Joseph Donaldson

Joseph Donaldson is a teacher, scholar, program evaluator, and researcher. He teaches, mentors, and advises undergraduate and graduate students, and he works with Extension professionals and stakeholders to enhance community engagement and Extension education. 

As the undergraduate coordinator for the Extension education major and minor, he works to prepare future Extension professionals for North Carolina and beyond. He also serves as an advisor to agricultural science undergraduates.  

An accomplished Extension professional, he was recognized by the Joint Council of Extension Professionals as the 2015 National Extension Professional of the Year (one of only six national awardees). Prior to NC State, he served as an Extension Agent, Extension Specialist, and Assistant Professor with the University of Tennessee.

Donaldson has served in a number of professional leadership roles. He chaired the Research and Evaluation Committee for the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (2005-2007) and served as President of the Extension Journal, Inc. Board of Directors (2013). In 2010, he served as National Chair of the American Evaluation Association, Extension Education Evaluation Topical Interest Group. 

Donaldson is a native of Celina, Tennessee, where he grew up on a family farm raising tobacco, beef, and sheep. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling.

B.S. Agricultural and Extension Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
M.S. Agricultural and Extension Education, Pennsylvania State University
Ph.D. Educational Psychology and Research (concentration in evaluation and assessment), University of Tennessee, Knoxville