DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Steven Tucker
Steven Tucker
Steven Tucker loves helping others, and as an Extension agent, that’s what he does every day.
“Before I became an Extension agent, I worked in the MSU Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture in the College of Forest Resources. In that job, I typically answered questions about wildlife that live in Mississippi. Now, I never know what the question will be or what type of information people will need next,” Tucker said.
But that’s okay with him.
“I consider it a privilege to be able to help the residents in Lafayette County and across the state with whatever their questions or problems are,” Tucker said. “If I don’t know the answer to a question, I know which specialists and agents can help me answer it. I am fortunate to work with some really great people on campus and in Extension.”
Tucker has enjoyed several roles with MSU. He began his career as a forestry research technician with MAFES. His next adventure involved giving educational tours at the Wildlife and Fisheries Research and Educational Facility on campus and visiting schools to talk about Mississippi mammals. He then moved to the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center where he helped teach landowners and farmers how to manage wild hogs.
Now, in Lafayette County, Tucker works mainly with the 4-H program but helps clients of all ages on a variety of subjects.
“I have always enjoyed working with and mentoring youth,” said Tucker. “But I love helping everyone. I love to watch people be successful because of what they learn through Extension: a 4-H’er cooks a fantastic meal that other 4-H’ers enjoy; a 4-H’er hits the ten ring or busts that one clay that is hard to hit in the S.A.F.E.T.Y. program; or a person successfully grows a garden or crop without nuisance pests destroying it. I am rewarded every day by their excitement for learning and their sense of accomplishment.”
Tucker said he encourages young people to consider a career in Extension.
“We make the best better through sound, research-based information,” he said. “Extension offers education on a broad range of topics, but you don’t have to know everything. No one person does but understanding how to work as a team player will help you grow and enhance your career. If you are honest, empathetic, trustworthy, and a good listener and communicator, you will be successful. My best advice is to meet the specialists and network with fellow agents across the state.”
The Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Spotlight Employee profiles are provided by the Office of Agricultural Communications at Mississippi State. For more information, please click here.
