On July 16, 1984, Gloria Morning began a new job with NC State as administrative assistant in N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Edgecombe County Center. She pursued the position because Extension’s mission of improving the lives of North Carolinians fit perfectly with her personal ethos.

“I liked Extension’s motto about helping people,” she said. “I enjoy helping people.”

Four decades later she is still in Edgecombe County. Morning recently celebrated her 40th anniversary as an Extension employee, and continues to deliver high-quality customer service to clients and staff. 

“Gloria is consistent, reliable, dedicated, trustworthy and hardworking,” said Tanya Heath, director of the Edgecombe County Center. “She exhibits a commitment to excellence, and is a team player and a servant leader. Gloria has been a cornerstone of our team for 40 years. Her dedication to our customers is evident in every interaction. She goes above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction.”

Morning began her job when few people had cell phones or personal computers. There was no internet, no social media, no texting, no video calls. Over the years, she has embraced change and cheerfully adopted new technologies that enabled her to better perform her duties.

“She has adapted to countless changes over these four decades, and has continually expanded her skills to meet the demands of her position,” Heath said. “Her contributions over the past 40 years have definitely left a positive mark on our organization's success.”

1. North Carolina’s population totaled 6.1 million people in 1984. It has grown by 74% in the ensuing decades to nearly 11 million people today.
2. The N.C. Department of Agriculture’s long-running “Goodness Grows in North Carolina” campaign was first conceived, formally launching the next year. The popular program was rebranded in 2005 as "Got to Be NC."
3. Extension’s youth development program, 4-H, celebrated the 75th anniversary of the formation of “corn clubs” in North Carolina, the forerunner to today’s 4-H.
4. In other news, Wendy’s first asked the world, “Where’s the beef?” in 1984. As it turns out, quite a few of them are here at home! Nearly 400,000 beef cows can be found in North Carolina today, where livestock comprise roughly three-fourths of the state’s $111 billion agriculture industry.