CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University Extension faculty and staff were honored at the 2022 OSU Division of Extension and Engagement Annual Conference for their dedication, innovation and contributions.
The OSU Extension Association (OSUEA) presented its annual awards, and the Gamma Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi – the national association for Extension professionals – recognized its chapter and national winners. Extension Communications handed out its annual Ask an Expert winners.
Dave Hansen, who retired last month as outreach and engagement leader for Oregon Sea Grant, received the Alberta B. Johnston Award for Excellence in Extension Leadership. The award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to OSU Extension through creative and effective administration and/or educational program leadership.
Hansen led the Sea Grant Extension program from 2010 until his retirement. According to his nomination letter, his leadership style combines humor and approachability with effective guidance. He supported Sea Grant Extension morale through changes in leadership, during uncertain budget times and through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jennifer Boyle, Extension Open Campus coordinator in Jefferson County, received the Alberta B. Johnston Award for Excellence in Extension Education. Winners of this award demonstrate excellence in planning, conducting, evaluating and sharing with colleagues Extension educational programs that make a significant difference in the lives of Oregonians.
Since Boyle joined Open Campus in 2010, 100% of the students she’s worked with have graduated from high school and most have gone on to post-secondary education. According to her nomination letter, Boyle has a clear passion for empowering and inspiring vulnerable students to envision a positive future for themselves.
Recipients of the Alberta B. Johnston awards receive a $1,000 check and a plaque honoring their dedication and talents.
OSUEA award winners and their categories included:
- Classified Staff: Carrie Mack, office specialist, Lane County.
- Hoecker Newer Faculty: Jacob Powell, assistant professor of practice and crops and livestock specialist, Sherman and Wasco counties; Traci Reed, state military liaison and 4-H program coordinator, Klamath County; and Tanya Kindrachuk, Portland area 4-H program coordinator.
- Hoecker Experienced Faculty: Max Bennett, associate professor and agent, Forestry and Natural Resources, Josephine County.
- Professional Faculty Administration: Denise Ashley, administrative office manager and local liaison, Lane County.
- Oscar Hagg Extension Communications: Nourished and Thriving Children: A Trauma-Informed Nutrition and Feeding Online Course. Jenny Rudolph, associate professor of practice and Moore Family outreach Coordinator, Columbia County; Karen Taylor, instructional designer, Professional and Continuing Education (PACE); Katie Klump-Hensley, program manager, PACE; Kate Miller, feeding and disability specialist, SPOON; Rose Jepson-Sullivan, Family and Community Health (FCH) coordinator; Lily Joslin, SNAP-Ed education program assistant, Columbia County; Lauren Tobey, associate professor of practice, SNAP-Ed state team; Lura Jones, former FCH education program assistant; and Patrick Hart, Patrick Hart Videography.
- 2021 Hoecker Extension Innovative and Replication Grant: Implementing Food Waste and Reduction Strategies through School Nutrition Services: Rachel Dillard, FCH education program assistant, Portland metro area; Rebecca Marson, SNAP-Ed education program assistant, Portland metro area; Joanne Lyford, SNAP-Ed site manager, Portland metro area; Jennifer Morris, SNAP-Ed education program assistant, Portland metro area; and Shara Anslow, SNAP-Ed education program assistant, Portland metro area.
- 2019 Hoecker Extension Innovative and Replication Grant: Ian McGregor, assistant professor and livestock and irrigation specialist, Klamath County.
Ask an Expert awardees:
- Employee of the Year: Toni Stephan, retired horticulture and small farms educator, Deschutes County.
- Volunteer of the Year: Bill Hutchmacher, Extension Master Gardener, Lincoln County.
- Question of the Year: Brian McDonald, senior faculty research assistant in the OSU Department of Horticulture.
Epsilon Sigma Phi Chapter awardees:
- Early Career Service – National Winner: Charissa Jones, outreach and inclusion coordinator, OSU Extension Outdoor School.
- Mid-Career Service: Jon Gandy, 4-H program coordinator, Jefferson County.
- Distinguished Service: Carole Smith, state 4-H civic engagement, International Exchange program coordinator and 4-H youth development in Union County.
- Continued Excellence: Deb Warnock, 4-H/Family and Community Health faculty, Wallowa County.
- Visionary Leadership: Didgette McCracken, Open Campus coordinator, Grant County.
- Administrative Leadership: Natalie Kinion, director, OSU Extension Eastern region.
- Diversity Multicultural – Individual: Ana Lu Fonseca, Extension diversity, equity and inclusion development specialist.
- Diversity Multicultural – Team - National Winner: OSU Extension Outdoor School. Kris Elliott, Priscilla Johnson, Spirit Brooks, Charissa Jones, Kristi Backe, Amy Hoffman, Benno Lyon, Sarah Cuddy, Rita Bauer.
- Distinguished Team: Olivia Davis, SNAP-Ed outreach coordinator, Jefferson County and Confederate Tribes of Warm Springs; Danita Macy, SNAP-Ed/FCH program coordinator, Urban Native Indigenous Unit.
- Meritorious Support: Bobbi Howell, office manager, Malheur County.
