Scott Welborn has been named to lead the North Carolina Cooperative Extension program in Polk County as the County Extension Director.  The appointment, effective Aug. 1, was announced by Dr. Travis Burke, North Carolina Cooperative Extension interim director and Marche Pittman, Polk County Manager.  Welborn succeeds John Vining, who retired from the position on Oct. 31, 2014.

Welborn has worked for cooperative extension for seven years – five years in Davidson County as Horticulture agent and two years in Forsyth County as Consumer and Commercial Horticulture agent and Director of the Arboretum and Gardens at Tanglewood Park.  He holds a master’s degree in agricultural extension education/horticulture from N.C. State University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Appalachian State University.  On a personal note: Scott is not new to the area as his grandmother lives near Columbus and he spent many summers in the area as a child.

“We are excited to have Scott as the new County Extension director in Polk County and we are confident that he will use his experience, skills and leadership to help build on the solid foundation created by John Vining and the excellent Polk County Extension staff” said Eric Caldwell, West District Extension Director.

Cooperative Extension is a partnership of N.C. State University, A&T State University, county governments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service partners with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians.

-submitted by Sarah Gottfried