The thesis is complete, done, finito, and with that comes the acknowledgement of the many people who helped with the process. So here they are, in their entirety, have at it.....
This thesis and degree would not be possible without the support and guidance of many people. First and foremost I would like to thank God for leading me down this path and providing me with the strength and courage to continue on. He has blessed me in so many ways, Jeremiah 29:11.
My family also provides me with a source of entertainment, a getaway from the life of a graduate student, and a never-ending love that never ceases to amaze me. To Mom and Dad, Gram, John-John, Stephanie, Morgan, and my future niece, I love you. Thank you for not fainting when I said I was moving to North Carolina, supporting me in my decision and putting up with the drives to and fro.
I would like to thank the NC State Fair Staff, Ms. Carol Turner and Ms. Linda Kerns for patiently putting up with my requests during fair season. To my "buddies" at NCDA, Ben and Billy, thank you, without you this study would truly not be possible.
An enormous thank you goes out to the Agriculture and Extension Education Department at NC State. Special thanks to Dr. K.S.U. Jayaratne, Dr. Mark Kistler, Dr. David Jones, and Dr. Jim Flowers for all the tremedous support. Whether it was a source of entertainment, an encouraging word, or just a lending ear, it was all greatly appreciated.
I must thank my biggest encourager, Dr. Jackie Bruce. Not only is she a great educator, researcher, mentor, she is a great person, through and through. Thank you for dedicating so much of your time and energy to not only this thesis, but my graduate program. Without you, it would not have been the same. You have provided me with an amazing example on both a personal and professional level. I hope to someday be a fraction of the woman that you are.
I would next like to thank the Ricks Hall crowd, without which this process would be a lot less entertaining. Jessica Smith Harris and Lauren Mouton, thank you for being the other 2/3 of the "army of grad student." Many days turned into nights in the back of Ricks 207, for which I am eternally grateful. Michael Coley, thank you for adding a much needed dose of testosterone in the office and being my resident tech. nerd. Lendy Johnson, too much needs to be said, my office wife, Mitch's regular, and late night resident of Ricks. More than that, you're a friend, a support that is constantly there, through thick and thin. Thank you. Mitch's gumbo and sweet tea will always be our double order.
Last, but certainly not least, to my best friend Jeff. Thank you for those many drives to Raleigh just to watch me research and write. Know that you have the same coming to you. Thank you for the distractions when needed, support when I was about to crumble, and the unconditional love.
