This panel discussion will have Extension and faculty professionals sharing their experiences with projects that included a partnership between Extension and university departments. Panelists will be able to explain what Extension does across Alabama, how university departments have been involved with some programs and projects in recent years, and share possibilities for the future. With Extension having offices and community connections across every state, they are a great resource to expand outreach efforts for many university programs. This session will also engage participants in an interactive discussion with questions/answers and idea-sharing from the panelists and participants.
Panelists:
Portia Johnson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
Portia Johnson is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist with a joint appointment with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Department of Consumer and Design Sciences at Auburn University. As Financial Management Specialist, her programming includes adult and youth financial literacy, personal money management, career preparedness and financial aid decision-making, disaster preparedness. Johnson’s research agenda includes sustainable homeownership, heirs’ property, household financial literacy and housing education, coaching, and counseling. Johnson has authored/co-authored 35+ academic and extension publications and regularly presents nationally. She has received over 21 honors and awards, among them 2023 National New Professional of the Year by the National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences, 2021 National Sadie Alexander Scholar Recipient, The Sadie Collective and National Blue Key Honor Society 2021 inductee. Johnson has been featured on news, print magazines for Alabama FAST, her award-winning financial aid community program.
Allie Logan, Assistant Director for Field Operation Southeast Region
Allie Logan was born and raised on her family’s farm in Barbour County. She attended Auburn University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in agriculture communications and a master’s degree in Adult Education. Allie served as Barbour County Extension Coordinator from 2016-2023. She worked hard to improve the quality of life for Barbour County citizens and enjoyed working with the youth through 4-H, educating farmers, and working on community and economic development programs. In October 2024, Allie began a new role with Alabama Extension as the Assistant Director for Field Operation in the Southeast Region. As ADFO, Allie will have the opportunity to lead, develop, and support Extension Staff in the Wiregrass area and work with all staff to help deliver impactful educational programs to the residents of our state. Allie lives in Eufaula, AL. She is married to David Logan and they have a daughter, Carolina.
Dr. Laura Downey, Associate Dean for Extension
Dr. Laura Downey is the Associate Dean for Extension in the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University and the Assistant Director for Human Sciences Extension Programs with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. She received her doctorate from the University of Kentucky and her M.S. and B.A. from Auburn University. Since returning to Auburn University in 2022, she has provided overall leadership for Human Sciences Extension programs. Before taking her current position, Dr. Downey was a professor and Extension specialist in the School of Human Sciences at Mississippi State University, where she led Extension program planning and evaluation efforts. Central to her work is a collaborative approach that engages Extension professionals, university students and faculty, community members, informal and formal leaders, and other community-based professionals as co-learners. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children or reading a good book.
For more information about Auburn University Extension System, please visit aces.edu.