A&T Extension’s Rodriguez Leads Specialists By Example

September 29, 2026

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CAES, Cooperative Extension

Diverse group of professionals in a business meeting or workshop setting.

Beatriz “Betty” Rodriguez was once the only N.C. A&T Extension specialist at the North Carolina Association of Cooperative Extension Specialists (NCACES) meetings. Today, as president, A&T Extension participation is nearly 70%.

Professional woman in business attire smiling for a portrait.

Beatriz “Betty” Rodriguez

When Beatriz “Betty” Rodriguez attended one of the in-person meetings of the North Carolina Association of Cooperative Extension Specialists (NCACES) at NC State University in 2023, she was surprised to find she was the only N.C. A&T Extension Specialist in attendance.

Today, Rodriguez, the N.C. A&T Extension associate who coordinates programs for urban and underrepresented audiences, is the organization's president, and participation in NCACES among eligible A&T Extension employees stands close to 70%.

As she prepares to leave the role at the end of the year, Rodriguez said she is proud to continue helping NCACES fulfill its mission.

“This has been a year of pushing to achieve our goals and to create more awareness within Cooperative Extension about how valuable membership can be for your professional life,” said Rodriguez. “We care a lot about creating opportunities for education and professional development. We also promote the well-being of our members and know how important it is to provide opportunities for recognition.”

Katryn Eske, Ph.D., a nutrition specialist with N.C. A&T Extension, said that as a new specialist, NCACES helped her network with faculty and associates across Extension and gave her a broader understanding of Cooperative Extension. She praised Rodriguez for her work as president.

“Betty has led us to creatively pursue new members, and she has prioritized community engagement,” Eske said. “This emphasis has allowed us to meet with beginning farmers and to share in their plans and dreams.”

Once her term ends, Rodriguez will continue in a leadership role with NCACES as past president and board member. The presidency requires a three-year commitment, she explained, as incoming president, president, and past president. All three serve on the Board of Directors. Rodriguez also plans to keep encouraging eligible colleagues to join NCACES.

“If you want to advance in your field, if you want to be more aware of the different programs that Extension has, and the efforts to improve standards and collaboration, you should consider being part of the association,” she said.

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