Mafuyai-Ekanem Recognized with National USDA Award 

July 31, 1998 

Greensboro, NC: Mary Mafuyai-Ekanem, a small farms management specialist in the North Carolina A&T State University Cooperative Extension Program, was recognized with an award in Personal and Professional Excellence during USDA's 52nd Annual Honor Awards Ceremony.

Mafuyai-Ekanem, whose association with the Department of Agriculture is through NC A&T's Cooperative Extension Program, was recognized for leadership, program excellence, and networking resulting in effective outreach to both domestic and international audiences.

According to USDA, 16 southern states and 15 countries have participated in training designed by Mafuyai-Ekanem for women and their families.

"Training programs designed and implemented by Mary Mafuyai-Ekanem have promoted understanding of the issues facing women and minorities," said Dr. Daniel D. Godfrey, dean of NC A&T's School of Agriculture. "Her diligence and energy translate into opportunities for limited-resource audiences, small-scale farmers, and other disadvantaged clientele."

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman presented awards to 110 employees across the nation during the June 10 ceremony at the West Lawn of the Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building in Washington, D.C.

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For more information, please contact Mary Mafuyai-Ekanem, NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, (336) 334-7024.