(Spirit Lake)– Dickinson County Extension Director Cory Peterson will officially retire Friday, April 3rd after nearly 20 years with Iowa State University Extension.
Peterson was born and raised on a farm near Fostoria. She graduated from Milford High School in 1974, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Ec Education in 1978 and her Master’s Degree in 1980 from Iowa State University.
Peterson began her career with Iowa State University Extension on April 1st, 1989 as an Area Community Development Specialist out of the Storm Lake office, covering 17 counties. In 1992, following the restructuring of the Extension program, Peterson relocated to the Spirit Lake Extension Office as Community Development Specialist, covering 15 counties in northwest Iowa.
In 2001, Peterson was named Dickinson County Extension Director.
Peterson tells KUOO news she looks forward to spending her retirement helping her husband Steve on the farm; along with doing some gardening and spending more time with her family, along with golfing and driving tractors.
Peterson says she has many fond memories of her 20 years of service, adding it was a pleasure to serve the people of Dickinson county. She says she’s confident she’s leaving the position in the hands of good, quality staff.
Emmet County Extension Director Holle Smith, Youth Field Specialist Karen Byers and Livestock Specialist Dennis DeWitt will provide interim coverage until such time Peterson’s position can be filled.
A retirement party in Peterson’s honor will be held Friday, April 3rd from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Dickinson County Extension Office in Spirit Lake.
