Raygene C. Paige

1998 National Distinguished Service Ruby Award Recipient
Dr. Raygene C. Paige

Paige has been State Program Leader for Family & Consumer Education at Mississippi State University. She has been an Extension professional since her initial position as an associate home demonstration agent in 1961. In the ensuing years she has given subject matter and administrative leadership as a county and area home economist, district program leader, district agent, area director, and assistant to the state director.

Dr. Paige has been very involved in programs to achieve cultural diversity in the Extension System.

As chair of her state's Cultural Diversity Committee, she successfully guided development of innovative goals to carry out Extension's commitment to diversity and pluralism. These goals were used to develop the statewide strategic plan which included the 1890 Extension program. The strategic plan, EMBRACING DIVERSITY: A CULTURAL DIVERSITY PLAN FOR THE MISSISSIPPI COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM was shared throughout the University system and heralded as an example for other units and departments to follow.

Through Dr. Paige's encouragement and perseverance, MSU Extension (1862 institution) and the 1890 institution, Alcorn Cooperative Extension Program (ACEP), forged a partnership to unify Extension programs in 14 southern Mississippi counties. She provided direction for a Fact Sheet to explain the relationship between the 1890 and 1862 land grant institutions. This information is used with state legislators to enhance their awareness of the roles of both programs.

Ruby Award Luncheon: December 11, 1998

Just press on the (highlighted and underlined) title to review the contents of the speech.
"High Tech, High Touch --- High Time"