Jefferson County Extension Names New Stormwater Agent

by Kristin Higgins - June 5, 2020

Kevin Harris is the new county agent for urban stormwater at the Jefferson County Extension Service. In this position, Harris will help residents and businesses learn about water quality protection and engage in activities that prevent stormwater pollution.

Harris will work with the cities of Pine Bluff and White Hall, as well as Jefferson County government on these educational activities. He will also provide their various departments tools and training to address stormwater pollution, and assist them with state permit reporting.

Prior to joining the Jefferson County Extension Office, Harris worked as a 4-H Extension Educator with The Ohio State University Extension. In his role, he provided leadership for 1,200 4-H members, 170 adult volunteer advisors, and taught over 700 teen drivers annually the importance of safe driving habits in the 4-H CARTEENS educational program.

Harris has conducted educational programs in schools, conducted after school programs, trained 4-H volunteers, and provided leadership to 4-H and Extension committees. Also, Harris has presented his work at both local and national conferences. Harris previously worked for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension Service. Harris brings a total of 12 years of Extension experience into his new role to Jefferson County.

Though most recently living in Ohio, Harris grew up on a farm in Barney, Georgia. He earned his master’s degree in Agriculture and Extension Education from Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education from Fort Valley State University. Harris and his wife Dr. Karleah Harris, have two sons, Kyle and Kris.

The Jefferson County Extension Office has provided stormwater education in Jefferson County, Pine Bluff and White Hall for more than a decade and frequently hosts clean ups and calls for artists to paint stormdrains with educational messages.

For more information about stormwater pollution prevention, visit www.uaex.uada.edu/stormwater. Follow the Jefferson County stormwater program on Facebook or Instagram.