Interview with JoNelda Cole, February 27, 1985

Interview Summary

JoNelda Cole was born December 28, 1934 in Forbus, Tennessee. She attended high school at the Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute, which is named for the World War I hero, and the only state-supported high school in Tennessee. She specialized in Textiles and Clothing at the University of Tennessee and received her B.S. degree in Home Economics, in 1956. She attended graduate school at the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University. Cole received her teacher's certificate at E.K.U., but took her first job in Madison County, Kentucky as an Assistant Home Demonstration Agent, and stayed in extension work in the county for her entire career.

Cole talks about the many projects and activities she worked with county and state-wide, and mentions the People to People Tour and the North Central 4-H Camp in Carlisle, Kentucky. She says her main responsibility as a 4-H agent is to provide opportunities to young people and adults, to make these opportunities available, and to encourage people to participate. Cole recalls the support from local people and mentions State 4-H Alumnus Oliver Cunningham, who helped to integrate the schools in Madison County. In July of 1966, she was made Area Extension Agent. She was appointed 4-H Agent for Madison County in 1970. She talks about new projects as well as projects that are coming back and says that one challenge is finding enough leaders for all the children. She helped organize the first day camp in the state at the Indian Fort Theater in Berea, Kentucky.

Cole explains the Extension Council system at the county, area, and state level, how each level functions, and the support at each level from the 4-H Council and the U.K. College of Agriculture. Cole explains that she continued to take classes at E.K.U. and U.K., but says there are also many opportunities for professional improvement through extension work. She talks about the support of her husband, the challenges of their careers, and how they have worked together in making a successful life for their family. She mentions her civic activities in the community and describes her professional memberships with various organizations.

Interview Keyword

Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service

Interview LC Subject

Cole, JoNelda, 1934- Cole, JoNelda, 1934- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History University of Kentucky. Cooperative Extension Service

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