Extension Agents & Staff
WE ARE...
the NDSU Extension Service. We extend education to North Dakota residents of all ages and walks of life. You’ll find us at work in your county, at Research Extension Centers and at the main campus of North Dakota State University. As North Dakotans work to improve their lives, we’re there to help. Our efforts have a special emphasis on strengthening agriculture and developing the potential of youth, adults and communities. Our efforts are funded by county, state and federal government.
We have a rich history of extending North Dakota’s land-grant university. Federal legislation established Extension in 1914, but years before that our predecessors were extending education through lectures, institutes, tours, fairs and demonstrations.
... that through Extension’s help
“men and women may develop within
themselves the ability to bring
about a better condition in the community.”
Thomas Cooper,
North Dakota’s first Extension director
1914-1917
Paige Brummund, Extension Agent
Paige joined the Ward County Extension Service in October 2011. She is a graduate of NDSU with a bachelor's degree in Animal Science and Equine Studies and a minor in Agribusiness. A native of Oakes, her recent experience has been in the private sector working with reproductive programs on ranches. Paige is responsible for educational programs in animal systems, horticulture, agronomy, and community and youth development.
Programming Areas:
Animal Systems - information on program areas in all animal systems. This includes herd health, nutrition, reproduction, and general husbandry.
Cropping Systems - information on program areas in agronomy. This includes weed control, crop rotation, soil health and crop budgeting among other topics.
Horticulture - information on a variety of home and commercial horticulture programs. These vary from greenhouse management to wild flowers in North Dakota.
Marketing - assistance to marketing Beef, Crop, and Ag marketing clubs in Ward County which includes educational programs.
Lori Scharmer, Extension Agent
Lori joined the Ward County Extension Service in January of 2001. She serves as the Family and Consumer Science Agent and in that capacity offers research-based educational programming in the areas of Food and Nutrition, Family Resource Management and Human Development. Lori is a graduate of NDSU with a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science and a masters degree in Family Financial Planning. Lori is a native of North Dakota. She also has administrative duties in the Extension Office.
Programming Areas:
Foods and Nutrition - provides current research-based education and information for healthy living choices.
Family Resource Management - resources and information on managing family finances and wise consumer practices.
Human Development - resources and education to help with personal and family relationships and communications.
Gail Slinde, Extension Agent
Gail received a BS in Family Consumer Science Education from NDSU and a MS in Youth Development from Kansas State University. She joined Ward County Extension Service in January 2000. She serves as the 4-H Youth Development Agent. She is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs for all Ward County youth, including those in traditional 4-H clubs. Her focus areas include life skills development, youth empowerment and character education. She provides researched-based information in the food preservation and food safety areas.
Programming Areas:
Coordinates the Ward County 4-H program.
Offers educational programs for all youth in Ward County.
Provides educational information on food safety and preservation.
Trisha Jessen, Extension Agent
Holly Arnold
Holly joined the Ward County Extension Service in October 2003. She received her Child Development/Family Services degree from NDSU. Since 2007, Holly has been the Parent Resource Center (PRC) coordinator for Region II which includes the following counties: Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward.
Program Areas:
PRC - Coordinate and deliver educational opportunities, information and resources to parents, caregivers, and other professionals.
Laura Morelli, Extension Assistant
(701)-857-6446
Laura began working with the Extension Service in 1995. She provides support for the agents in 4-H and Parent Resource Center. She received a bachelor of Social Work degree from Minot State University.
Debra Register, Extension Assistant
(701)-857-6450
Deb began working with the Extension Service in 1981. She provides support for the agents in 4-H, Food and Nutrition, Family Science, Family Nutrition Program and Parent Resource Center.
Claudia Dean, Sr. Administrative Assistant
(701)-857-6444
Claudia began working with the Extension Service in July of 2011 and provides support for the agent in crops, horticulture and livestock. She received her bachelors degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting from the University of Idaho.
