Semester
Fall
Date of Graduation
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Department
Agricultural & Extension Education
Committee Chair
Haley Rosson
Committee Co-Chair
Aaron J. Giorgi
Committee Member
Kerri Carte
Abstract
Volunteers are the heart of the land-grant outreach model. They bring education and resources to communities across West Virginia. Volunteers have been relied upon in many aspects of Extension programming and current budget conditions have reduced the level of staffing within WVU Extension. There may be an increased demand for volunteers to help with programming. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between motivation and the perceived level of well-being within the WVU Extension volunteer programs. The study yielded 464 responses from a descriptive survey. Based on the results, WVU Extension volunteers are motivated based on their values and understanding. WVU Extension volunteers also have a normal functioning overall well-being with their highest level of well-being reported in the meaning PERMA pillar. The significance of this research for WVU Extension may be the enhancement of volunteer well-being that will translate to greater program effectiveness, stronger community ties, and a more resilient volunteer base.
Recommended Citation
Goff, Amber Renae, "Motivation and Well-being: A Study of WVU Extension volunteers" (2025). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 13169.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/13169