AgriLife Extension hires family, consumer sciences agent in Lipscomb County
Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Miquela Smith, 806-862-4601, miquela.smith@ag.tamu.edu
LIPSCOMB – Miquela Smith has been hired to fill the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service family and consumer sciences agent’s position for Lipscomb County, effective Jan. 4, according to Brandon Dukes, AgriLife Extension district administrator in Amarillo.
“Miquela brings a host of practical experiences and a keen ability to connect with people through the position,” Dukes said. “She will be a valuable resource to youth and adult audiences in Lipscomb County.”
He said Smith will spend her first month training in Hemphill County.
Smith earned her master’s degree in public health-epidemiology from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, and her bachelor’s in psychology and Spanish from Trinity University, San Antonio.
Most recently, she has managed ongoing studies, including the New Mexico Colorectal Cancer Survivor Project and the Risk Education and Assessment for Cancer Heredity Study as an associate scientist at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center, Albuquerque.
Prior to that, she worked for the Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico in Albuquerque as the director of volunteers and victim advocate.
Smith said her master’s degree coupled with her time at the Cancer Center provided her with a passion for working with underserved communities.
“After moving to Lipscomb County in the fall, I wanted to find a position where I could apply my research skills to improve the health and life of community members,” she said. “This position as a county agent feels like the perfect marriage between my research and community-based work experiences. I look forward to expanding my skillset.
“I have worked extensively with community organizations and thrive working within diverse populations. I believe these skills and experiences have prepared me to excel as a county agent.”
