Foster Named Extension Director
for Family and Consumer Sciences on the Rolling Plains

Writer: Tim W. McAlavy, (806) 764-4051, email: t-mcalavy@tamu.edu

VERNON – Pam Foster of Childress was recently named Rolling Plains Extension director for family and consumer sciences (FCS) with Texas Cooperative Extension, effective Nov. 15. She will be headquartered at the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research and Extension Center here.

In her new role, Foster will work closely with Galen Chandler, Rolling Plains district Extension director-agriculture; Kalico Karr, Rolling Plains 4-H and youth development specialist; county agents; and Extension specialists to plan and coordinate Extension programs on the Rolling Plains.

Foster will also provide district leadership for Extension family and consumer sciences programming -- including planning and coordinating educational programs; supervising faculty and staff; fiscal planning and management; and serving as a liaison with government and public/private clientele.

"I’m really excited about the opportunity to serve in this role,” Foster said. “I love the Rolling Plains, and have spent all of my Extension career in this district.

“I’m looking forward to working with agents, volunteers and county commissioners courts as we continue to bring high quality outreach and education programs to people of the Rolling Plains.”

A native of Nocona, Texas, Foster earned a bachelor's degree in home economics from Tarleton State University in 1975, and her master's degree in home economics education from Sam Houston State University in 1981.

She is certified as a food protection management training instructor and holds her certification for family and consumer sciences from the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. She is also a graduate of San Antonio Leadership Extension (SALE) – a two-year leadership development program sponsored and conducted by Texas Cooperative Extension.

Foster served as a home economics teacher with Mexia Independent School District in 1977, before beginning her Extension career as home economics agent-at large for Hall, Motley, Stonewall and Throckmorton Counties. In 1980, she moved to Wilbarger County as a county Extension agent in home economics.

In 1989, she transferred to Wichita County as an Extension for 4-H and youth development agent. Foster has served as county Extension agent for family and consumer sciences in Childress County since 1991.

Foster has received several awards during her Extension career. These include: Vice Chancellor’s award for Excellence in Extension Programs; Texas Cooperative Extension’s Superior Service Award; USDA’s 20-Year Service Recognition; Texas Association of Extension 4-H Agent’s Education Exhibit Award; a Meritorius Service Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi; and Distinguished Service Awards from the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the National Association for Extension 4-H Agents.

She has also received awards for community service, such as 1997 Woman of the Year Award from the Childress Chamber of Commerce; Outstanding Young Woman in America and honorable mention in the Attorney General’s 1996 Criminal Justice Award.

Foster is married to Lyall Foster. They will continue to live in Childress.