Lucinda Noble's professional experiences began with the Cornell University Cooperative Extension System in New York State in 1954. She has served in a variety of positions at Cornell having to do with Cooperative Extension, public service, and, now, with the University-wide outreach function, part of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Outreach. Over the years, her interest as an adult educator has focused on human development and community education. Her experiences and study have shaped her educational philosophy, values, and beliefs regarding leadership and stewardship. She believes we need to conduct ourselves as stewards of the adult and continuing education programs with which we are involved and take more active roles in helping to develop a vision for the future. Acting on this set of beliefs led to her being named the recipient of the 1994 National Distinguished Service Ruby Award as she was acknowledged as a "vital fore in community education in New York State" and for keeping the state's Cooperative Extension programs "vital, responsive, and nationally and internationally recognized for their innovative approaches."