Carley Calico Morrison

Dr. Carley Calico Morrison serves as Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education at Mississippi State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Her work bridges academic research and extension outreach, focusing on agricultural education, leadership development, and food systems security across the Southern United States.

Education

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Science, Mississippi State University
• B.S. in Agricultural Education, Southern Arkansas University

Research Focus: Morrison's scholarship centers on agricultural literacy, volunteer leadership development, and workforce readiness in agricultural contexts. She employs mixed-methods approaches including Delphi studies, case analyses, and perception surveys to evaluate training effectiveness and program impacts. Her extension work addresses critical gaps in food safety protocols and crisis management for agricultural businesses.

Publication Trends: Recent work (2017-2024) reveals three thematic clusters: (1) agricultural literacy professional development frameworks, (2) volunteer leader competency assessment systems, and (3) food safety extension programming for business operators. Her scholarship consistently emphasizes practical applications for extension agents and educational practitioners.

Awards & Recognition

• American Association of Agricultural Educators Donald Zachariah Early Career Teaching Award
• NACTA Excellence in Teaching (New Faculty)
• MSU College of Agriculture Teacher of the Year
• Wesley A. Ammon Outstanding New Advisor
• MSU Idea Shop Fellowship for innovative programming

Advising & Outreach: As Graduate Coordinator, Morrison mentors four master's students while leading extension initiatives that produced 10+ food safety publications through MSU Extension Service. Her crisis communication and traceability frameworks have been adopted by food businesses across Mississippi. Current projects include the "How to SipSafe" training series for beverage operators.

Professional Engagement: Active in American Association of Agricultural Educators, Association of Leadership Educators, and North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, Morrison integrates disciplinary expertise with practical extension solutions to strengthen agricultural education systems.