Montana State University Extension recently recognized staff, faculty and supporters at a fall conference in Bozeman.
“We are fortunate to have accomplished faculty and staff making a positive impact on the people and places of Montana,” said Cody Stone, MSU Extension executive director. “It is an honor to recognize their contributions through our awards program.”
The MSU Extension Director’s Office annually recognizes outstanding faculty and staff who attain distinctive success in their chosen field or profession and/or perform outstanding service to their community. Jane Mangold, MSU Extension invasive plant specialist, received the Distinguished Faculty Award; Kari Lewis, MSU Extension for Glacier County received the Early Career Faculty Award; and Sara Adlington, MSU Extension editor and publications coordinator, received the Distinguished Staff Award.
Brenda Richey, MSU Extension agent on the Flathead Reservation, and Kristen Desjarlais, community partner, received the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award. This award is granted to Extension professionals, individually or as a team, who design and implement programs and opportunities for traditionally underserved populations. Awardees also build programs and learning opportunities and facilitate environments that address diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Montana Winter Weed Treat Team received the Team Award, which recognizes efforts to solve problems locally and across the state. Team members included Extension agents Dave Brink, Mineral County; Patrick Mangan, Flathead Reservation; Ben Hauptman, Granite County; Kelly Moore, Missoula County; and Kimberly Richardson, Ravalli County; Kellieann Sweeney, Ravalli County Weed District coordinator; and Craig McClane, aquatic invasive species specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
The following awards were presented by Montana’s Joint Council of Extension Professionals organization.
The 2023 Silver Buffalo Award went to Mandie Reed, MSU Extension agent, Wheatland County, in recognition of 20 years of exceptional service. This award encourages and recognizes excellence for a program in one given field of work and/or a well-rounded County or State Extension program.
Jennifer Munter, MSU Extension Nutrition Education Program assistant director, received the Anne Wiprud Memorial Award. This award recognizes a staff member with fewer than 10 years of experience for outstanding achievement and accomplishment in a special program or project involving people development.
The Arrowhead Award, which recognizes an individual, firm, corporation or organization outside of MSU Extension that has assisted with and contributed to Extension programs, went to Sidney Livestock Market Center and Prewitt & Co., supporters of MSU Extension in Richland County.
The following awards were presented to groups, businesses and individuals by the Montana Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP), a national professional development organization comprised of Extension professionals.
Early Career — Katrin Finch, Cascade County Extension agent.
• Mid-Career — Josie Evenson, Richland County Extension agent.
• Visionary Leadership — Joel Schumacher, agriculture and natural resources and family and consumer sciences program leader.
• Administrative Leadership — Cody Stone, MSU Extension executive director.
• Retiree — Bernie Mason and Betty McCoy.
• Friend of Extension — Fort Peck Hotel.
Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist, received the prestigious Ruby Award from the National ESP organization earlier this fall.
“I am honored to receive the Ruby Award,” said Goetting. “I have the privilege of working with outstanding Montana Extension agents and specialists, members of the business, estates, tax, trusts and real property section of the State Bar of Montana, and colleagues from other states. They have allowed me to collaborate, develop innovative programs and grow. MSU Extension is the best profession around.”
Goetting has worked at MSU since 1977 and is known for her publications on finances, estate planning, and Alzheimers in the state of Montana.
“Dr. Goetting is the personification of what Extension professionals strive to achieve,” said Eric Belasco, MSU’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics head, in the College of Letters and Science. “She has excelled in developing an incredible number of high-quality educational materials and courses. Attendance at her programs is remarkable, with over 4,900 participants in 50 programs offered in 2022.”
“Dr. Goetting’s engagement with the people and places of Montana continues to improve lives in local communities,” added Stone. “The impact of her work will leave a legacy for generations to come.”
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