A major focus for Cliff within the agriscience program is the Professionals Program . This program is designed to help new agriscience teachers and professionals through the involvement and mentoring of experienced agriscience teachers and professionals. The teacher in-service educational program workshops are held at least 3 times each year. Cliff is involved with the promotional program to help high school students better understand the agriscience education major and the opportunities for them to grow, study and work in this area. Cliff lives in Okemos with his wife Barbara Atkins.
Cliff also plays an active role in the Michigan livestock industry.