Herbert College of Agriculture Annual Awards | Herbert College of Agriculture

The mission of the Herbert College of Agriculture is to prepare students for careers in agriculture, natural resources, and other arenas. We recognize the excellence of our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and supporters through our annual awards.

HERBERT COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE NOMINATION PROCEDURES FOR FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENT AWARDS

Awards for Faculty

One faculty member with ten (10) or fewer years of faculty experience and one faculty member with greater than ten (10) years of faculty experience will be recognized at the Herbert College of Agriculture Awards reception, generally held in early April.

Faculty may be tenured, tenure-track, or non-tenure track and are nominated by Herbert student organizations (clubs, judging teams, service and honor societies), departments, or individuals. Each may recommend one faculty member in each category. Those submitting nominations should also be prepared to assist nominees in preparing the nomination packet.

The nomination packet (12 pages maximum) includes the following items for each nominated faculty member:

Letters of nomination by organization/ individual (2 pages maximum) This should include the appointment of the faculty member.
Letters of recommendation (2 letters maximum)
- One faculty colleague (2 pages maximum)
- One undergraduate or graduate student advisee (2 pages maximum)
CV (4 pages maximum)
Nominee’s statement of teaching philosophy (1 page)
List of courses taught and enrollments

Only one packet need be submitted if a faculty member is nominated by more than one individual or group. Special mention of support from multiple groups should be made in the nomination letter, but letters of nomination from each group of individuals should be included.

Committee members: Students representative of multiple majors of the College, as selected by the Dean’s office in consultation with department faculty.

Nomination materials for those not selected will be retained and considered for the next two years. Recipients are not eligible if they were an award winner in either category within the past five years.

Past recipients who are ineligible in 2024 (ten or fewer years followed by ten or greater years):

2023: Carrie Stephens, Agricultural Leadership, Educations and Communications, and Hao Gan, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science

2022: Daniel Mathew, Animal Science, and Andrew Pulte, Plant Sciences

2021: Kyle McLean, Animal Science and Andrew Sherfy, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science

2020: Karen DeLong, Agricultural and Resource Economics, and Lannett Edwards, Animal Science

2019: David Butler, Plant Science, and Bill Park, Agricultural Resource Economics

2018: Jason Smith, Animal Science, and Cheryl Kojima, Animal Science

The W. S. Overton Faculty Award of Merit is presented annually by the Herbert College of Agriculture at the College Awards Reception, generally held in early April, to a tenured/tenure-track faculty member who makes notable contributions to the development of students. Outstanding classroom teaching, effective student advising, positive contributions, and work with student organizations and/or outstanding direction of graduate student theses and dissertations would be factors considered in making this award. Recipients also receive the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Teaching Award of Merit Certificate.

The nomination packet includes the following items for each nominated faculty member:

A letter of nomination from the department head or their designate that discusses the merits of the faculty member’s teaching program (2 pages maximum).
Resume/curriculum vitae that includes contributions to the teaching/advising program.
A statement of teaching and advising philosophy from the nominee.

Committee members: Selection is made by an ad hoc committee composed of faculty and students named by the associate dean.

Nomination materials for those not selected will be retained and considered for the next two years. Recipients are not eligible if they were awardees in the past three years.

Past recipients who are ineligible in 2024:

2023: Daniel Yoder, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science

2022: Lisa Muller, Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries

2021: Jada Thompson, Agricultural and Resource Economics

2020: Karen DeLong, Agricultural and Resource Economics

The Williams-Lidvall Outstanding Teaching Award is presented annually at the Institute of Agriculture’s Awards and Promotions Luncheon. It is given to a current faculty member in the Herbert College of Agriculture with a record of success in the classroom and demonstrated commitment to the interest of students as evidenced by their performance as an academic adviser, as well as their support and participation in student initiatives and activities, such as serving as an advisor to student clubs or organizations. This award was established by Donald E. Williams from Nashville, Tennessee, to honor his former professor and mentor, E.R. “Prof” Lidvall. Williams graduated from UT in the spring of 1961 with a BS in Animal Science.

The nomination package includes the following items:

A letter of nomination from the department head or designate,
Resume/CV of accomplishments (to include pertinent information pertaining to the nominee’s involvement in the teaching and advising program),
One page summary of quantitative and qualitative student course evaluations from the last three years, and
Two supporting letters (at least one from a student).

Committee members: Selection is made by an ad hoc committee composed of faculty and students named by the associate dean.

Nomination materials for those not selected will be retained and considered for the next two years.

Recipients are encouraged to meet with the donor and/or provide him with a report on their activities. Correspondence should be directed to Donald E. Williams, 188 Moultrie Park, Nashville, TN 37205-4715.

Undergraduate research has become a hallmark of excellence in land-grant universities. The Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award recognizes an outstanding faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to the development of undergraduate research. Examples include directly mentoring undergraduate student research projects (especially published results), supporting undergraduate research through developing and supporting presentation or publication, or providing other support that resulted in enhanced student accomplishment through research.

Nominations can be made by faculty, staff, students, and alumni (including former undergraduate researchers now in graduate school). Nominators should work with the nominee to develop nomination packets.

The nomination packet must include the following, not to exceed 10 pages:

Letter of nomination by the nominator (2 pages maximum)
Letter of recommendation from a campus colleague (2 pages maximum)
CV which includes Information on how the nominee has supported undergraduate research, which may include list of students, projects, student publications/presentations, grants/funding to support undergraduate research, etc. (4 pages maximum)
Nominee’s statement of philosophy on mentorship of undergraduate research (1 page maximum)

Committee members: Selection is made by an ad hoc committee composed of faculty/staff and students named by the associate dean.

Nomination materials for those not selected will be retained and considered for the next two years. Recipients are not eligible if they were awardees in the past five years.

Past recipients who are ineligible in 2024:

2023: Phillip Myer, Animal Science

2022: Sarah Moorey, Animal Science

2021: Doris D’Souza, Food Science

2020: Jennie Ivey, Animal Science

2019: Vermont Dia, Food Science

2018: Nour Abdoulmoumine, Biosystems

One faculty member (tenured, tenure-track, or non-tenure track) is recognized for outstanding advising of undergraduate and/or graduate students and service to student organizations. The recipient is invited to attend the Herbert College Awards Reception, generally held in early April. The recipient will also be recognized for their support of students at the spring college commencement ceremony and be asked to address the graduates.

Nominations can be made by Herbert College clubs, organizations, individuals, and/or departments. Each may recommend one faculty member. Nominations may also be self-nominations.

Those submitting nominations should also be prepared to assist nominees in preparing the nomination packet and making sure the nomination packet is submitted by the due date.

Only one packet need be submitted if a person is nominated by more than one individual or group. Special mention of multiple support groups should be made in the nomination letter, but letters of nomination from each group or individuals should be included.

The nomination packet (not to exceed 11 pages) includes the following items for each nominated faculty member:

Letters of nomination by organization/individual (2 pages maximum)
Letters of recommendation (limit of 2 letters):
- One faculty colleague (2 pages maximum)
- One undergraduate or graduate student advisee (2 pages maximum)
CV including role and experience in advising undergraduate and graduate students and student organizations (4 pages maximum)
Nominee’s statement of philosophy of advising (1 page)

Committee members: Students representative of multiple majors of the College, as selected by the Dean’s office in consultation with department faculty.

Nomination materials for those not selected will be retained and considered for the next two years.

Recipients are not eligible if they were awardees in the past ten years. Past recipients who are ineligible in 2024:

2023: Maria Prado, Animal Science

2022: Liz Eckelkamp, Animal Science

2021: Lacey Johnston, Animal Science

2020: Cheryl Kojima, Animal Science

2019: Chris Graves, Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries

2018: Neal Schrick, Animal Science

2017: Michael Smith, Animal Science

2016: Gina Pighetti, Animal Science

2015: Jessica Shanks, Animal Science

Awards for Faculty, Staff, and Students

The award will be presented to a faculty, staff, or student in agriculture to recognize entrepreneurial enterprises, which may include development of commercial products, services, formation of company or causing relocation/expansion of company into TN. It may also include a faculty or staff member whose work and/or teaching helps students develop their entrepreneurial skills, particularly if they’ve resulted in an entrepreneurial venture. Nominees will be reviewed based on evidence of any of the above. Nominations will include a letter of nomination (can be from self) which describes how the nominee achieved the purpose of the award. For nominations involving a product, service, or company formation/relocation, two letters from stakeholders who’ve benefitted from the venture should be included (e.g., company officer, distributer, consumer, etc.).

For nominations focused on development of entrepreneurial skills, the nomination will consist of:

A cover letter (not to exceed 1 page),
A statement by the nominee which describes their philosophy, goals, and methods for teaching students to be entrepreneurial (2 page limit),
and letters (1 page limit) from 2 current and/or former students

This award honors the memory of Dr. John B .Riley through recognizing those individuals who have had a deep, positive impact on the lives of others with whom they work, teach, or advise/mentor. Dr. John B. Riley was former dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and a professor of agricultural and resource economics.

Dr. Riley was a servant leader, lifelong learner, and mentor that held caring for others, critical excellence, and truly making a difference in people’s lives in the highest regard. He received the College’s Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award in 2003 and the Lidvall Outstanding Teaching Award in 2004. He was a president of the UT Faculty Club, active in 4-H, and an advisor for the FarmHouse fraternity. He coached the National AgriMarketing Association (NAMA) Marketing Teams at both Kansas State and UT. His teams won several national competitions, and Riley was recognized for his work with the National NAMA Careers Committee by being the only person to receive NAMA’s National Leadership Award.

The Dr. John B. Riley Life Impact Award is presented annually to one individual by the Herbert College of Agriculture at the College Awards Reception. Faculty staff are eligible to receive the award. Nominations can be made by faculty, staff, or students. The nomination packet will include:

Letter of nomination that addresses :
- The nature and quality of the nominees work
- Context(s) in which lives have been impacted (classroom, co-curricularly, day-to-day, administratively, or peer-to-peer)
- Description of the positive impacts the nominee has made on others’ lives
Curriculum vitae or resume
Two supporting letters from persons affected by, or who have noticed others positively affected by, the nominee’s efforts

An individual may receive this award no more than once.

Selection is made by a screening committee comprised of students, faculty, and staff as appointed by the College Dean’s Office.

Past recipients who are ineligible:

2023: Karen Delong, Agricultural and Resource Economics

2022: Garry Menendez, Plant Sciences

2021: Charlie Parker, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science

2020: Bill Park, Agricultural and Resource Economics

2019: William Hart, Biosystems Engineering

2018: Arthur Leal, Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications

Awards for Staff

One award will be given to a staff member who has displayed extraordinary service and support of the Herbert College of Agriculture mission. The recipient may be a full-time, exempt, or nonexempt clerical, technical, or professional staff member who is involved with the teaching program. The recipient will be invited to the Herbert College of Agriculture Awards Reception, generally held in early April.

Staff members are nominated by Herbert student organizations (clubs, judging teams, service and honor societies), departments, or individuals. Each may recommend one staff member.

The nomination packet includes the following items for each nominated staff member:

Nomination letter by the student organization, the department head or designate, or a faculty member (2 pages maximum),
An additional support letter from a student organization, department head, or a faculty member, and
Resume of the staff member.

Committee members: Students representative of multiple majors of the College, as selected by the Dean’s office in consultation with department faculty

Nomination materials for those not selected will be retained and considered for the next two years. Recipients are not eligible if they were awardees in the past five years.

Past recipients who are ineligible in 2024:

2023: Rebekah Ownby, Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications

2022: Amber Rayborn, Animal Science

2021: David Paulsen, Entomology and Plant Pathology

2020: Kyla-Jo Farmer, Animal Science

2019: Lisa Widener, Foresty Wildlife, and FIsheries

2018: Sandy Kitts, Plant Sciences

Awards for Students

The Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award of Merit is presented annually at the Herbert College of Agriculture Awards Reception, generally held in early April.

Graduate students who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and work with undergraduate students in other ways that enhance the undergraduate educational experience are nominated by department heads or faculty mentors. Graduate students may be nominated regardless of their appointment, as some departments require all graduate students to have a teaching experience. Evidence of professional development as an instructor is also considered. The recipient(s) will also receive the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Graduate Student Teaching Award of Merit Certificate.

The nomination package should include the following:

A nomination letter that addresses the nature and quality of the graduate student’s teaching efforts in the department written by the department head or the faculty member supervising the graduate student’s teaching
A resume/curriculum vitae that includes contributions to the teaching program and evidence of the student’s professional development as an instructor

Committee members: Selection is made by an ad hoc committee composed of faculty/staff and students named by the associate dean.

Research discoveries are a hallmark of land-grant universities and can create tremendous value for students performing the research, making them better prospective employees and graduate school candidates. This award was created to recognize a Herbert College undergraduate student who actively conducts research with a faculty member in the Institute of Agriculture. The award is processed as a scholarship to reduce the student’s need to work during the academic year, thereby allowing time to conduct the research.

The nomination package consists of:

If the work is not yet completed,
- A letter from the student describing the purpose of the research, progress made, what needs to be completed, and the potential outcomes or impacts of the research
- A letter from the faculty member describing the work completed by the student and the student’s progress in understanding the scientific method and conducting research
If the work is completed,
- A report or journal article prepared by the student based on the research conducted, which includes an introduction to the problem, a clear hypothesis, materials and methods, research findings, discussion, and conclusion
- A letter from the faculty member describing the actual contributions the student made to the research described in the report or journal article and the student’s progress in understanding the scientific method and conducting research

Committee members: Nominations will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee composed of faculty/staff and students named by the associate dean.

A maximum of ten full-time students will be honored at the annual Herbert College of Agriculture Awards Reception, generally held in early April. Up to four seniors, three juniors, two sophomores, and one freshman will be recognized.

Selection of recipients will be based upon the candidate’s college leadership, activities, letters of nomination/reference, and scholarship. The application should include information for the preceding twelve months (spring, summer, and fall semesters).

Emphasis will be placed on leadership and activity.

The nominee must be enrolled in the current spring semester and be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours in both the fall and spring semesters of the academic year of nomination) to be eligible. Class standing is determined per University guidelines and is based on the student’s status at the beginning of fall semester of the current academic year.

FRESHMAN: Student with fewer than 30 credit hours

SOPHOMORE: Student with between 30 and 60 credit hours

JUNIOR: Student with between 60 and 90 credit hours

SENIOR: Student with 90 credit hours or more

Classification is NOT based on the number of semesters enrolled at UT or in the Herbert College of Agriculture. Advanced placement, transfer, and departmental credits are included in the credit hour total.

Nominations are encouraged by Herbert student organizations (clubs, judging teams, service and honor societies) or individual faculty or students (self-nominations are acceptable). Nominations prepared by a student require a letter of nomination from another student and a UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) faculty member. Nominations prepared by a student group require a letter from a member of that group and a UTIA faculty member. Nominations from a faculty member do not require a letter of support from a student or organization.

It is the responsibility of the nominator to assist the nominee in preparation of the application, provide a letter of nomination, and request the needed support letters.

There is no limit to the number of times a student may win the Outstanding Student Award. The Office of the Dean reserves the right to verify all information. The committee asks that nominations follow the specified format and that the materials be typed or neatly written.

A resume or a list that describes the level of involvement under the appropriate headings should be included. The following list is provided only as a guide and should not be considered inclusive.

SCHOLARSHIP: Honor society membership; national professional society membership; Gamma Sigma Delta awards; state, regional, or national recognition and awards; assistance provided to a faculty member’s research, Extension, or teaching program; honor program participation; work on an independent project under direction of a faculty member; or any research, Extension, and teaching presentations.

LEADERSHIP: Office or committee chair with the College or any club, fraternity/sorority, or other organization; Varsity Visit or Ag Day tour guide or speaker; State 4-H or FFA officer (following high school); or conferences, conclaves, regional or national student organization officer, or committee chair.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Departmental club and/or judging team member and/or awards, fraternity/sorority members, intramurals, band, student senate, internship, part-/full-time work, and committee membership, community service, international study, off-campus membership, and activities.

Committee members: Selection of awardees is made by an ad hoc committee of students and faculty named by the associate dean.

The Undergraduate Student Global Leader Award honors outstanding students who have actively engaged in intercultural initiatives on campus or abroad and demonstrated leadership in promoting a globally minded community on campus. Examples of intercultural activities include (but are not limited to) interning abroad, serving as a Smith Center Ambassador, volunteering at a non-profit that serves an international audience, conducting international research, and serving as an officer for an international (student) organization.

The Dean for the Herbert College of Agriculture will present the Undergraduate Student Global Leader Award at the Herbert College of Agriculture Annual Awards held annually each spring. Winners will be invited to attend an award dinner with the Smith Family, held annually in the fall, and will receive $750.

Eligibility

All full-time undergraduate students enrolled in a Herbert College of Agriculture major or minor are eligible for this award. Students must be currently enrolled at time of application.

Application Process

Nomination packets should include the following:

One to three letters of support from nominee’s academic advisor, study abroad faculty lead, coach, and/or instructor, etc. who are knowledgeable about the student’s academic and extracurricular record. Smith Center faculty and staff are not eligible to submit letters of support.

Current resume or CV of the candidate.

The Global Leader Award honors outstanding students who have actively engaged in intercultural initiatives on campus or abroad and who have exemplified leadership in promoting and supporting a global community among University of Tennessee students. Examples of intercultural activities include (but are not limited to) conducting international research, serving as a study abroad leader, leading an international student organization, service to an international association, volunteering with a non-profit that serves an international audience, attending an international conference, and conducting international research.

The Dean for the Herbert College of Agriculture will present the Graduate Student Global Leader Award at the Herbert College of Agriculture Annual Awards held annually each spring. Winners will be invited to attend an award dinner with the Smith Family, held annually in the fall, and will receive $750.

Eligibility

All full-time graduate students enrolled in a UTIA academic program are eligible for this award. Students must be currently enrolled at time of application.

Application Process

Nomination packets should include the following:

One to three letters of support from nominee’s academic advisor, study abroad faculty lead, coach, and/or instructor, etc. who are knowledgeable about the student’s work.

Current resume or CV of the candidate.

Awards for Alumni

The Herbert College Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented annually to a graduate (at least ten years) of the Herbert College of Agriculture or its predecessors, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources or the College of Agriculture, for outstanding achievement in the academic or corporate community and/or noteworthy public service, which have brought distinction to the graduate and the University of Tennessee.

The award recipient is invited to the Herbert College of Agriculture Awards Reception and/or the College’s spring graduation ceremony.

The nominations, by alumni, faculty, or department heads, consist of the nomination form (see page 18) and a nomination letter (3 pages maximum) that includes the following information:

Name of the nominee
A statement of significant accomplishments in the academic, corporate, and/or community/public service arenas
Additional comments regarding the nominee and how they distinguished themselves and/or the University of Tennessee
Two additional letters of support
A CV or resume may be attached, if available.

The nominator, if not a UTIA employee, must include their full address, work and home telephone numbers, and email address.

The recipient will be selected by an ad hoc committee named by the associate dean, and will include:

Department head
Faculty members
Representative of the UTIA Office of Advancement

Nominations received after the second Friday in February will be held for the next year. Nomination materials for those not selected are retained and considered for the next two years. A recipient may receive the award only once.

Past recipients who are ineligible:

2023: Michael Butler, ’92

2022: Terry Niblack, ’76 and ’82

2021: Bob Sinclair, ’71

2020: Jerri Marr, 1992, BS in Forestry

2019: Mark Wilson, Animal Science

2018: Craig Bacon, Food Science & Technology

2017: Donnie Smith, Animal Science

2016: Dilip Panthee, Plant Sciences

2015: Not Awarded

2014: Charlie Goan, Animal Science

2013: Dan Wheeler, Animal Science

2012: Not Awarded

2011: Not Awarded

2010: Jennifer Pine Smith, Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design

2009: James “Jim” Stocker, Agricultural Economics

2008: Catherine Lynne Dorko, Food Science, NFS

2007: Waymon Hickman, Agricultural Education

2006: Hollis Malone, Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design

2005: James Heird, Animal Husbandry

2004: Louis Buck, Agricultural Engineering

2003: Ed R. Lidvall, Animal Husbandry

2002: Larry Redden, Plant and Soil Science

2001: Don Shadow, Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design

2000: Frank Bell, Agron

1999: W. F. “Red” Moss, Agricultural Education (first recipient)

Open Eligibility Awards

A Friend of the Herbert College of Agriculture is someone from outside the College (i.e., no Herbert College appointment) who has demonstrated noteworthy support and assistance (service) to the College. This support could be academic, logistical, or other. The award was inspired by a similar type of award within the National Education Association. Recipients can be an individual, group, organization, or company.

Nominations can be made by faculty, staff, students, and alumni using the nomination form on page 19. Non-UTIA nominators must submit their own full address, work and home telephone numbers, and email address.

The nomination packet must include the following and should not exceed 3 pages:

Letter of nomination by the nominator (2 pages maximum). The letter of nomination shall be signed by a second faculty, staff, student, or alumnus. The letter will address how the nominee has aided the higher education mission of the College. Where possible, discrete evidence of support shall be provided (e.g., dates and types of services rendered, etc.). Up to five additional letters of support may be included.
Nominee information: Name, position and/or organizational affiliation, address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and/or email address
Friends of Herbert Nomination form (see page 19)

Committee members: Dean’s office staff, Faculty, and Students

Nomination materials for those not selected will be retained and considered for the next two years. Recipients are not eligible if they were awardees in the past five years.

Past recipients who are ineligible in 2024:

2023: David Ader, Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture

2022: Alan Windham, Entomology and Plant Pathology

2021: Roger and Sandra Elder, Elder’s Last Lap Ranch

2020: Sharon Glover, Mabel’s Cafeteria, Aramark

2019: David Bilderback, UT Extension

2023 Award Recipients

We are excited to celebrate and showcase our faculty, staff, and student award recipients here on our website. Please help us recognize their accomplishments!

Hao Gan, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science

Hao Gan

Assistant Professor in Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science

“Dr. Gan's major strength is that he has deep knowledge and fantastic and empathetic teaching skills, resulting in an outstanding teaching experience for students.”

Carrie Stephens, Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications

Carrie Stephens

Professor and Graduate Coordinator, Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications

Phillip Myer, Animal Science

Phillip Myer

Assistant Professor in Animal Science

Dr. Phillip Myer co-developed the undergraduate research club and has numerous undergraduate students present at research conferences and co-authored referred publications.

Karen DeLong, Agricultural and Resource Economics

Karen DeLong

Associate Professor in Agricultural and Resource Economics

Dr. DeLong infuses all instruction with "entrepreneurial spirit and… foundational skills for agricultural business entrepreneurs."

Maria Prado, Animal Science

Maria Prado

Assistant Professor in Animal Science

“As an incoming freshman, I had no idea how lucky I would be to have Dr. Prado as my academic advisor.”

Daniel Yoder, Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science

Daniel Yoder

Professor and Assistant Department Head, Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science

“In my 25 years of experience in Academia, rarely have I encountered a faculty member who is simultaneously outstanding in undergraduate teaching, advising, graduate student mentorship, and departmental, college, and university service.”

Neal Schrick, Animal Science

Neal Schrick

Professor and Department Head, Animal Science

Rebekah Ownby, Administrative Specialist, Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communications

Rebekah Ownby

Administrative Specialist, Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communications

Mrs. Ownby is multi-skilled, adaptive with "grace and professionalism" and has a "positive, can-do attitude."

Michael Butler ’92

Michael Butler

Michael Butler, class of 1992, Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife

Mr. Michael Butler is the CEO of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, a presidential appointee, a part of the governor's carp task force, a member on the TVA council, and a Lone Oaks Farm fundraiser.

David Ader, Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture

David Ader

Research Assistant Professor & Assistant Director, Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture

Dr. David Ader leads the spring break study abroad trip to Guatemala while also co-teaching AGNR 180: Global Dynamics: Food, Biodiversity & the Environment.

Abby McCalmon, Animal Science

Abby McCalmon

Pursuing Master of Science in Animal Science with an emphasis on Dairy Science

Briley Tate Bledsoe

Environmental & Soil Sciences major from Chattanooga, TN

Miller Hadley

Food Science major from Clarksville, TN

Hunter Randolph

Plant Sciences major from Lenoir City, TN

Micah E. Roberts

Animal Science major from Knoxville, TN

Jared E. Beeler

Forestry major from Knoxville, TN

Emily Walker, Senior, Environmental & Soil Science

The award is processed as a scholarship to reduce the student’s need to work during the academic year, thereby allowing time to conduct the research.

Cohen W. Eastridge, Wildlife & Fisheries Science

The student selected to receive the cash and plaque is a full time student (fall and spring semester) in the Herbert College of Agriculture and graduate of a Tennessee high school and has earned the highest grade point average through the fifth semester.

Freshman

Gracie Orrico

Freshman majoring in Construction Science & Management

Sophomores

Haylee Ferguson

Sophomore majoring Food & Agricultural Business

Marianna Hutchison

Sophomore majoring in Animal Science

Juniors

Taylor Bundy

Junior majoring in Food & Agricultural Business

William Hatcher

Junior majoring in Environmental & Soil Science

Parker Wyatt

Junior majoring in Animal Science

Seniors

Eilish Bennett

Senior majoring in Natural Resource & Environmental Economics

Rebecca Finchum

Senior majoring in Animal Science

Kennedy Hill

Senior majoring in Animal Science

Emily Walker

Senior majoring in Environmental & Soil Science