Kelsey Helm Martin
MSU Extension- Marshall County
Years in Position: 4 years
Years of Service to MSU: 7 years and 3 months
For Kelsey Helm Martin, working with Mississippi State University Extension means turning community needs into opportunities for people to learn, connect and grow.
As a Family Health & Wellness/4-H Extension Agent with the Marshall County Extension Office, Martin works with people of all ages through programs focused on family education, youth development and practical life skills. From food preservation and cooking to 4-H Shooting Sports, STEAM Club, livestock projects and Cooking with Kids, her work can look different from one day to the next.
Wright also serves as interim county coordinator for the Benton County Extension Office, where she supports office staff and helps expand opportunities for youth through 4-H and Family Health & Wellness programming.
That variety is part of what makes Extension such a good fit for her.
“I chose a career in Extension because I wanted a job where I could work directly with people and make a difference in my community," Martin said. "I have always enjoyed helping others, being creative, planning events, and teaching practical skills that people can actually use in their everyday lives. Extension gives me the opportunity to do all those things while constantly learning and trying something new."
Her path to Extension was shaped by a desire to work directly with people while using her creativity and teaching skills. Whether she is planning an event, working with 4-H youth, creating educational materials or collaborating with community partners, she enjoys seeing an idea become something people can take part in and use in their everyday lives.
“The best part is getting to educate, create, lead and connect people and help build stronger communities,” she said.
Outside of work, Martin enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband, Brody, and their son, Sumner, and finding new creative projects. She also enjoys crafting, decorating, cooking and spending time at the lake.
Date