Message from the Chair

Dr. Raymon Shange

1890 Extension Administrator, Tuskegee University

In this September edition, we proudly recognize the recipients of the 2026 Association of Extension Administrators’ Excellence in Extension Award and celebrate the many 1890 Extension professionals whose work continues to make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.

From distinguished service and leadership honors to youth development awards, these individuals exemplify excellence, dedication and a steadfast commitment to improving lives. We are thankful for their contributions and the value they bring to the Cooperative Extension System. We invite you to read their inspiring stories and learn more about their efforts to advance the land-grant mission.

Three recipients of the 2026 Association of Extension Administrators' Excellence in Extension Award were honored for their impactful work in Cooperative Extension during the Southern Region Program Leadership Network meeting held in August in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dr. Niki Whitley is an accomplished Cooperative Extension leader with 26 years of service to livestock producers, students and communities across three 1890 Land-grant Universities. Trained in animal science and animal physiology, she has built nationally recognized programs in small-ruminant and small-scale beef cattle production. At Fort Valley State University, she serves as an animal science specialist and Beef Cattle and Equine Unit coordinator, combining education, research collaboration and practical producer support. She has secured more than $10 million in grant funding.

Dr. Natriez Peterson serves as assistant program leader for community and economic development at Prairie View A&M University. With more than a decade of experience, he advances the land-grant mission through innovative programming, strategic partnerships and measurable community impact. Peterson has earned national recognition for leadership in grantsmanship, curriculum development and Extension programming. As principal investigator, he has submitted more than $3 million in grant proposals and managed initiatives that empower communities and strengthen economic mobility across Texas.

Dr. Jacquelyn White at Prairie View A&M University has more than 26 years of experience as a program specialist and program leader in family and community health. Her background in health, nutrition and community-based education supports her leadership in developing, implementing and evaluating evidence-based programs. Since 2011, she has led the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and played a key role in expanding SNAP-Ed, including securing and managing a $5 million grant in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine.

Terri Waterman-Baylor was just 5 years old when she began her journey in 4-H. What started as a childhood experience became a lifelong connection to an organization that helped shape her and, years later, inspired her to return and help shape the lives of others.

Today, Waterman-Baylor is celebrating another milestone in that journey: 10 years of dedicated volunteer service to 4-H.

Waterman-Baylor was honored during the South Mississippi 4-H Fall Forum for a decade of volunteer service. Her service has included leading the South Pike High School 4-H Club and serving as leader of the Commanding Clovers 4-H Club, providing young people in Pike County with leadership, encouragement and guidance.

Throughout her years of service, Waterman-Baylor has helped young people prepare for the 4-H Cookout and Grilling Contest, 4-H Club Congress and Project Achievement Day. She has also served as a judge for 4-H grilling competitions in Pike County.

“She exemplifies the true spirit of 4-H volunteerism,” said Don Smith, Ed.D., state 4-H youth development specialist with the Alcorn State University Extension Program. “She experienced its positive influence when she was younger and made the decision to return and provide that same experience for others. We thank her for 10 years of service, which represents countless hours of mentoring, preparation, encouragement and being there for the youth of Pike County.”

For Waterman-Baylor, the milestone is also a reminder of why she continues to serve.

“4-H impacted me greatly when I was a child, so now it is my turn to give back to an organization that has done so much for me,” Waterman-Baylor said.

Central State University Extension takes time annually to recognize personnel for exceptional service, creativity and dedication to the audiences that its educators serve throughout Ohio. The dedication of the staff is the cornerstone for CSU Extension to continue impacting people's lives.

The unique quality of the CSU Extension recognition is that these are peer awards. The entire CSU Extension staff votes on the recipients, making this an award of colleagues. A highlight of the annual staff conference is the presentation of the awards.

At the second annual recognition program in Toledo, Ohio, the awards of a certificate and cash were for Visionary Leadership (Michelle Wallace), Mentorship Excellence (Kelly Beers), Change Catalyst (Denise Natoli Brooks), Trailblazer (Yu-Lu Hsiung), Exceptional Service (Stacey Stangel), Rookie of the Year (Marcia Coleman), Employee of the Year (Mike McMurray), Most Likely to Show Up Early (Eric Smith and Elizabeth Schweigert), Most Positive Vibes (Yvonne Wideman and Jillian Horan), Participant Happiness Hero (Kylee Peoples) and Extension Cheerleader (Dr. Joseph Frank). Several lighthearted recognitions included Grammar and Spelling Queen/King (Shantrice Richardson) and The Night Owl (Stephen Washington and James Keys).

"I think of creativity applying to youth education in a couple of ways," said John McGovern, 4-H youth development educator serving northeast Ohio, who received the Creativity Award. "From considering new perspectives on existing programs to thinking outside the proverbial box and being adaptable when circumstances change."

“All the awards recognize the dedication of the employees, and even an award such as 'Night Owl' provides a way to recognize someone's unique contributions to Extension work," said Alcinda Folck, Ph.D., associate Extension administrator.

Florida A&M University Extension is pleased to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of its faculty and staff who have received awards, honors and professional acknowledgments. These recognitions reflect the dedication, expertise and commitment of FAMU Extension professionals to advancing the mission of Cooperative Extension and making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.

Awards

Opportunity For All: Expanding the 4-H Audience – Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents 2026, Florida Affiliate 2026 Innovative Youth Development Programming Team Award and Growing Future Leaders Award ($2500 Program Award) - Crystalgale Hunter

NEAFCS Innovative Youth Development Programming Award, FAE4-H Opportunity for All Expanding 4-H Audience Award, AIAEE Outstanding Ideas at Work Award, AIAEE Distinguished Ideas at Work Award and FEAFCS 4-H Youth Development Award - Dr. Sabrina Hayes

Awardees from the 2026 Florida Extension Summit

• Extension Leadership Awards - Vonda Richardson, Conchita Newman, Dr. Dreamal Worthen, Kimberly Davis and Dr. Alejandro Bolques
• Rattler On-The-Move Award ($2500 Program Award) - Maurice Collier Jr.
• Growing Small Farms Award ($2500 Program Award) (ANR) - Donna Arnold
• Commitment to Community Program Award ($2500 Program Award) - Tavia Gordon
• Trailblazer Team Award ($5000 Program Award) - FAMU EFNEP

Recognitions

Alejandro Bolques, Ph.D., served as the keynote speaker for “Hydroponic and Aquaponics Demonstration Systems" - Biggeen: Control Environment Agriculture, Futures Workshop Series; "Olive Production in North Florida" - Florida A&M University, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences Seminar Series

Patrick Burks - ANR Extension agent

Completed the Farm Business Planning in Ag Entrepreneurship Program

FAMU Extension celebrates the achievements of its employees and their continued commitment to excellence in Extension education, outreach, leadership and community service.

A national organization recently honored a Fort Valley State University professor in Cooperative Extension for her work with farmers.

Niki Whitley, Ph.D., Extension specialist for animal science, received the Excellence in Extension Award from the Association of Extension Administrators on Aug. 18 at the annual Southern Region Program Leadership Network meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Whitley was recognized for her impact in helping small-scale beef and small ruminant farmers improve their herd quality and production methods. Her work includes conducting more than 350 presentations and trainings, securing more than $10 million in grant funding and developing widely used educational resources.

Mark Latimore Jr., Ph.D., associate dean for Extension, nominated her for the award.

“It’s an honor for us to have her as part of our team. Dr. Whitley is very dedicated in her efforts to help students, farmers and producers. This award is just a small token of her contribution to agriculture through FVSU’s Extension services,” Latimore said.

The FVSU administrator also said that as a faculty Extension specialist, Whitley has assisted Cooperative Extension in expanding its outreach efforts, and her expertise has aided many producers in improving their livestock operations.

“She’s well sought after in the areas of beef cattle and sheep and goats,” Latimore said.

Whitley is very appreciative of the AEA award. “I was pleasantly surprised and truly honored to be nominated and selected for this award. It is rewarding to know that the hard work, dedication and sacrifices we make in Extension are recognized and appreciated,” Whitley said.

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For families in and around Bowling Green, Kentucky, Kimberly Harriford turns research-based knowledge into practical guidance for healthier lives, stronger careers and greater well-being. Her work in schools, after-school programs and community organizations includes education in nutrition, health and wellness, and professional development.

That service earned Harriford the Outstanding Family and Consumer Sciences Professional Award from the National Coalition for Black Development in Family and Consumer Sciences. The organization presented the national award on June 20 during the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Conference in Louisville.

Harriford is an Extension life and work educator with Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension. The award recognizes her service, including efforts to promote careers in family and consumer sciences and develop programs addressing local needs.

“Kimberly understands that effective Extension work begins with listening to communities and providing knowledge they can put to use in their daily lives,” said Dr. Tyrell Kahan, associate Extension administrator at Kentucky State. Kahan said the recognition reflects Harriford’s commitment to practical education and the relationships she has built throughout the Bowling Green area.

Family and consumer sciences spans nutrition, personal finances, child development, family relationships, textiles and hospitality. Harriford helps participants make informed decisions and build skills for home, school and work.

A two-time Kentucky State graduate, Harriford holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and a Master of Public Administration. Her work advances the university’s land-grant mission by bringing research-based education directly to Kentucky communities.

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Langston University Cooperative Extension and Outreach Program staff members Dr. Tiffany Williams and Keisha Scott were part of the team honored with the Oklahoma Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences Informal Research and Study Award for the Master Food Preserver Program.

This statewide group award recognizes excellence in Extension programming and celebrates the collaborative efforts of Extension professionals advancing innovative, research-based education.

The Master Food Preserver Program is a collaborative initiative among Langston University, Oklahoma State University and The College of the Muscogee Nation. Williams and Scott contributed to developing and delivering a program that strengthens the capacity of Extension educators and volunteers to provide research-based food safety and food preservation education across Oklahoma.

The program recently completed its third cohort, combining online educational modules with intensive hands-on training in pressure canning, water-bath and steam canning, fermentation, freezing and dehydrating. This statewide recognition highlights the expertise, teamwork and commitment of Williams, Scott and their Extension partners and demonstrates the impact of collaboration in strengthening Cooperative Extension programming throughout Oklahoma.

By Alex Naughton

Lincoln University of Missouri’s Homero Salinas-Gonzalez received the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center’s 2026 Outstanding Project Award in April at the ERME National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

ERME is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The organization provides funding to public and private organizations for educational projects meant to build agricultural producers’ ability to manage and mitigate risk to their operations.

Salinas-Gonzalez, agriculture and natural resources program leader and associate professor, received the award for his ERME-funded project, “Pasture and Livestock Risk Management Education for Missouri Small Ruminant Farmers.”

“It’s very meaningful to me," Salinas-Gonzalez said. "As an immigrant, it’s hard to be known here, to start getting grants. Nobody knows you, and you have to earn trust if you want to get funding. And as far as I know, this was the first grant for Lincoln University from this agency, and I was the one to receive it.”

His project was among 23 others up for the 2026 Outstanding Project Award in the North Central Region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Salinas-Gonzalez explained that his project sought to help small ruminant producers mitigate risk in their operations through in-person and online education. Using webinars, field days, web tools and online learning modules, the project gave producers functional knowledge and resources to aid in managing livestock and pastures, building business skills and mitigating risk.

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Cooperative Extension at North Carolina A&T’s efforts to collaborate and encourage STEM in its programming were recognized during the annual conference of the 2026 North Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals.

Three staff members won awards at the conference held in Asheville, North Carolina, on Aug. 19.

Keli Boone, a Gates County Extension agent, and Vicki Wiggins, a Hertford County Extension agent, received the Excellence in Teamwork Award. Boone and Wiggins collaborated to create the Reality of Ag program, an interactive agricultural literacy experience for rural youths. Through hands-on career stations and industry partnerships, the program increases awareness of agriculture, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and food systems while preparing students for future careers in agriculture and natural resources.

4-H STEM Specialist Mark Light, Ph.D., also won accolades as a member of teams recognized with the Educational Technology Award and the Jim Kahler Excellence in STEM Programming Award.

The Educational Technology Award was given for a 10-state collaborative project that transformed CLOVER by 4‑H into an easily accessible technology platform for artificial intelligence literacy. There are now eight modules online for use in all 50 states, Light said.

The Jim Kahler Excellence in STEM Programming Award was given for a three-day summer STEM camp organized in the North Central District. Topics included Rube Goldberg challenges, LEGO robotics, Sphero, blueprints, drones and AI. Evaluations indicated the program resulted in significantly increased knowledge, positive behavior changes and elevated career-ready skills among participants.

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By Taylor Hendrix, Senior Communications Specialist

Prairie View A&M University Extension proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its faculty and staff recognized with prestigious honors throughout 2026. These awards reflect the dedication, innovation, leadership and meaningful community impact demonstrated by Extension professionals across Texas and beyond.

In agriculture and natural resources, Joseph Ozuna received the President’s Award for Extension. Community and economic development celebrated an exceptional year of recognition, including Dr. Jimmy L. Henry, recipient of the 2025 TAMU Regents Fellow Award; Donna LeNoir, Employee of the Year; Talia Washington, Program Leader Appreciation and 2026 CAFNR Excellence in Extension honoree; Megan Rodriguez, Spartan; Morgan Walker, Mentoring Maestro; Janelle Johnson, Team Player of the Year; and Edwin Crittendon, Rookie of the Year.

Additional CED honors included Dr. Natriez Peterson, recipient of the 2026 AEA Excellence in Extension Award; Gregory Rose and Megan Rodriguez, recipients of the 2026 NACDEP National Building Bridges in Communities Team Award; and Cecilio Kisitu, recipient of the 2026 CAFNR Outstanding Student Worker Award.

Family and community health also earned significant recognition, with Jacquelyn White, Ed.D., receiving the 2026 AEA Excellence in Extension Award and 2026 Presidential Award for Outstanding Achievement; Tiffany Traylor receiving the Excellence in Partnership Award; and Joanne Ureste earning multiple TEAFCS and NEAFCS honors, including national first-place awards for SNAP-Ed/EFNEP Educational and Community Partnership.

These accomplishments represent the collective excellence of PVAMU Extension and the impact of work already underway. PVAMU Extension remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities, strengthening communities, building lasting partnerships and expanding its impact through education, innovation, collaboration and service. For more information about PVAMU Extension, visit https://www.pvamu.edu/cafnr/extension.

South Carolina State Public Service and Agriculture recognizes Yaniqua Eyabi, Expanded Food and Nutrition Program assistant coordinator, as Employee of the Quarter for exemplifying the core value of Integrity — upholding the highest standards of honesty, accountability and transparency in service and business.

Each quarter, SC State PSA staff nominates a colleague who demonstrates one of the organization’s nine core values through their work and service. Eyabi’s dedication to improving the health and well-being of South Carolina families and young people reflects her commitment to serving communities across the state.

“I am honored to be recognized for a value that is at the heart of how I approach my work,” Eyabi said. “Serving families and youth through Extension gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by providing knowledge, resources and support that can lead to healthier, stronger communities.”

As EFNEP assistant coordinator, Eyabi supports efforts across all 46 counties in South Carolina, helping economically disadvantaged families make informed food choices, manage food budgets and adopt healthier eating habits, as part of the 1890 Extension’s Food Nutrition and Health Program. She assists with participant recruitment, develops educational materials and supports program delivery focused on nutrition, food safety and financial management.

Through her passion, leadership and commitment to service, Eyabi equips EFNEP participants with practical knowledge and resources that can promote healthier lives and lifelong learning.

The Southern University Ag Center secured a $10,000 investment from RWE Americas, a global energy company with major operations in renewable energy, electricity generation and energy trading, to support continued youth programming across St. Helena, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.

The partnership developed from the inaugural St. Helena Parish STEAM Expo, coordinated by SU Ag Center Parish Youth Agent Dr. Charity Schaffer. Held in February 2026, the expo provided approximately 300 students from St. Helena Parish with access to hands-on STEAM education, career exploration and representatives from educational institutions, community organizations and industry.

For RWE Americas, supporting the initiative closely aligned with the company’s commitment to the communities where it operates. The investment will help expand opportunities for students to engage in agriculture, drone technology, precision agriculture, renewable energy, engineering and other STEAM-related experiences while increasing their exposure to educational and career pathways.

The partnership reflects the SU Ag Center’s continued efforts to connect youth development with workforce preparation, particularly in rural communities, and represents another step toward ensuring that young people in rural Louisiana have access to the experience, resources and career exposure necessary to prepare them for opportunities in the STEAM field. Through hands-on programming and industry partnerships, students are introduced to emerging technologies, career fields and the skills needed to participate in Louisiana’s evolving workforce.

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Dr. Emmanuel Omondi is an assistant professor of agronomy and industrial hemp Extension specialist at Tennessee State University. He leads a research-integrated Extension program focused on agronomy, soil and water conservation, sustainable cropping systems and hemp production.

With more than 30 years of international experience, his work emphasizes farmer-centered, science-based solutions through field demonstrations, workshops and training. He addresses soil health, water conservation and emerging hemp systems. He also serves as principal investigator on a major United States Department of Agriculture-funded project supporting fiber hemp production. His global experience includes training programs in South Korea, China and East Africa. He previously served as director of the Farming Systems Trial at the Rodale Institute.

Also, Jessica Young, a beef cattle and forage producer in Wilson County, Tennessee, is an agriculture Extension agent with TSU. She specializes in livestock, row crops and forages. She holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and began her role in 2022.

Passionate about serving producers, she offers creative, hands-on programming, ranging from farm transition workshops to livestock demonstrations and collaborates with local partners to keep programs accessible. TSU proudly recognizes her dedication and impact on the agricultural community. Young won the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists Communicator of the Year Award at the state level. She was also the regional winner for the featured story in the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

Dr. W. Jinnings Burruss Jr., associate professor of food service and restaurant management at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, recently won the Delta Chapter’s Chef of the Year award during the annual Delta Diamond Chef Awards Gala and Competition at Saracen Casino Resort Event Center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The event was hosted by the American Culinary Federation, Arkansas Delta and Central Arkansas Chef's Associations.

Chef of the Year is not awarded for a single dish or competition performance. It is based on a combination of professional achievement, culinary excellence, leadership, education, community involvement, mentorship, certification and contributions to the culinary profession, Burruss said. Candidates are evaluated on their commitment to advancing the industry, supporting fellow chefs, promoting culinary education and demonstrating excellence in both their professional careers and culinary competitions.

“For me, this recognition reflects nearly four decades of dedication to hospitality, culinary arts, education and leadership within academia, research, Extension and the industry,” he said.

The Delta Diamond Chef Awards Gala and Competition was established by the Arkansas Delta Chefs Association to showcase culinary excellence, professional development and camaraderie among chefs in the Arkansas Delta region. The competition was created to highlight the growing culinary talent, hospitality industry and food culture unique to eastern Arkansas and the Delta region.

“Throughout my career, I have focused on doing the work - teaching students, mentoring young professionals, leading hospitality operations and continually striving to improve my craft. Recognition has never been the goal,” he said. “When I learned I was being recognized, my first thought was gratitude for the many mentors, colleagues, students and industry professionals who have been part of my journey.

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Did you know that the University of Maryland Eastern Shore provides excess fresh produce to those in need through the Society of St. Andrew-Delmarva? The Simon A. Haley School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences donates vegetables from faculty and Extension research.

This summer, yellow squash grown for integrated pest management research was donated. July and August harvests totaling 2,345 pounds (9,380 servings) were distributed to 16 different agencies in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties in Maryland that share food locally with those in need.

On the school’s Extension side, Dr. Nadine Burton, alternative crop specialist, was presented with an award from the Society of St. Andrews for her role in growing and providing 12,888 servings of fresh produce over the past two years (2024-25). Traditional and non-traditional crops were donated from high tunnels at UMES’ Research, Extension and Teaching Farm that Burton oversees.

“This partnership means a lot to Society of St. Andrew and to the agencies we work with. Somerset County has the highest rates of food insecurity in Maryland, and being able to share fresh food that many can’t afford is a game changer,” said Jean Siers, regional director of Society of St. Andrew-Delmarva.

Since 2023, when the collaboration began, the nonprofit has gleaned 8,378 pounds of fresh produce from UMES, the equivalent of 33,512 servings of food, to 20 local receiving agencies on the lower Eastern Shore, Siers said.

Nicole Swinson of Virginia State University and Teki Hunt of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff have made history as the first representatives of 1890 Historically Black colleges and universities to jointly advise the National 4-H Youth Leadership Team for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s National 4-H Conference. This was Hunt’s final year serving the YLT, and next year, Swinson will assume her leadership role.

Both Swinson and Hunt are widely respected for leading dynamic, community-centered 4-H programs in their respective states. In Virginia, Swinson created the innovative AgCulture program, a combination of Jr. MANRRS and 4-H that supports and inspires students and young professionals pursuing careers in agriculture and other STEAM disciplines.

In another creative move to connect young people to agriculture, Swinson launched Harvest Heroes, a life-sized interactive game where young people work with peer leaders to participate in stations that explore different sides of the agricultural industry. Participants can explore agriculture and STEM careers while learning how food systems work and how they integrate into their own communities.

Swinson is bringing her leadership and energy to the national stage to help shape conversations and strategies to educate 4-H youth across the greater Extension system. Extension at VSU congratulates Swinson on her new leadership position and trusts that she will continue to demonstrate what’s possible when young people are empowered with education, mentorship and opportunities to thrive.

West Virginia State University 4-H has been selected as the national winner of the Expanding the 4-H Audience: Creating Opportunities 4 All Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals.

WVSU 4-H Educators Linzie Farmer (pictured left) and Christine Kinder were recognized for their Classroom Creators program, which advances inclusive education for students with autism through engaging, hands-on STEAM experiences.

The award acknowledges Farmer and Kinder’s efforts in two Raleigh County schools. Participants are students in grades K-8 who have been diagnosed with autism and are placed in or receive educational minutes in a self-contained classroom.

The program is implemented through strong collaboration with classroom teachers. By listening to educators’ goals and identifying specific classroom needs, Farmer and Kinder design seasonal, theme-based STEAM activities that incorporate sensory exploration and meaningful engagement for all learners, focused on meeting students where they are.

The team’s goal is to expand the program into additional counties in 2027.

NAE4-HYPD is a professional nonprofit organization for educators and staff who work with 4-H youth programs. The award, which will be presented at the annual NAE4-HYPD Award Banquet in Kansas City next month, marks the first time WVSU 4-H has received such recognition at the national level.

2026 Professional Agricultural Workers Conference

Oct. 25-27

Montgomery, Alabama

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2026 National Association of Extension Program & Staff Development Professionals Conference

Nov. 3-6

Omaha, Nebraska

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2026 APLU Annual Meeting

Nov. 15-17

San Antonio, Texas

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2026 Association for Communication Excellence Level Up Virtual Conference

Nov. 18-19

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U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Grants and funding opportunities

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Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

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Friends of IPM Awards Program

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Extension Today is a monthly newsletter that highlights Cooperative Extension and provides updates across the 1890 land-grant system. It is published by the 1890 Land-grant Communications Committee. Contact communications@1890aea.org or fordl@fvsu.edu for more information or to join our mailing list.