Reflecting on Extension’s Legacy of Impact in Virginia
Today, Cooperative Extension programs are woven into the fabric of Virginia communities. Through 4-H youth development, agricultural education, family and consumer sciences and community resource development, Extension connects research-based knowledge and solutions with individuals, families and communities across the Commonwealth. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) at Virginia State University (VSU) continues to practice and expand a long tradition of outreach. Today, this work reflects more than a century of vision, persistence and leadership born from a need to dedicate resources to solve Virginians’ real-world problems.
In the early 1800s, there were limited opportunities to learn and study agriculture, despite a growing need for workers with this practical knowledge. Educational opportunities that did exist were not open to all. The story of Extension in Virginia began with the first Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862, a piece of legislation that sold federal land to states for the clear purpose of establishing institutions focused on teaching agriculture and mechanical arts as well as classical and scientific studies. The goal was revolutionary for its time: to educate the working class and dedicate scholarly resources to solving pressing issues. In 1872, the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, now known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, received funds from the Morrill Land Grant Act for its founding and would later become home to agricultural outreach and demonstration work.
Mr. Chris Mullins is a familiar and trusted face around Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). Many know him from his work as a Horticulture Extension Specialist at Virginia State University (VSU)’s Randolph Farm, while others know him from his extensive partnership engagement across the VCE system. With 26 years of experience in several roles in VSU’s College of Agriculture and VSU-CE, including most recently as Director of Randolph Farm, Mullins recently stepped into another new role. On December 5, 2025, he became Interim Associate Dean for Extension and VSU’s Extension Administrator, following the departure of Dr. Janine P. Woods, who accepted the role of Executive Director of County Cooperative Extension for the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Mullins began his career at VSU in 1999, where he gained experience teaching academic classes, conducting research and delivering Extension programming; work that become central to his career. As a specialist in indoor agricultural systems and vegetable gardening, he frequently gave workshops on hydroponics and aquaponics systems to growers and hobbyists. His expertise and approachable style led many participants to return for more workshops and to seek his advice on their operations. Over time, Mullins assumed new responsibilities in leadership roles, including serving as VSU’s Extension Program Leader for Food, Ag Systems & Agroforestry. In 2023, he stepped into another key leadership role as Director of Randolph Farm, continuing his long-standing commitment to applied research, education and outreach.
