Margaret A. Bethel has served almost 25 years extending the knowledge of Michigan State University to help transform the lives of people in Michigan’s communities. In 2001, that dedication placed her at the helm of Michigan State University Extension to provide continued leadership in bringing knowledge to people’s everyday lives. Bethel has served MSU Extension as a county educator, county Extension director, regional supervisor and regional director for Extension and Outreach, overseeing a 14-county region. Her contributions to building community partnerships, expanding the reach and impact of MSU’s research, and managing the productive output of staff earned her MSU’s Distinguished Academic Staff Award in 2000. Bethel’s contributions to her multicounty community are many, including chairing the Reed City Tourism Council and the Osceola Interagency Council. She was president and secretary for the Osceola Business and Professional Women’s Club and a member of the Reed City Area Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of both the Michigan and National Associations for Family and Consumer Sciences and has served as a member of the Delta Strategy Steering Board. She also supports her husband’s work as a Kent County 4-H volunteer.