Also this month:

* Farm and Communities Tour Showcases Rural North Carolina

* A&T Research Tackles Swine Waste Issues

* NC A&T Applies Unique Spin to Student Recruitment

* A&T Specialist Advises on Summer Market Opportunities

* A&T Specialist Advises on Summer Skin Protection

* Videotaping Tips for Avid Amateurs

* A&T Extends Expertise to Uganda

* Mafuyai-Ekanem Recognized with National USDA Award

Other News Links:

Press Release Archive  

Cooperative Extension Press Releases 

Agricultural Research Press Releases 

General Links:

NC A&T School of Agriculture 

Agricultural Communications 

Mitch Arnold, news editor 

Taking first place Innovative Program Awards were:

• Dr. Claudette Smith for "Community Voices," a leadership development program that equips people who are generally not involved in community decision-making, with skills needed to be effective leaders. Using the A&T program, Cooperative Extension professionals train individuals in leadership skills, such as identifying community problems, and identifying and recruiting other leaders.
  
• Drs. Bob Williamson and Ellen Smoak for "Down to Earth," a program designed to provide children, ages 9 to 12, with an opportunity to use gardening and the scientific method to explore how using chemicals in gardening affects plant growth, human health and the environment.
  
• Smoak for "The Dark Side of the Sun," a uniquely designed program that educates farmers and farm workers about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure, and suggests uncomplicated, inexpensive approaches to skin cancer prevention.
  
• Dr. John O'Sullivan for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education's (SARE) Southern Region Professional Development Program, a Congressionally funded project which provides training in economic profitability, environmental stewardship and social responsibility to Extension agents and other agricultural professionals.

Taking home a second place Innovative Program Award was Dr. Shirley Rouse for the North Carolina 4-H K-3rd Grade Youth Program. Using a developmentally appropriate curricula, this program promotes the positive development of youth at an earlier age than conventional 4-H programs.

Recognized with Achievement Awards for significant contributions toward the enhancement of the NC A&T Extension Program were:

• Dr. M. Ray McKinnie. Since 1980, McKinnie has served as the animal science specialist for the A&T Cooperative Extension Program, focusing efforts on swine, rabbit and meat goat production for small-scale farmers. Additionally, McKinnie serves as interim director for university farm operations, and as administrative assistant to the dean for Extension and research facilities.
  
• Dr. Bob Williamson. Williamson has served as a natural resource specialist for the A&T Cooperative Extension Program since 1984, and has been recognized both nationally and regionally for his work with youth and environmental stewardship.
  
• Dr. Ellen Smoak. Smoak has been with the A&T Cooperative Extension Program for 23 years, during which time she has been instrumental in educational programs dealing with such diverse topics as teenage pregnancy, and agricultural health and safety.

Recognized with a Distinguished Service Award was Dr. Shirley Rouse. During her 25 years with the A&T Cooperative Extension Program, Rouse has been involved in 4-H and youth development programming, receiving numerous awards for her efforts.

For more information, please contact Mitch Arnold, NC A&T School of Agriculture, (336) 334-7049.