Name change reflects focus of home economics programs

To show the modernization of its approach, the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service has changed the name of the extension home economics program to Family and Consumer Education.

The new name reflects the program's mission to provide educational programs that are issue-based and family-focused.

"The name 'home economics' has a certain 'sewing and cooking' stereotype that people often lock into," said Dr. Raygene Paige, acting state program leader of Family and Consumer Education. "Our new name reflects our diversity. We hope it will help people see the focus of our educational program at the state and county levels."

Paige said the educational programs are focused on families throughout all stages of the life cycle.

"Our high priority educational programs include nutrition, diet and wellness, family resource management, leadership development, human development and family life, entrepreneurship, and environmental issues," said Dr. Melissa Mixon, extension leader in the Department of Home Economics.

The programs are offered through schools, community colleges, agencies, and churches, as well as through extension.

"Extension educational programs are unique because they are research-based and have a statewide outreach," Paige said. "They utilize grassroots program planning and both volunteer and paraprofessional involvement to serve all."

While the name of the extension program has changed, the name of the academic department has not.

"A title and rank committee currently is working on a name change for all county-level extension agents, including home economists," Paige said. "We hope to decide on a new name soon."

Throughout the state, there are 68 MCES county home economists, some with multi-county responsibilities.

"Many people in communities all over the state depend on home economists to provide them with advice on everything from which piece of household equipment to buy to what communities can do about toxic waste," Paige said. "In small communities, home economists often serve as the information link between the consumer and the world at large."