GREENFIELD — Cheryl Jones is going on an adventure.
After wrapping up her duties as director of the Hancock County Purdue Extension office next month, the Anderson woman and her husband will load their three young sons and two large dogs into an RV and head out across the country.
Jones gave her notice to resign from her extension office post in mid-June, after her husband, Luke, took a job traveling for an organ procurement company.
While she thinks it will be a challenge downsizing from a 3,000-square-foot home on just over a half acre, to living in an RV, Jones said she’s up for the challenge.
She’ll rely on her experience as an educator with the extension office to home-school her three young sons — Kaden, 8; Avery, 7; and Asher, 4.
Jones joined the extension office in May 2019 as the health and home sciences educator for the county. She then took on the additional role of extension office director in November 2020, after fellow educator Brian Greer left the director’s post once held by Sarah Burke.
Jones, who previously worked as a registered dietitian, said she’s loved her time working for the Purdue Extension office.
“I’ve enjoyed being a part of this community. It’s been an amazing opportunity,” she said.
“I’ve felt really energized working with everyone here, both in the county and at Purdue. I’ve had some great experiences working with a lot of people who really make Hancock County such a great place to be.”
Margie Clark, a member of the Hancock County Extension Homemakers, said Jones has been a great leader and supporter.
“Once Cheryl took on her position, she hit the ground running. I met with her within a week and explained our organization and she was ready to help,” Clark said. “On behalf of Hancock County Extension Homemakers, we wish her the best. I will miss her, but look forward to seeing many pictures as she turns the page and hits the road.”
Julie Gray, senior area director for the local Purdue Extension region, echoed that sentiment.
“As a leader, Cheryl served not only as the county extension director but also as chairman or lead for many collaborative projects in the greater Indianapolis area and statewide,” said Gray.
“As her supervisor, I wish her and her family the best and thank her for the impactful work and selfless commitment she has given over the last couple of years.”
Jones is known both within the county and the state for her work in the areas of health and nutrition, food safety, financial literacy, and parenting and aging.
While she leaves big shoes to fill, Gray said Purdue Extension will soon advertise to fill her position.
In the meantime, Jones is counting down the days until she and her husband and their boys set out on their next big adventure.
“I think it will be a fun experience to figure it out,” said Jones, who wants to visit as many national and state parks as they can, providing hands-on learning for her boys along the way.
She plans to make frequent stops in Portland, where her parents and sister live, making time to come back to central Indiana to visit her in-laws too.
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Cheryl Jones, director of the Hancock County Purdue Extension office, will be stepping down from her post on Aug. 16 to start a cross-country adventure with her family.
Jones joined the extension office in May 2019 as the health and home sciences educator, then took on the added duty of director in November 2020.
She and her husband, Luke, and their three sons will be living in an RV, traveling the country for her husband’s new job with an organ procurement organization.
The Hancock County Extension Homemakers will throw Jones and her family a going away party from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10 at the Hancock County Extension Office, at 802 Apple St. in Greenfield.
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