(ND Ag Connection) – North Dakota State University Extension recognized several individuals and teams for their excellent work in the past year.
This year’s awards and recipients were:
Communicator of the Year – Angie Johnson, Extension farm and ranch safety coordinator
Epsilon Sigma Phi Mid-Career Service Award – Penny Nester, agriculture and natural resource agent, Bowman County
Epsilon Sigma Phi Meritorious Support Staff Award – Torie Piehl, administrative assistant, LaMoure County
Program Excellence – Fit and Strong program team
NDSU Agriculture Communication and the North Dakota chapter of the Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) administers the Communicator of the Year award to recognize an individual who has displayed exceptional expertise and professionalism in delivering educational programs and information to the public, utilizing a variety of communication methods.
“Angie Johnson works tirelessly to promote farm safety across North Dakota and beyond,” says Bruce Sundeen, NDSU Agriculture Communication electronic media specialist and representative for ACE. “She does countless interviews with radio, print and TV media to help raise awareness of safety issues for farm and ranch families.”
The North Dakota chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, a national association for Extension professionals, recognizes those who are dedicated to fostering standards of excellence in the Extension system and developing the Extension profession.
The Epsilon Sigma Phi Mid-Career Service Award pays tribute to an experienced Extension professional who has consistently exhibited leadership and excellence in Extension program planning, delivery evaluation and administration for more than 10 years but fewer than 20.
Nester has served NDSU Extension in several leadership capacities and participated in various leadership professional development opportunities. She currently serves as vice president for the North Dakota Association of Extension 4-H Youth Workers and treasurer for the North Dakota Association of Agricultural Extension Agents. She helped facilitate bovine emergency response trainings throughout the state and has partnered with producers and researchers to provide research and education on soil pH issues in the state of North Dakota. She has cultivated a strong 4-H program during her time in Kidder County that has resulted in increased participation and multiple 4-H’ers who attended national judging competitions.
The Epsilon Sigma Phi State Meritorious Support Service Award pays tribute to staff in support roles who have shown support for the mission, program and professional staff of Extension.
Piehl was recognized for her excellent communication and ability to pivot when met with unexpected challenges. She has stepped up to support Extension on a statewide level, serving on the planning committee for the 2022 state support staff conference and mentoring new support staff in other counties. She established an internal resource tool where support staff across NDSU Extension can ask questions and share insight, advice and resources with each other.