Eleazar Edwards
Cape Girardeau,MO
Summary
Resourceful Outreach Associate recognized for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in community engagement, relationship building, and strategic communication planning. Possess key soft skills in adaptability, empathy, and teamwork to excel in diverse outreach settings. Committed to leveraging these abilities to foster meaningful connections and achieve organizational goals.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Extension Outreach Associate
University of Illinois Extension
Anna, IL
11.2024 - Current
- Executed field visits across 28 counties to assist independent grocers in overcoming operational challenges.
- Organized first Annual Southern Illinois Independent Grocer Summit at John A. Logan College.
- Delivered presentations on food disparities and access issues at significant regional conferences.
- Created grocery store feasibility model using a data aggregation tool to support rural economies.
- Authored training materials addressing digital accessibility and staff wellbeing initiatives.
- Facilitated technical assistance for grant applications and governmental funding processes.
- Advised independent grocers on marketing tactics and operational improvements.
- Applied data-driven methodologies to enhance store operations and foster local economic growth.
Office Support Assistant
University Of Illinois Extension
Mounds, IL
12.2023 - 11.2024
- Prepared program materials while coordinating events and logistics for educators and staff.
- Managed front-office operations, including multi-line phone inquiries and walk-in client support.
- Processed outgoing mail, maintained mailing lists, and managed volunteer background check procedures.
- Organized supply inventories along with office equipment across multiple county offices.
- Tracked donations and processed fiscal records while reconciling receipts accurately.
- Created digital surveys, event registrations, and QR codes using Qualtrics tools.
- Designed informative marketing materials for 4-H, SNAP-Ed, and CED programs with Canva and Adobe tools.
- Maintained active social media presence featuring program updates and community outreach.
Plant Technician/Safety Leader/Material Utilization Specialist
Procter & Gamble
Jackson, MO
03.2022 - 12.2023
- Operated, cleaned, and maintained high-speed converting and packing equipment to ensure consistent production quality.
- Monitored processes including weight, functionality, and product appearance using software such as Proficy and Veeva.
- Performed visual and measurable quality checks, recording data to uphold production standards.
- Utilized troubleshooting guides to resolve equipment issues and execute safe start-up sequences.
- Controlled operations via computer terminals for case packers and glue tanks.
- Matched product and process order numbers for accurate materials delivery and ordered supplies using RTCIS.
- Maintained organized work areas and ensured equipment availability of necessary tools.
- Participated in weekly safety meetings, developing preventative plans and conducting behavioral safety audits.
Senior Administrative Assistant
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO
11.2019 - 03.2022
- Executed administrative functions for Vice Provost and Dean, overseeing daily operations and correspondence management.
- Managed scheduling of meetings, off-campus events, and greeted visitors while serving as liaison for graduate program inquiries.
- Coordinated travel plans, organized graduate assistantship processes, and provided student assistance with forms via Ellucian Banner SIS.
- Supported changes in academic programs and accreditation efforts by submitting updates to applicable state and national agencies.
- Processed departmental budgets, reconciled accounts, and worked with Purchasing/Accounts Payable to ensure transaction accuracy.
- Scheduled meetings for Graduate Council; recorded minutes during sessions across multiple committees.
- Administered department social media accounts while creating marketing materials to promote outreach initiatives.
- Maintained organized filing systems for departmental records including syllabi, course approvals, and confidential documentation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - General Studies
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO05.2019
Skills
- Engagement strategies
- Network development
- Grant proposal writing
- Project organization
- Budget management
- Data analysis
- Non-profit sector experience
- Leadership capabilities
Certification
Rural Grocery Transition Specialist, Kansas State University | Built relationships with grocery store owners and managers to support operations and transitions. Gained expertise in business valuation and succession planning for rural grocery stores. Applied tools and strategies to facilitate smooth ownership and operational transitions. Participated in a national professional network dedicated to rural community development.
CompTIA A+, 05/01/19, Southeast Missouri State University | Hardware setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Operating system installation, configuration, and support. Software and application troubleshooting. Basic networking setup and troubleshooting. IT security fundamentals and best practices. Mobile device setup and support. Virtualization and cloud computing basics. IT operational procedures and preventive maintenance.
CompTIA A+, 05/01/19, Southeast Missouri State University | Hardware setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Operating system installation, configuration, and support. Software and application troubleshooting. Basic networking setup and troubleshooting. IT security fundamentals and best practices. Mobile device setup and support. Virtualization and cloud computing basics. IT operational procedures and preventive maintenance.
Timeline
Extension Outreach Associate
University of Illinois Extension
11.2024 - Current
Office Support Assistant
University Of Illinois Extension
12.2023 - 11.2024
Plant Technician/Safety Leader/Material Utilization Specialist
Procter & Gamble
03.2022 - 12.2023
Senior Administrative Assistant
Southeast Missouri State University
11.2019 - 03.2022
Bachelor of Science - General Studies
Southeast Missouri State University