Early in life, Liz Buckner made the decision to pursue an education in dietetics. Her decision was grounded in observing her mother's career and her father's carefully planned diet after developing coronary problems. Her mother, Margaret Buckner, was the first Taylor County Extension Agent for Home Economics and later became the first food service director for Taylor County schools.
After completing high school in Taylor County, Liz Buckner enrolled at her mother's alma mater, University of Kentucky, and earned a bachelor of science in dietetics and a master of science in home economics.Early in life, Liz Buckner made the decision to pursue an education in dietetics. Her decision was grounded in observing her mother's career and her father's carefully planned diet after developing coronary problems. Her mother, Margaret Buckner, was the first Taylor County Extension Agent for Home Economics and later became the first food service director for Taylor County schools.
While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Buckner worked as an Extension intern with Lou Darland in Marion County in 1977. This opportunity, along with the family history in Extension, convinced her that Extension was the best career choice. After completing her masters, she accepted a position as an area Extension agent for foods and nutrition working in Jefferson and the surrounding counties. Buckner's primary responsibility was with the Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program which had started in Jefferson County 10 years prior.
Throughout her career, Buckner has continued to work with the Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). In 2000, her position changed to include state wide responsibilities for evaluation and reporting for both EFNEP and the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (now known as SNAP-Ed). In 2007, Buckner became the director of Extension's Nutrition Education Programs, providing leadership and managerial oversight for both the EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programs.
Throughout her career, colleagues have always complimented Buckner's knowledge, professionalism, quick wit, and good nature. Her professional accomplishments have been recognized with the First Decade Award from the College of Home Economics Alumni Association in 1989 and the Distinguished Service Award from the Kentucky Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences in 1997. She was recognized for 30 years of service to Cooperative Extension in March 2011.
Buckner will continue with the School of Human Environmental Sciences in a 50% post retirement appointment and will provide transition assistance for the new director of the Nutrition Education Programs. She looks forward to spending her retirement days gardening and golfing.
Liz Buckner receives recognition for thirty years of service in Cooperative Extension from Dr. Jimmy Henning, Associate Dean for Extension