Sims explained that her grandfather Jack Turner worked with the experiment station here in Cullman as a research assistant for Auburn , conducting variety trials and helping farmers .
“ I have had the pleasure to meet some of those farmers who worked with my grandfather since I have been in this job ,” said Sims . “ And I am so excited about what the future holds .”
Sims graduated from Auburn University with an undergraduate and Master ’ s degree in Horticulture in 2013 and 2015 , respectively .
“ I knew I wanted to pursue horticulture ,’ Sims said . “ I grew up down the road from Auburn with family as alumni so there was nowhere else I thought about going .” Sims grew up around plants , beginning with helping her dad pull weeds .
“ Then I started my first vegetable garden with my grandmother , using practices she ’ d learned from my grandfather . I also worked for my uncle ’ s plant nursery during my high school summers and breaks ,” she said .
Over the last decade or so , she ’ s had several jobs that shaped her career path , including manual labor in lawn maintenance , landscape install and field research . “ It makes me appreciate those who do it daily ,” she said . Her Ag teachers , beginning in high school and carrying on to Auburn , also had a big influence on her desire to learn about horticulture and teach . “ They made horticulture exciting and were great examples of excellent teachers ,” said Sims .
“ I had ideas of what I wanted to be , but that changed several times , especially the closer I was to finishing a degree . That still is true — I have had several ‘ dream job ’ ideas ! The first time I graduated from Auburn I knew what I didn ’ t want to do and it seemed most of the jobs available fit into that category so I stayed in school .” Sims said that after earning her Master ’ s Degree , she realized the jobs she was interested in would take her away from home . “ It was difficult to move away but has been one of the biggest blessings . My advice to students who are looking to embark on their career journey is ‘ move !’” she said . It wasn ’ t easy to leave Alabama , but she said the experience helped her learn to deal with hardship and made her appreciate her home state that much more .
According to Sims it seems that when she takes on new life changes she does it in large doses . “ When I moved to North Carolina , I was starting my first real job ( the kind with benefits ) and moved away from home the first time . To top that , when I started on my doctorate , I quit my job , moved across North Carolina , ( away from the friends I had made ), got married and started grad school — all in about a two week time frame .”
Now Sims said she is adjusting to more change with her new job in Cullman , trying to finish her doctorate by December and figure out where to live .
“ I keep in mind a piece of advice a very good friend shared ‘ Blessed are the flexible , for they won ’ t be bent out of shape !’ Being flexible and patient , along with God ’ s grace , keeps me grounded in all the changes ,” she said .
Sims said she is looking forward to plugging into the Cullman community . “ That was one main reason why I chose this particular Extension job over others . It would keep me at the county level where I could see the impact Extension makes .”
Her first Extension job was the Horticulture agent at the county level and she enjoyed getting to know the people in the community through collaboration and teaching programs .
Tony Glover , who retired as Cullman County Extension Coordinator in March , said he was very impressed with [ Kira ] Sims when he met her . “ I had high expectations because I worked with her grandfather , Jack Turner at the Cullman Auburn Research station many years ago ,” said Glover . “ I knew how well respected he was as a vegetable researcher .”
Sims said the biggest challenge thus far has been learning the administrative part to the job , but her administrative assistant , Beth Glasscock , has done an excellent job helping her keep things in order .
“ Another one of my goals is to start back teaching programs and hosting classes to engage Cullman with Extension ,” said Sims . “ I love all the people I have met — everyone has been friendly and helpful .”
Sims has worked with a variety of people as a student recruiter , Master Gardener advisor , and instructor . “ All of this experience helps me work in this role more effectively . I ’ ve taught , learned and led , and will continue doing so the rest of my career .”
Blake and Kira Sims hiking at Carolina Beach State Park
CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE WINTER 2021 | 7