An Examination of the Professional Identities of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension County Agents as Community Leaders: A Qualitative Study

This qualitative study explores how the 502 county Extension agents (CEAs) employed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in 2025 construct their professional identity as community leaders. The research uses in-depth interviews to gain insight into how CEAs perceive and experience their roles as community leaders, including their sense of professional calling and the challenges they face in maintaining a work-life balance while serving their communities. Through a constructivist lens, this study examines the lived experiences of CEAs to provide insights that will enhance organizational understanding of their workforce and inform future professional development initiatives.