Amarillo native Sierra Stephens said she will fulfill a lifelong dream on Jan. 7 when she starts her new job as the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent in Yoakum County.

Stephens will fill a unique position in Yoakum County that will allow AgriLife Extension to provide educational opportunities for local clientele in a non-traditional staffing model, according to Michael Clawson, AgriLife Extension district administrator in Lubbock.

“We are excited about Sierra stepping into the AgriLife Extension agent position in Yoakum County,” Clawson said. “Her skills, personality and knowledge of the agency are extremely valuable as we approach Extension education from a different direction in Yoakum County. I am looking forward to Sierra’s accomplishments and the impact of AgriLife programs as we move forward.”

Stephens earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural media and communications and is working on her master’s degree in agriculture with an emphasis in agricultural education, both at West Texas A&M University in Canyon.

She previously worked in communications with the Texas Pork Producers Association and the State Fair of Texas, as a livestock assistant with the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and the National Western livestock office, and as an office employee with Hudson Meats and Deer Processing in Austin and Texas Farm LLC in Perryton.

“I’m really excited to get started,” Stephens said. “I have wanted to be a county agent my whole life; all through my undergrad time at WT a job with AgriLife Extension was always my main goal for the future.

“When the Yoakum County job opened up, I decided to apply,” she said. “My dad was born and raised in Plains, so I know the area and the people and thought it would be a great place for me to get started.”

Stephens said her goal is to work every day to know more, so she can best serve the people of Plains and Denver City.

“I want to be a positive role model for all the 4-H youth that I get to meet, and constantly work to improve and advocate for agriculture, 4-H and health programs for the community,” she said.