Charles Kilpatrick of Mobile County is a proud member of the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES) family. His attitude towards the progression of the agency has improved the lives of many Alabamians.
The south Alabama native discovered a love for agriculture after learning the ways of the earth from his father. The duo worked diligently on their farm in Covington County as sharecroppers growing cotton and corn. Invested in their work, their passion for making a difference and providing for their community made the long day’s work worthwhile. Kilpatrick served nearly five years with the United States Air Force before attending Troy State University. Upon finishing his undergraduate career at Auburn University, he decided to pursue a master’s degree in agricultural education. Shortly after military service and two college diplomas, Kilpatrick found his home with the ACES family. A 28-year career with Extension began in Mobile, Alabama. Kilpatrick knew the area and citizens like the back of his hand. He was the perfect fit to be Mobile’s county agent. Along the way he learned from his peers and mentors who crafted him into the agriculture specialist he is today. |
Kilpatrick believes it is important to “surround yourself with people who make you better.” This mentality allowed him to start the 4-H Beef Calf unit in 1987 after cooperating with the Mobile County Commission. Kilpatrick claims this feat as his proudest accomplishment during his career.
Kilpatrick recognizes that Extension is most effective when the program delivers agricultural information with the greatest impact directly to the people served. Without proper organization of responsibilities and help between counties, that effectiveness will be diminished. Kilpatrick believes that ACES will make the necessary adjustments in the future. Kilpatrick has been pleased to see the advances Mobile has made in determining its economic future through home rule and the adoption of a one cent sales tax. An early and effective booster, Kilpatrick was instrumental in the efforts which energized the County’s economic development. Kilpatrick believes in involving the right people and getting their input to insure a successful future. Kilpatrick retired from ACES in 1992 and currently resides in his hometown of Mobile. Since departing ACES, he has enjoyed spending time in real estate finance across south Alabama. |