Cooperative Extension Awards Top Honors in Excellence and Diversity

November 10, 2013—Recognizing visionary leadership and diversity in educational programming, Cooperative Extension today honored Jeffery T. Edwards of Oklahoma State University with the National Excellence in Extension Award, Susan Given-Seymour of Northwest Indian College with the National Extension Diversity Award, and five regional honors during the 2013 Food and Agriculture Excellence Awards at the 126th APLU Annual Meeting now underway in Washington, DC. The Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP), the representative leadership and governing body of Cooperative Extension, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture have sponsored the awards since 1991.

The National Excellence in Extension Award is given annually to one Cooperative Extension professional at an APLU institution who excels at educational programming, provides visionary leadership, and makes a positive impact on the constituents they serve. The five regional awards were presented to Marion F. Simon of Kentucky State University; Kimberly A. Greder of Iowa State University; Elaine P. Bowen of West Virginia State University; Denise M. Holston-West of Louisiana State University; and Brian J. Higginbotham of Utah State University. The National Diversity Award recognizes significant contributions and accomplishments in achieving and sustaining diversity and pluralism in Cooperative Extension.

“The nationwide Cooperative Extension System applauds the outcomes-based programming of these exemplary educators,” said Daryl Buchholz, chair of the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, and associate director of Kansas State University’s K-State Research and Extension. “Their work of translating research for practical application, engaging learners to take positive action, and transforming lives, businesses, and communities through education provides a shining example of Cooperative Extension’s relevance and impact.”

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