Tia Merrell Gregory

Tia Merrell Gregory serves as an Extension Instructor I at Mississippi State University within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, specializing in community needs assessment and Extension program support systems.

Education:

• Master of Science (M.S.) in Geoscience, Mississippi State University
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geoscience, Mississippi State University
• Associate in Arts (A.A.) in General Studies, East Arkansas Community College

Her research focuses on practical applications of Extension education through data-driven community assessment and visualization. She develops resources for Extension professionals on impact documentation and digital tools while addressing community well-being challenges, particularly in Family and Consumer Sciences contexts during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic. Her methodology emphasizes localized solutions through county-level engagement.

Recent publications demonstrate concentrated effort in Mississippi community assessment (2024-2025), with 8 county-specific needs analyses and statewide surveys forming the core of her current work. She simultaneously advances digital infrastructure for Extension through the Digital Measures series, bridging practical field work with technological implementation.

Awards and Honors:

• NAEPSDP First-Time Attendee Scholarship
• Geoff Guyton Innovation in Extension Technology Award

Ms. Gregory actively participates in professional development networks to enhance Extension methodologies, with no formal graduate student advising noted in her current role. Her professional engagement centers on technology innovation and community assessment frameworks.

Professional Affiliations:

• Data Visualization Society
• Mississippi State University Alumni Association
• National Association of Extension Program & Staff Development Professionals
• Southern Region Program Leadership Network