar agent and recognized not only in the district but state-wide for her expertise and performance.  In her new position as County Extension Director, she will have the opportunity to bring the extension program up to another level focusing on the needs and issues of Dare County,’’ commented the Northeast District Director Wanda D. Sykes, Ed.D. of North Carolina State University (NCSU). ``Susan has tremendous people skills and her enthusiasm is contagious.  She will make Dare County and NCSU proud!  I’m excited to be able to work with her.’’

Programs that are offered through Cooperative Extension include:

•            Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Community and Rural Development which focus on services that provide information on coastal environment, tree and lawn care, landscaping, soils, erosion control, pest management, water quality, waste management, and pesticide education. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist in program delivery.

•            Family and Consumer Education which focuses on human development, child care, food and nutrition, food safety, and family resource management. These services are designed to help families improve the quality of life.
•            4-H and Youth Development help children learn about every day life skills by interacting in groups, clubs and afterschool programming. Summer camps, school break camps and enrichment opportunities are provided for students in Kindergarten through grade five and middle school age students.

For more information on any of these programs or services or to find out how residents may obtain these services, interested individuals should contact Ruiz-Evans at (252) 473-4290.