- June 2019
Research Associate III
MAFES/NMREC
Verona, MS
Years in position: 26
Years at MSU: 26
Susan Worthey has spent 26 years working at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center with a focus on the horticulture unit.
In addition to her research work, she manages the Magnolia Botanical Garden. She is responsible for keeping up with the care of the garden and in charge of all the people who work there.
“We have ornamental gardening, rose gardening, vegetable garden, perennials, and so much more,” she said. “We want to teach people they can grow their own food in a variety of ways.”
Susan is passionate about sharing her love of gardening with others.
“One of my favorite aspects of the job is developing teaching material for the workshops and classes that I get to manage,” she said. “It is exciting to design and MSU has given us very teachable landscapes.”
Susan said their main message is to tell people, “yes, you can grow a good deal of food and plants in a small amount of space.”
Susan chose this career because of her love of gardening, plants, and people.
“People view gardening as hard, hot work. The enjoyment that you get and the benefits that you get are astronomical, and the rewards are fulfilling,” Susan said.
In her free time, Susan likes to garden at her own home. She also enjoys spending time cooking and shopping with her children and grandchildren.
