NC A&T Extension Specialists Take Home Awards
July 31, 1998
Atlanta: Cooperative Extension specialists and administrators from North
Carolina A&T State University's Cooperative Extension Program won several awards from
the Association of Extension Administrators 1890 Awards Program, held recently in Atlanta.
Taking first place Innovative Program Awards were:
- Dr. Claudette Smith for "Community Voices," a leadership development program
that equips people who are generally not involved in community decision-making, with
skills needed to be effective leaders. Using the A&T program, Cooperative Extension
professionals train individuals in leadership skills, such as identifying community
problems, and identifying and recruiting other leaders.
- Drs. Bob Williamson and Ellen Smoak for "Down to Earth," a program designed to
provide children, ages 9 to 12, with an opportunity to use gardening and the scientific
method to explore how using chemicals in gardening affects plant growth, human health and
the environment.
- Smoak for "The Dark Side of the Sun," a uniquely designed program that
educates farmers and farm workers about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure, and
suggests uncomplicated, inexpensive approaches to skin cancer prevention.
- Dr. John O'Sullivan for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education's (SARE) Southern
Region Professional Development Program, a Congressionally funded project which provides
training in economic profitability, environmental stewardship and social responsibility to
Extension agents and other agricultural professionals.
Taking home a second place Innovative Program Award was Dr. Shirley Rouse for the North
Carolina 4-H K-3rd Grade Youth Program. Using a developmentally appropriate curricula,
this program promotes the positive development of youth at an earlier age than
conventional 4-H programs.
Recognized with Achievement Awards for significant contributions toward the enhancement of
the NC A&T Extension Program were:
- Dr. M. Ray McKinnie. Since 1980, McKinnie has served as the animal science specialist
for the A&T Cooperative Extension Program, focusing efforts on swine, rabbit and meat
goat production for small-scale farmers. Additionally, McKinnie serves as interim director
for university farm operations, and as administrative assistant to the dean for Extension
and research facilities.
- Dr. Bob Williamson. Williamson has served as a natural resource specialist for the
A&T Cooperative Extension Program since 1984, and has been recognized both nationally
and regionally for his work with youth and environmental stewardship.
- Dr. Ellen Smoak. Smoak has been with the A&T Cooperative Extension Program for 23
years, during which time she has been instrumental in educational programs dealing with
such diverse topics as teenage pregnancy, and agricultural health and safety.
Recognized with a Distinguished Service Award was Dr. Shirley Rouse. During her 25
years with the A&T Cooperative Extension Program, Rouse has been involved in 4-H and
youth development programming, receiving numerous awards for her efforts.
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For more information, please contact Mitch Arnold, NC A&T School of Agriculture, (336)
334-7049.