What’s New in Extension

Extension specialist first-ever Mississippian to earn IIMC Director Award of Excellence

Story by Leah Bowers | Photo by Christi Tolbert, TNT Photography

He’s dedicated his career to providing the education and support that Mississippi municipal clerks need to serve local residents reliably and efficiently.

Providing training, education, and professional development for clerks is what Dr. Jason Camp does in his role with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, and now, the local government specialist has been recognized by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks with the Director Award of Excellence.

Camp is the first Mississippian ever to receive the honor.

Throughout his career, he has learned the responsibilities of clerks and worked to update the state’s three-year certification course to reflect the modern responsibilities municipal clerks must accomplish.

Under his leadership and support, 77 deputy municipal clerks and 105 municipal clerks have earned the State Municipal Clerk Certification. Also, 41 municipal clerks have earned the Certified Municipal Clerk designation, and 25 have achieved the Master Municipal Clerk designation.

These three certification programs demonstrate clerks’ ability to comply with federal and state protocol and serve clients dependably and consistently.

Along with overseeing these programs, Camp created the Clerk Connect program to enhance peer collaboration statewide, and he established the Municipal Clerk Lunch and Learn series to engage clerks regularly. He also creates personal relationships with individual clerks to answer their questions and offer support.