Browsing by Author "Sutphin, Cathy M."

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    Analyzing the Motivational Needs of Volunteerism Among Virginia Adult 4-H Volunteers
    Taylor, Tonya Marie (Virginia Tech, 2010-02-12)
    Understanding volunteer motivation has been widely recognized by both researchers and administrators as a valuable component of program development. Thus, it is important to explore the motivational needs that contribute to Virginia adult 4-H volunteerism. This quantitative research study was designed to fill a gap in the current volunteer literature regarding our understanding of the motivational needs of Virginia adult 4-H volunteers. The following research questions guided this study: 1. What are the motivations of Virginia adult 4-H volunteers and how are these volunteers distributed in terms of their primary motivational need (power, achievement, or affiliation)? 2. What is the relationship between motivational needs (power, achievement, and affiliation) and volunteer satisfaction as self-reported by Virginia adult 4-H volunteers? 3. To what extent are Virginia adult 4-H volunteers motivated to volunteer for Virginia 4-H? 4. To what extent do motivational needs (power, achievement, and affiliation) differ in urban and rural Virginia adult 4-H volunteers? 5. What are the most prevalent youth experiences influencing adult 4-H volunteerism in Virginia 4-H? Data were collected from 296 Virginia 4-H volunteers via a 20-item questionnaire utilizing McClelland's Trichotomy of Needs Theory. The results showed that the top three motives for volunteering with Virginia 4-H were within the achievement and power subscales and included to teach and lead others, to improve the community, and to have an influence on how young people learn and grow. Further, a significant positive relationship was revealed between motivational needs (achievement, affiliation, and power) and satisfaction level. Results also indicated that the majority of Virginia adult 4-H volunteers described their current motivational level as "motivated." Additionally, no significant differences were found between the motivational needs of urban and rural Virginia adult 4-H volunteers and 4-H involvement was the most prevalent youth experience that influenced the decision to volunteer for 4-H. Based on the results of this study, implications and recommendations for practice and further research were suggested.
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    An Assessment of Virginia Cooperative Extension's New Extension Agent Training Program
    Brown, Almeshia S. (Virginia Tech, 2003-11-13)
    This study is an assessment of the New Extension Agent Training (NEAT) program in Virginia. Although new Extension agents have exceptional subject matter training, they often lack skills needed to be effective Extension professionals (Bennett, 1979). The NEAT program provides a way for new agents to receive hands-on experiences that will facilitate a smooth transition into their respective roles. There is currently no specific data that has the NEAT program. Therefore, an evaluation of the program by its participants to determine its importance and effectiveness may be utilized to enhance the effectiveness of the NEAT program. The survey utilized to collect data in the study was developed by the researcher. The instrument was put on a website where participants could access it during a given time frame. The population consisted of new Extension agents, training agents, and administrators who participated in the NEAT program and are currently employed by Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). Participants were asked to rate the importance and effectiveness of the NEAT program in facilitating new Extension agents' growth in a series of goals needed for a new agent to be proficient. These goals were then divided into eight competencies as outlined by National Policy Statement on Staff Training and Development (1968). Participants were asked to provide demographic information and suggestions that would be useful in designing future programs. Data were analyzed using SPSS. The data showed that communication was rated the most important competency while human development was considered the least important. The data related to the ratings of effectiveness of the NEAT program in relation to the eight competencies also demonstrated that respondents rated communication as the most effectively taught competency covered in the NEAT program, and human development as the least effectively taught competency. Significant differences among ratings by position in the NEAT program were measured at the 0.05 alpha level. Significant differences were observed both between new Extension agents and Extension administrators and between Extension training agents and Extension administrators were in the importance of a selected competency and the effectiveness of the NEAT program in teaching the some of the competencies.
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    Career Values and Perceptions of Agricultural Careers of Gifted and Talented Students in the Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture
    Overbay, Andrew Edward (Virginia Tech, 2006-10-18)
    Career choice is governed by what individuals value and their perception of the realities that exist in a given field. Agriculture career education of gifted and talented students, therefore, must begin with an assessment of the values of the students, their assumptions regarding fields within the agriculture industry, and factors that influence their career decisions. This descriptive study summarized values and perceptions held by participants in the 2006 Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture (VGSA). Originally, the VGSA hosted 98 students; one student withdrew from the program. The results of the study confirmed that there is still much controversy and misunderstanding about agriculture and careers in the agriculture arena. The testing process included a survey of career values called the Values Scale. This instrument was developed by Dorothy Nevill and Donald Super and last updated in 1989. The 106-question survey measured 21 personal career values of participants. Follow-up data were collected gauging the students' thoughts on agriculture careers, agriculture companies, their individual career goals, and the influences that shaped their career decisions. The career values of the VGSA Class of 2006 were surprisingly similar to high school student data collected in 1989. There were slight decreases in the value placed on economic rewards and security, but many of the other values mirrored past national data. Most students (n=73) were able to name five agriculture careers with "farmer" garnering most of the responses; however, 29 students did not name a single agriculture company. A majority of the students (n=56) stated that they had made a career decision; however, most of these (n=32) also stated their career was not in the field of agriculture. Half of those having a career goal made their decision prior to their sophomore year in high school. Parents were named by the students as the greatest single influence on career decision among ten choices. School experiences, work experiences, and people who work in the field were also high among influences. Suggestions for further research include identifying effective methods of agricultural career exploration within VGSA and value comparisons between gifted students and the general student population.
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    Developing an "Attitude of Gratitude": 4-H School Enrichment for Youth in 4th and 5th Grades
    Rose, Kelly M. (Virginia Tech, 2017-05-19)
    Youth today are exposed to a great number of stressors. Standardized testing, peer pressure, and even product marketing stress youth and have negative effects on their mental health. Many studies have supported a positive correlation between gratitude and positive outcomes in adults, but there are few studies that focus on youth. The project reported here had three objectives for youth in grades and 4 and 5: improve written communication skills by creating handmade notes, improve positive social interaction, and increase gratitude scores. Five classrooms were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control conditions. A gratitude assessment was administered to students in the participating 4th and 5th grade classrooms (n=123) prior to the interventions, again immediately following the interventions and finally three-weeks post-interventions. All participating classrooms were provided with blank note cards, envelops, inkpads and stamps. Both groups received instruction on the mechanics of writing a note and addressing an envelope for five consecutive school days. The treatment group was instructed to focus on gratitude while the control group wrote about daily activities. Written communication skills were assessed on the first day of instruction and again on the final day of instruction. The project results reflected modest gains in both writing skills, gratitude, and improved behavior for most classes, but none proved statistically significant with a two-tailed, independent t-test and the effect size was small. Qualitative data was encouraging as teachers were interested in implementing the project for the following school year with a few modifications.
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    Evaluating Current and Exploring Future Opportunities for Partnership Between a Faith-Based Organization and Virginia Cooperative Extension
    Graham, Crystal (Virginia Tech, 2019-12-17)
    The opioid crisis is causing immeasurable disruption and placing a heavy burden on individuals, families, communities and the economy across the United States. Addressing this complex crisis will require prevention and intervention strategies on multiple levels. This study investigated perceptions of a faith-based partnership and the opportunity to expand the partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension to deliver prevention programming aimed at drug misuse and abuse including opioids. The study evaluated program coordinator perceptions of a current partnership of two health-based Extension programs delivered in thirty-eight churches of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia in partnership with Extension faculty through a survey. Results indicate a strong partnership, high level of satisfaction of the programming delivered and a solid willingness to partner to deliver other programming, including drug misuse and abuse. However, respondents indicate varying levels of support for programming specifically aimed at opioids. While respondents shared uncertainty about whether opioids had impacted their community, statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse confirmed otherwise, suggesting need for increased awareness of community issues. The sample was small and results were inconclusive outside of the participant group. However, the study supports including a needs assessment and program component aimed at increasing knowledge around community needs. The study concludes there is an opportunity to expand the partnership with FBOs to include prevention programming aimed at drug misuse and abuse including opioids. Recommendations for future research include exploring drug misuse and abuse programming aimed at treatment and recovery, as well as exploring opportunities to partner with additional congregations in the Baptist General Convention and local Virginia Cooperative Extension offices.
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    A Grounded Theory Approach to Studying Dislocated Workers' Decisions and Perceptions Regarding Retraining and Reemployment Programs and Services
    Burnett, Richard Gregory (Virginia Tech, 2003-12-01)
    The purpose of this study was to investigate the decisions and perceptions of Lane Company's dislocated workforce regarding retraining and reemployment programs funded by the Minnie and B.B. Lane Foundation (MBL Foundation), Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), both organizations, or neither organization. Thirteen Lane Company dislocated workers were interviewed utilizing an open-ended questionnaire. The results of this study indicated that the retraining and reemployment needs of Lane Company's dislocated workers were accommodated. However, to accommodate those needs, two organizations were required, the VEC and the MBL Foundation. The VEC was instituted by the federal and state government to provide retraining and reemployment services to dislocated workers via the Trade Act of 1974. The MBL Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was established to provide funding for retraining and reemployment programs to Lane Company's dislocated workforce. Many dislocated workers approached the VEC to apply for retraining, but found that the funding was insufficient or the retraining program they desired was not approved under the Trade Act. The dislocated workers perceived the MBL Foundation as an alternative for supplementary retraining funds and programs they preferred. An approach to provide for the needs of dislocated workers is to revise and appropriate additional funds to the Trade Act. Moreover, the manner in which Lane Company's dislocated workers were accommodated may possibly stand as a model for meeting the needs of other dislocated workers.
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    Guidelines for protecting youth workers: promote safe practices and protect youth workers
    Grisso, Robert D.; Perumpral, John V.; Ohanehi, Donatus Chukwubueze; Goatley, Michael; Jamison, Kathleen; Sutphin, Cathy M.; Swafford, Dan; Estes, Carl (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2012-09-10)
    The goal of this training guide is to reduce the number of accidents and related injuries among the youth workers serving the green industry by improving the work place safety. This training guide is prepared specifically for employers or supervisors of youth workers in the green industry. In addition to familiarizing the supervisors and employers with the regulations associated with hiring of youth workers, this guide discusses the steps they can take to make the work place safer. It also touches on the responsibilities of guardians and youth workers in improving the work place safety.
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    Hand Tools Safety: Lawncare Training Guide
    Grisso, Robert D.; Perumpral, John V.; Ohanehi, Donatus Chukwubueze; Goatley, Michael; Jamison, Kathleen; Sutphin, Cathy M.; Swafford, Dan; Estes, Carl (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2013-11-05)
    Gardening implement safety and care.
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    History of Virginia Congressional District Agricultural High Schools
    Sutphin, Cathy M. (Virginia Tech, 1999-05-03)
    Most research studies of American agricultural education begin with an overview of the events leading to the passage of the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917. By doing so, researchers have neglected an important, foundational era of agricultural education. With the passage of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890, states began establishing land-grant colleges to provide instruction in the scientific method of agriculture. However, the faculty found that students attending the colleges were ill prepared for collegiate level agricultural courses. At the same time, there was increased interest in agricultural education due in part to the establishment of the land-grant system and later the development of a national system of experiment stations. This interest, coupled with a strong national movement to improve secondary education, provided the incentive to for educational leaders to campaign for secondary agricultural education. Hence, the movement for Congressional district agricultural schools began. The state legislatures of Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia established a system of Congressional district agricultural schools. The states of Arkansas and Oklahoma set up similar systems. These schools only lasted a short time but had a great influence on the development of agricultural education, cooperative extension, and public education in general. The purpose of this dissertation is to document the establishment and accomplishments of Congressional district agricultural schools in the United States with an emphasis on Virginia. An overview of the agricultural schools in states other than Virginia is provided. The events leading to the development of such schools in Virginia are described as well as the statutory establishment. Finally, the researcher has described the 11 Virginia Congressional district agricultural schools and their accomplishments are documented. A careful review of related material was conducted. The major outcomes of this study are as follows. First, the study provides historical documentation of the Virginia Congressional district agricultural schools. Secondly the study explores the strong programming partnership that developed between extension and the Congressional district agricultural schools in Virginia. Lastly, the study highlights the importance of the Congressional district agricultural schools in the foundational development of the public school system, the cooperative extension program, and vocational education in Virginia.
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    Incentives and Barriers to Participation in Community Nutrition Education Programs for Recipients of Food Stamps and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
    McFerren, Mary Margaret (Virginia Tech, 2007-04-06)
    The purpose of this study was to explore the incentives and barriers perceived by low-income women of child-bearing age related to their participation in nutrition education programs. The specific programs of concern in this study are the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Food Stamp Nutrition Education (FSNE) program. This qualitative study sought to hear the voices of the women so that nutrition programs can be made more successful in reaching this population. Personal interviews were conducted with 23 women in their homes or appropriate local sites, and transcripts were analyzed to identify categories and themes. People of low socioeconomic status and those with the least education have higher rates of obesity and overweight and suffer disproportionately from poor health. Women receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) also receive Medicaid. Medicaid costs have escalated due to the obesity rate, which is currently estimated at 64% of the adult population. In addition, 30% of American children are experiencing obesity or are overweight. It is important for parents to understand the causes of obesity and the effects of the chronic diseases related to obesity. Prevention programs are more cost effective than medical treatment of the diseases associated with obesity, and proper nutrition can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases. Findings of this study suggest that isolation is the main impediment to participating in nutrition education programs. Missing from the interviewed women's circumstances are social capital, human capital, and economic capital. Social capital relates to the connections and relationships that are important in life. Human capital involves the knowledge and skills acquired through life experiences. Economic capital refers to individual wealth or economic resources available to an individual or community. Nutrition education programs should be refined to incorporate opportunities for socialization that will develop trust and reciprocity, as well as nutrition knowledge. Based on the results of this study, Virginia Cooperative Extension programs will be adapted to incorporate weight control and cooking classes with nutritious recipes. The learning environment will be safe, learner-centered, and fun. New marketing tools that are more appealing to the prospective clients will be developed.
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    Influence of Human Resource Practices on Employee Intention to Quit
    Martin, Michael Joseph (Virginia Tech, 2011-07-15)
    Reducing employee turnover through retention practices is an area of great interest to employers who depend on a highly skilled workforce. In recent years, Cooperative Extension has experienced the loss of many local agents/educators due to resignation and also retirement incentives offered as a cost saving measure to manage reduced funding. Due to the type of work, the training needed, and the small pool of qualified applicants, it is important to pay attention to the retention of newly hired Extension workers. Prior research suggests a linkage of factors that can predict the likelihood of new employees' intention to quit. Human resource practices including recruitment & hiring, compensation & benefits, training & development, and supervision & evaluation are items that can directly influence the level of job satisfaction of new employees as well as their level of commitment to the organization. The level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment can, subsequently, predict an employee's level of intention to quit. This paper will share findings of research conducted in the fall of 2010, which included 480 Extension agents/educators, representing 12 states in the Southern United States. The study targeted employees with less than six years of employment and investigated human resource practices that influence intention to quit. Findings indicate a significant relationship between perceptions of human resource practices and intention to quit, mediated by organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Accordingly, the research has important implications for the management of Cooperative Extension and anyone working in or preparing to work in related fields.
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    Lawn Care: Hand Tools Safety
    Grisso, Robert D.; Perumpral, John V.; Ohanehi, Donatus Chukwubueze; Goatley, Michael; Jamison, Kathleen; Sutphin, Cathy M.; Swafford, Dan; Estes, Carl (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2013-11-05)
    Safety tips for operating hand tools and gardening implements
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    Lawn Care: Hand Tools Safety
    Grisso, Robert D.; Perumpral, John V.; Ohanehi, Donatus Chukwubueze, 1949-; Goatley, Michael; Jamison, Kathleen; Sutphin, Cathy M.; Swafford, Dan; Estes, Carl (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-05-16)
    Provides safety tips for using hand tools.
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    Lawn Care: Powered Hand Tool Safety
    Grisso, Robert D.; Perumpral, John V.; Ohanehi, Donatus Chukwubueze, 1949-; Goatley, Michael; Jamison, Kathleen; Sutphin, Cathy M.; Swafford, Dan; Estes, Carl (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-05-16)
    Provides safety tips for operating powered hand tools.
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    Lawn Care: Powered Hand Tool Safety
    Grisso, Robert D.; Perumpral, John V.; Ohanehi, Donatus Chukwubueze; Goatley, Michael; Jamison, Kathleen; Sutphin, Cathy M.; Swafford, Dan; Estes, Carl (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2013-11-06)
    Safety tips for operating powered hand tools.
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    Lawn Care: Rotary Mower Safety
    Grisso, Robert D.; Perumpral, John V.; Ohanehi, Donatus Chukwubueze, 1949-; Goatley, Michael; Jamison, Kathleen; Sutphin, Cathy M.; Swafford, Dan; Estes, Carl (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-05-16)
    Discusses rotary lawn mowers and provides safety tips.
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    Lawn Care: Rotary Mower Safety
    Grisso, Robert D.; Perumpral, John V.; Ohanehi, Donatus Chukwubueze, 1949-; Goatley, Michael; Jamison, Kathleen; Sutphin, Cathy M.; Swafford, Dan; Estes, Carl (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2013-11-05)
    Lawn mower safety.
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    Lawn Care: Tractor Safety
    Grisso, Robert D.; Perumpral, John V.; Ohanehi, Donatus Chukwubueze, 1949-; Goatley, Michael; Jamison, Kathleen; Sutphin, Cathy M.; Swafford, Dan; Estes, Carl (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-05-16)
    Discusses the safe use of compact tractors.
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    Lawn Care: Tractor Safety
    Grisso, Robert D.; Perumpral, John V.; Ohanehi, Donatus Chukwubueze, 1949-; Goatley, Michael; Jamison, Kathleen; Sutphin, Cathy M.; Swafford, Dan; Estes, Carl (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2013-11-05)
    Tractor safety promoting the use of compact tractors.
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    Lawn Care: Utility-Type Vehicle Safety
    Grisso, Robert D.; Perumpral, John V.; Ohanehi, Donatus Chukwubueze, 1949-; Goatley, Michael; Jamison, Kathleen; Sutphin, Cathy M.; Swafford, Dan; Estes, Carl (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2013-11-05)
    Tips for promoting safe use of utility type vehicle or UTV.