Whether teaching adults in Family and Consumer Sciences or making an impact in a child's life in her capacity with Georgia 4-H, Floyd has left her mark on the community. Now, as she prepares for retirement, she reflects on what mattered the most during her career -- the people.
Occupation: Bartow County Extension Coordinator
Residence: Cartersville, Ga. -- Cassville community
How long have you been with the UGA Cooperative Extension: 31 years
How long have you lived in Cartersville/Bartow County: From '88 until Gary and I married in '93 and then we moved back in 2000. But with Extension, you feel so connected to the community where you work, you really do live in there.
Family: Married to Gary Floyd for 18 years. Together we have three children. Jarrod lives in Rome with Melanie and McKinley; Jamie lives in Saudi Arabia with Eric and baby on the way; and Anna lives in Albertville, Ala., with sons Bryson and Kade.
Education: How far back do you want to go? Graduated Chattooga County High School, when I was 16. [I] Joined my sister at [Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College] for one year. [I earned a] BSHE (Bachelor of Science in Home Economics) [from the University of Georgia]; and Master of Education from UGA when I was 21.
I understand you have officially retired, but you are still active with the Extension Agency. What is your current role with the Bartow County Extension Agency?
A: I am currently contracted with University of Georgia until the end of this year part-time. I am responsible for providing programs in Family and Consumer Sciences.
What drew you to this line of work?
A: My father was [an] Extension Agent in Chattooga County. I grew up in 4-H and I have always wanted to work with Extension.
What has been the most rewarding part of your role in Bartow County?
A: Working with the young people in 4-H, watching them grow and mature and succeed and working with adults -- teaching.
What would you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?
A: I hope I have made a positive impact on the lives of those I love and those I work with.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
A: I worked in our chicken house growing up, the old-fashioned kind, where everything was done by hand: picking up eggs, cleaning troughs, lowering the roosts at night, candling, cleaning, spraying eggs -- we did it all!
Where is your favorite place to be in Bartow County?
A: Home. After that, at the top of any mountain.
What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
A: Genuine, kind, calm.
If you were not in this line of work, what would you like to do?
A: I like helping people, and I like variety, so there are lots of possibilities. Ultimately, I would love to travel.