On Dec. 31, Dr. Billy E. Caldwell stepped down from his post as associate director of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service after a 36-year career that included 24 years with the College.

Upon his retirement, Caldwell received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the state’s highest honors. The award, bestowed by Gov. James B. Hunt Jr., recognizes outstanding North Carolinians who have a proven record of service to the state.

Caldwell earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in crop science from N.C. State University, then received his Ph.D. in crop breeding from Iowa State University.

He went on to become a scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1963 to 1975, working mainly with soybeans and other oilseed crops.

A native of Newton, Caldwell returned to North Carolina in 1975 as professor and head of the crop science department at N.C. State. He joined Cooperative Extension’s administrative team in 1988, when he was named interim associate state leader for agricultural programs.

Soon thereafter, he became assistant director with responsibilities for programs in agriculture and community and rural development. From January to October 1995, he served as interim Extension director.

He returned to the assistant directorship before being promoted in 1997 to associate director, Cooperative Extension’s No. 2 position. In that position, he served as liaison with other state agencies, College departments and other partners and oversaw marketing of Extension programs.

To the organization, Caldwell brought a deep understanding of agronomy and public policy and a commitment to the land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension. As an administrator and scientist, he earned a widespread reputation for excellence that led to his appointment to numerous national committees and task forces related to the future of agricultural production.

To mark his retirement, Caldwell and his wife established the Billy and Wilma Caldwell Extension Leadership Award for County Extension Directors. In lieu of retirement gifts, the Caldwells have requested that contributions be made to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Foundation to support the award. The address is Box 7645, N.C. State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7645.