Faculty Overview

Donaldson, Joseph L.

Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Agricultural and Human Sciences
joseph_donaldson@ncsu.edu
919-515-1758

Dr. Donaldson is a teacher, scholar, program evaluator, and researcher. He teaches, mentors, and advises undergraduate and graduate students, and he works with Extension professionals and stakeholders to enhance community engagement and Extension education. As the Undergraduate Coordinator for the Extension Education major and minor, he works to prepare future Extension professionals for North Carolina and beyond. He also serves as advisor to students in the Agricultural Science major. An accomplished Extension professional, he was recognized by the Joint Council of Extension Professionals as the 2015 National Extension Professional of the Year (one of only six national awardees). Prior to NC State, he served as an Extension Agent, Extension Specialist, and Assistant Professor with the University of Tennessee. Donaldson has served in a number of professional leadership roles. He chaired the Research and Evaluation Committee for the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (2005-2007) and served as President of the Extension Journal, Inc. Board of Directors (2013). In 2010, he served as National Chair of the American Evaluation Association, Extension Education Evaluation Topical Interest Group. Donaldson is a native of Celina, Tennessee, and in his spare time he enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling.

Expertise:
Community Development | Extension | Youth Leadership

Country(s) of experience:
Bangladesh | Greece | United States

Type(s) of International Experience:
Director of study abroad programs or similar | Advisor for international students

Research Focus:

I maintain an active research and scholarship program in community engagement, organizational development evaluation, and human resource development while making career pathways for youth and adults a concentration. I am interested in the efficacy of career pathway programs specifically in the food, agricultural, natural resource, and human sciences. These programs are designed to help individuals achieve career awareness, employability skills, and educational goals.

Language(s):
English

Projects:
Developing Global Fluency in Extension Education: A Virtual Study Abroad Linking NC State University and Bangladesh Agricultural University Development project
03/01/2022 - 12/31/2023
Funding Agency/Sponsor:
Institutional Partner: Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Bangladesh

Improving the Curriculum of Agricultural Extension Education Program and Modernizing Extension Systems in Bangladesh, 2019-Present Development project
03/01/2021 - 11/30/2021
Funding Agency/Sponsor: Fulbright Scholar Program
Institutional Partner: Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Bangladesh

Website:
https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/joseph-donaldson-phd/