Extension Agent Makes Transition From Ireland To Eastern Montana

Mulvey

Roosevelt County Extension agent Michael Mulvey stands by the sign in front of the Roosevelt

Michael Mulvey drives the Roosevelt County 4-H entry during the parade in Bainville on July 4.

County building in Culbertson.

(Photo by Bill Vander Weele)

It might seem a long ways from Ireland to Roosevelt County, but Extension agent Michael Mulvey is feeling at home in eastern Montana.

Mulvey’s career has been devoted to higher education at the secondary level in Ireland. His experience includes serving as a president of a college in northern Ireland. After his tenure as college president was completed, he came to the United States for a position at the University of Providence in Great Falls.

In Great Falls, he worked for two and a half years on special strategic projects under then university president Father Oliver Doyle. At one time, Doyle served as a priest in Culbertson.

“He has very fond memories of Culbertson,” Mulvey said of Doyle.

After Doyle stepped down from the position of university president, Mulvey started to consider another career path. Montana State University’s Extension program was interesting for him.

“Extension is a very efficient and valuable program,” Mulvey said. “I was very keen to stay in Montana. I love the rural way of life.”

He mentioned that the Irish and Native Americans have a long history of caring for each other. Their relationship began in 1847 when the Choctaws, who were recently recovering from “the trail of tears and death,” took up a donation and collected more than $5,000 (in today’s money) to support the Irish during the potato famine. In 2017, a sculpture commemorating the Choctaws and their gift was dedicated at a beautiful park in Midleton, Ireland.

“This is an opportunity to learn about their culture and contribution to their way of life,” Mulvey said of being close to the Fort Peck Reservation.

Mulvey is highly motivated by the mission of Extension, which includes bringing services and expertise to communities.

Bainville Ride

“I’m very proud to be part of it,” Mulvey said.

He started his duties as an Extension agent in Roosevelt County during February. He shares responsibilities in all four areas of Extension – 4-H, family and consumer sciences, agriculture and community vitality.

“The whole idea of Extension is responding to the needs of communities,” he explained. Mulvey says he admires the understanding in rural areas of where food comes from. He says eastern Montana people are resilient, resourceful and they watch out for their neighbor.

“You really feel connected to the community,” Mulvey explained.

He recently represented Roosevelt County 4-H by riding in floats during the parade in Bainville on July 4 and parades during the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede.

“It was a bit of fun,” Mulvey said of the parade experience.

(Photo by Bill Vander Weele)

Another memorable time was last week when he attended the 45th Swank Tour north of Poplar. He has also enjoyed attending a bread fair in Glasgow and a water safety class in Poplar.

Mulvey said he’s very interested in learning more about food nutrition and local community vitality. He mentioned following up with Reimagining Rural presentations that were held in Wolf Point during 2025. He also wants to research the potential of the county marketing canola products.

He is an avid skier but plans to make the transition to cross country skiing. He mentioned the possibility of creating a skiing trail in Culbertson.

He says he’s a fan of rodeos. Other hobbies include cycling and hiking.

Mulvey used to hunt on horses during his younger years. “I still ride horses, maybe not very long,” he laughed. “But I still like trail riding.”