USDA, Cooperative Extension, & APLU Award Top Honors in Extension Excellence

Washington, DC – Recognizing visionary research and outreach educational programming, the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Cooperative Extension, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) announce the following 2025 national awards:

• Excellence in Extension Award for an Individual: Dr. Christopher Sneed, University of Tennessee
• Excellence in Extension Team Award: Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Excellence in Extension for Innovative Programming that Addresses New Audience Award: Dr. Dwayne T. James, University of Missouri

“This awards program recognizes outstanding leadership and program delivery that is a hallmark of the vibrant outreach and education networks of Cooperative Extension across America,” said Dr. Jaye Hamby, NIFA Director. “Extension work highlights how knowledge shared through strong university-community partnerships improves lives and communities across the nation.”

The National Excellence in Extension Award for an Individual is awarded annually to one Cooperative Extension professional who demonstrates outstanding scientific programming, visionary leadership, and positive impact in their community. Over the course of his career, Dr. Sneed has demonstrated innovative approaches to community engagement and educational programming. His most notable accomplishments include developing a statewide needs assessment for consumer economics, partnering with state coalitions focusing on financial education and workforce development, and working with Skill Up Tennessee to provide workforce education to rural communities.

The National Excellence in Extension Team Award recognizes an Extension team performing work above and beyond their peers in research, technical assistance, and outreach education. Led by Deanna Erickson, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (LSNERR) team focuses on four core principles: stewardship of the natural environment, research and monitoring, training, and education. Drawing on these principles, the LSNERR serves as a regional leader by working on initiatives that directly serve the community and students. LSNERR’s work has led to rural job creation, workforce training, community flood readiness, and student opportunities across the region.

The Excellence in Extension for Innovative Programming that Addresses New Audience Award distinguishes a group or individual for significant achievement in Extension outreach to underserved communities.  Dr. Dwayne T. James leads the Leadership Fellows Network (NLF) which aims to empower St. Louis residents to lead transformative initiatives in their own neighborhoods. Through this initiative, NLF educates residents on local issues and connects local leaders with community initiatives exemplifying the capacity for Extension services in urban neighborhoods.

NIFA, Cooperative Extension, and APLU will also present five regional awards to individuals. This year’s recipients are:

• 1890s Region: Dr. Kristin Woods serves as a Sustainable Food Systems Resource Specialist for Diverse Farming Systems. She tirelessly strives to share her extensive expertise through high-impact programs supporting farmers and strengthening local food systems.
• Northeast Region: Richard Kralj is a Food Safety and Quality Extension Educator whose work contributed to the development of food safety education across Pennsylvania. He excels in coordinating across various levels of university, state, and regional offices to reach broad audiences and adapts his teaching methods to meet the needs of his students.
• Southern Region: Nelly Nelson, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, has reached thousands of participants throughout her career, educating her students on subjects such as financial management, health and wellness, and relationships. She specializes in multilingual communication and offers Spanish programming to ensure her programs reach as many people as possible.
• North Central Region: Dr. Jane Strommen is an Extension Gerontology Specialist and Assistant Professor of Practice. Over the past few years, Dr. Strommen has worked with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services to expand statewide administration of health programs for older adults. She also spearheaded a program to help older adults safely and independently remain in their homes and communities.  
• Western Region: Nancy Ooki, Associate Extension Agent, specializes in 4-H youth, family, and consumer sciences and coordinates the 4-H Youth Development program for Maui County.

“We are honored to recognize this year’s recipients for their exemplary work in Extension,” said Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) Chair, Vonda Richardson, Florida A&M University. “Through their dedication and creativity, these leaders are improving lives, fostering innovation, and strengthening communities.”