PersonKentucky Extension Reporting System

Olumuyiwa

Olumuyiwa Desmennu

Extension Evaluation Specialist


Program Areas

  • Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education



Social Connections

I have cultivated a diverse skill set and gained extensive experience that can significantly benefit your group. My journey began as a program officer tasked with establishing a research office in a university. I started from the ground up, which provided me with invaluable insights into the research process and the specific needs of researchers, enabling me to serve them better and effectively.

During this tenure, I achieved a remarkable feat by boosting researchers' engagement in grant applications by over 90%. The success stories from this initiative quickly turned my office into a bustling hub, with many researchers eager to replicate their colleagues' achievements. As a result, I was offered a full-time position. My manager recognized me for introducing innovative approaches, including developing comprehensive standard operating procedures for various office responsibilities.

Upon transitioning to a full-time role, I consciously decided to stay and grow within the organization, driven by my genuine passion for the work and the abundant opportunities I saw within the unit. I was entrusted with training and mentoring six new staff members, eventually expanding to provide training in research management to staff from other universities. As my responsibilities expanded, I grew in tandem, facilitating training sessions within and outside my country. These experiences allowed me to extend my influence and mentorship to emerging administrators, transcending national boundaries.

Additionally, I spearheaded the development of the first in-house database for research management at my university, a testament to my commitment to streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency. As my managerial role evolved to oversee more than 20 individuals, manage a multidisciplinary and multisite portfolio of grant awards, and significantly increase award application submissions and training initiatives, I consistently demonstrated my ability to tackle challenging and innovative tasks, earning the trust and confidence of my superiors. This collaborative effort contributed to the university's grant portfolio exceeding $10 million, which is attributable to the collective efforts of my colleagues and myself.

Outside of my professional life, I cook or prepare body care products for my family.