She is not a new face for Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties residents, but she does have a new position, that of Penn State University Extension, Pocono District Extension director.

Nancy E. Grotevant is the new director of the four-county unit that came about earlier this year, when the state Extension redirected its leadership positions, which included the retirement of several then-county directors, including Monroe County's Dawn Olson.Grotevant came to Pennsylvania 22 years ago, serving as family life educator and 4-H coordinator for five years in Carbon County, during which time she also served as multicounty director in Carbon and Pike counties.Her educational background includes a B.S. in home economics education, with a minor in textiles and apparel, from SUNY Oneota. Later she earned a master's degree in health education, with a minor in gerontology, at ESU.The mother of two adult sons, Grotevant lives in northern Monroe County. From that vantage point she became the county Extension director of Pike County in 1995 and added Wayne County to her leadership duties in 2009.What she minded most "when the boys were small," was the number of night meetings, but she adds, she had good family support. Her husband supported her in every way.During the years she has enjoyed the "friendship of co-workers," including the retired Olson who was on the interviewing committee when Grotevant first came to Pennsylvania.She says the more experienced colleagues took her under their wings and the friendships that developed spilled into family life.As she has begun overseeing the four counties she is trying to spend at least one day in each county.Her hope for the future is, "As we move into the new structure of Penn State University Extension, I will make every effort to continue to provide the quality education that Extension is known for in these four counties."We're just starting to see the new programs from the teams of Extension education coming out of the university. We're starting to move forward technology-wise, including computer-based trainings in various forms. These include, for example, new master gardener training and various programs in 4-H,"Grotevant said, adding that older programs, such as Pesticide Education credits, Strong Women and the Backyard Poultry Program are or will still be available."It is so exciting for me to have the four counties I have," said Grotevant.