New Extension Director Joins County

The UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension has welcomed Nick Simmons as its new Extension Director and Commercial Livestock Agent, joining Escambia County from Tippah County, Mississippi. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in animal and dairy science from Mississippi State University, Simmons is well-versed in the field of agriculture, most recently serving as the Tippah County Extension Coordinator and Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with Mississippi State University Extension.

Simmons started with Escambia County on Oct. 17. As the new Extension Director, he will provide administrative support for Extension Services, overseeing the office and ensuring adequate resources are in place to provide educational programs and make a positive impact in the community. Simmons said he looks forward to facilitating continued growth and support of extension programs, working with the talented staff already in place in Escambia County.

“It’s such a diverse group that does so many different things, and my job is to make sure they’re supported and that their story is told to the ones that need to hear it,” Simmons said.

Simmons served for five years as the Extension Coordinator in Tippah County, covering all components of agriculture, including animal and plant systems, horticulture, timber production and land management. While studying at Mississippi State University, Simmons was president of the Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association and participated in collegiate 4-H and Block and Bridle Club.

Growing up in Saltillo, Mississippi, Simmons participated in 4-H from a young age, following in his family’s footsteps as a third generation 4-H member. His mother and grandmother also worked in extension services.

“So it was kind of a legacy-type thing, if you will,” Simmons said. “My family’s been involved with it for a long time.”

Simmons now has three children of his own with his wife, Michelle, and their 9-year-old son is already an active 4-H member. Along with the opportunity for professional growth, Simmons said he was drawn to the position with Escambia County because of the county's abundant resources and strong 4-H program, which currently boasts about 245 members. 

“It’s a beautiful part of the state, a beautiful part of the country,” Simmons said. “And then the 4-H program they have here was a big recruitment factor for me. We have the resources here to have one of, if not the premier, 4-H program in the country, we really do."

One of Simmons’ goals as Extension Director is to continue to develop the county’s 4-H property in Molino, potentially adding new buildings and structures to provide the youth opportunities to succeed in a variety of educational fields.

“There’s a lot of emphasis on the livestock, but we have the capability of doing science and natural resource conservation-type teaching,” Simmons said. “So I think that’s where we have an area that we can really, really grow over the next few years.”

For more information about Escambia County Extension Services and its resources and programs, visit escambia.ifas.ufl.edu.