Tara Buerster is the County Extension Director for University of Illinois Extension in the Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne Counties unit. She has a master’s degree in human resource development from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s degree in health services from the University of Southern Indiana. Buerster comes to Extension after working for 20 years in higher education in the local community college system. She started her career as a District Student Recruiter and moved to human resources, serving as the IECC Director of Human Resources for 18 years.

Locally, Buerster serves as an adjunct instructor for Olney Central College teaching courses in their human resources degree program.  Regionally she is a Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission and currently works on assurance and comprehensive reviews of colleges and universities. She is very active in her church youth as a sponsor of the Brotherhood, a singing group of high school and college-age kids.

Buerster resides north of Albion, IL with her husband Jay are and daughters Hayley and Jaycey.  Their oldest daughter, Sydney, is a Pediatric ICU nurse in Kalamazoo, MI. Her personal hobbies and interests include quilting, singing, flower gardening, visiting a beach at least one time a year, and spending time with family and friends.

Buerster is excited about serving the communities of Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties and welcomes community members to reach out to her at her Albion office.