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Biography

Dr. Carolyn J. Williams is a native of Palestine, TX. Her roots in extension began in 1968 when her mother enrolled her and two younger brothers in the 4-H Program under the leadership of the late Mrs. Ruby Ragsdale. – Anderson County Extension Agent. She received a 4-H scholarship to attend Prairie View A&M University in 1973 and majored in Home Economics Education with plans to become a County Extension Agent. She graduated in May 1977 from Prairie View with a Bachelor of Science degree and started her career as an Extension Agent with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, now known as Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Her first county was San Jacinto, County, then went on to work in Angelina, Cass, Gregg, and Brazos Counties. While in Brazos County, she discussed nutrition and wellness topics on KBTX-TV weekly television show, KBTX- for six years. After serving as an Extension Agent for 18 years in 4-H and FCS with Texas AgriLife, she assumed the position as Program Leader for Family & Consumer Sciences with the Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University in February 1997. In 2011 she assumed the role of Associate Administrator (Executive Associate Director) where she has administrative oversight of extension agents and specialists in 35 Texas counties.

She has served on the EDEN Executive Committee for several years and has supported Extension staff in professional development opportunities relative to disaster education and management. County agents and program specialists have been recognized at the state level for their contributions and responses to wildfires, floods, community disasters and COVID-19.

She received a masters’ degree in 1991 from Prairie View A&M University. She received her doctorate in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University in December 2000. She is married to Rev. Elton Williams and enjoys helping people reach their potential. She is also a gospel musician and singer.