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Dr. Ivory W. Lyles |
Dr. C. Michael French, associate director - programs, was honored on Friday, March 14, 2008, for his educational achievements with induction into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Arkansas Farm Bureau.
Mike joined the University of Arkansas Extension Service in 1993 as associate director - agriculture and natural resources and was promoted to his current position in August, 2005.
Since coming to Arkansas, Mike has served on numerous boards and committees in his field of expertise. In the last 14 years, as a liaison to the state Rice, Soybean, Wheat, Cotton and Corn/Sorghum promotion boards, he success - fully secured funding to support extension and experiment station projects. In addition, as liaison to the Arkansas Farm Bureau, he has helped develop Arkansas agricultural leaders and sound agricultural policy.
"Mike French has dedicated his career to the development, implementation and evaluation of top-quality Extension programs to support Arkansas agriculture," said Dr. Milo Shult, vice president for agriculture with the U of A's Division of Agriculture. "His leadership abilities have proven he is a staunchly loyal supporter of Extension, the Division of Agriculture and the entire University of Arkansas System."
Among his high-profile awards and appointments, Mike was elected chairman of educational, regulatory and environmental aspects of weed control with the Southern Weed Science Society. He was elected chairman of teaching and extension with the Weed Science Society of America in 1986. Two years later, he was appointed to the board of the Agricultural Chemicals Association of Georgia, where he served for five years.
In 1988, he was given an Achievement Award by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. He was named Outstanding Young Weed Scientist by the SWSS in 1989.
A native of Lake Providence, Louisiana, Mike learned the agricultural field from the ground up - growing up on a farm that grew cotton, soybeans and wheat.
He earned his bachelor's degree in agronomy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 1973, earned his master's in 1975 and his Ph.D. in agronomy-weed science at Oklahoma State University in 1978.
After earning his doctorate, Mike worked at the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service where he was responsible for developing and conducting educational programs in weed science. In 1989, he was named head of extension agronomy at Georgia.
"Mike has pursued his entire career of servicing agriculture through the extension service," said Ewell Welch, executive vice president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau.
The other 2008 inductees are the late Esther Hill Chapin of Trumann, William "Bill" Dorough of Sweet Home, the late George Dunklin of Pine Buff and Leland Stratton of Stuttgart.
- Ivory W. Lyles
Employees of the Quarter for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2008
LITTLE ROCK STATE OFFICE
Aaron Patton, Assistant Professor - Turfgrass, Horticulture - During his first year of employment, Aaron has developed one of the most aggressive and outstanding turfgrass programs in the state. He has developed a series of programs to educate and train new people entering the turfgrass industry and to improve those professionals who have worked in the field for years. He has established good cooperative efforts with the teaching and research staff and specialists. Aaron is hardworking, honest and friendly, and a great addition to the horticulture team.
Lynn Baxter, Program Technician, Biological and Agricultural Engineering - Lynn has helped organize the data from a study of grain bag storage. She attended several grower meetings and quickly learned the principles of grain drying. She assisted in conducting a drift mitigation training session for 183 commercial applicators. Lynn has been very aggressive in learning new skills, especially computer programs that are used by BAEG. She is very professional, enthusiastic and willing to help anyone in the department with any task. Lynn is a true team player.
Chasity Miller, Administrative Office Supervisor, Biological and Agricultural Engineering - Chasity plays a big part in any project the BAEG engineers take on. She knows what needs to be done and does it without question. Chasity has successfully supported the engineers during periods when the other administrative support position was vacant. She is always professional, friendly and responsive in handling inquiries and requests. Chasity is a valuable member of the BAEG team.
DELTA DISTRICT
Richard Klerk, CEA - Agriculture, Cross County - Richard is very supportive of his co-workers. He is a team player and is always ready to assist with FCS, 4-H or any program being conducted by the county staff. Richard is a multiple winner of the Arkansas Soybean Association Educational Effort Award. He is self-motivated and observant of the needs of clientele. Richard anticipates the needs and quickly puts together professional and well-organized programs to meet the needs. He does this without calling attention to himself or his efforts.
Shirley Walker, Program Assistant - Family (EFNEP), Chicot County - When you need support, Shirley is there. She is flexible and willing to accept new work/program assignments. She encourages young homemakers by showing them how to prepare simple, quick, nutritious meals where once they ate out multiple times per week. She makes homemakers aware of all Extension programs and especially promotes home gardening. Shirley is at her best as a team player.
Rin Morris, Secretary, Jefferson County - Rin is a valuable member of the Jefferson County Extension team. She is a dedicated worker and enjoys her relationships with staff and clientele. She is an active member of Chi Epsilon Sigma and was winner of their clerical staff of the quarter in 2007. Rin has been invaluable to the Master Gardener program and has stepped up to keep things running smoothly during transition of the horticulture program in Jefferson County. Rin worked hard to earn her bachelor's degree from the U of A and is nearing completion of her master's degree. That speaks volumes for her initiative.
OUACHITA DISTRICT
Matt Lane, CEA - Agriculture, Hot Spring County - Matt is an outstanding agent well known by the farmers in Hot Spring County. They respect his advice and use it. He has done an excellent job using demonstrations to teach farmers and ranchers in the county the importance of chemical weed control, fire ant control, stockpiling bermudagrass and fescue and fence row brush control. As a result of his work, many farmers have begun to spray their pastures and hay fields to control weeds and brush. Several have reported that they have saved money as a result of these demonstrations and the one-on-one work Matt has done with them. Matt is a pleasure to work with and is a team player. He is a self-starter and is willing to stay until the job is done. Matt is very deserving of this award.
Tom Mertens, Horticulture Program Assistant, Pulaski County - Tom is Extension's face and voice to the majority of homeowner horticulture clientele who call or come into the Pulaski County office with their questions, bugs, sick plants, plants for identification, etc. He answers thousands of questions every year and does a wonderful job dealing with the general public. Tom makes each individual feel that their question or request for information is important. He works closely with the Master Gardener volunteers who are in the office to answer horticulture questions and provides their orientation during their first clinic shift. He keeps track of the Master Gardener database. Tom is dependable and honest and is also willing to help with the general office needs as his time allows. He makes sure Master Gardener resource materials are kept updated and organized. He continually searches out information, web sites and information resources that help him better serve our clientele. Tom truly takes an interest in his job and Extension's clientele.
OZARK DISTRICT
Shawn Burgess, CEA - Interim Staff Chair, Stone County - Shawn conducted producer meetings where 134 producers gained knowledge on bull selection, weed control, pasture management, fly control, heifer selection, rotation grazing and horsemanship skills. He worked with the Stone County Conservation District to secure a $3,500 grant to pay for Game and Fish Commission programs targeting 4-H and youth. Shawn joined with Van Buren and Cleburne counties in conducting annual Master Gardener training and facilitating a tri-county beef and forage meeting. He has worked with multiple counties in planning the NCA Stocker Cattle Conference and Cleburne County on PAT trainings. Shawn has worked very hard to assist the people of Stone County after the recent tornado. He does an excellent job of assisting the clientele in Stone County and is a great asset to the Extension Service.
Holly Linck, 4-H Program Assistant, Van Buren County - Holly has organized two new 4-H clubs, recruited 10 new 4-H leaders and is in the process of organizing two more new clubs. She does an excellent job keeping 4-H members and leaders informed through a semimonthly newsletter. After the February 5 tornado, Holly worked to organize 30 4-H members and 17 parents/ leaders to assist with the command center for disaster relief. She organized 4-H activities such as the County 4-H Centennial Christmas Tree Decorating Party by contacting businesses to display the 4-H Centennial yard signs. Holly has done an excellent job in working with the staff and youth in Van Buren County.
Misty Wilson, Secretary II, Benton County - Misty's work ethic and dedication to county programs conducted by every staff member is appreciated by the entire county staff and clientele. In addition to her regular duties, due to an extended absence of our AOS staff member, she has made every effort to keep the office and agent programs running full speed. Misty also fills an active role as a 4-H parent for a daughter who is very involved in 4-H. Her extra efforts have been noted by several individuals in the county and at the state level. Misty is a great asset to the Extension Service and Benton County.
Federal Aviation Association Honors Gardisser
Dr. Dennis Gardisser, professor and associate head of the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, was honored for his contributions to aviation at a recent meeting of aviation enthusiasts.
The Federal Aviation Association presented plaques to Dr. Gardisser, honoring him as Certified Flight Instructor of the Year and as FAAST (FAA Safety Team) Representative of the Year. It is the first time anyone in the FAA Southwest District has won both awards in the same year.
In addition, the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics presented two certificates to Gardisser in recognition of the accomplishments, signed by Governor Mike Beebe and John Knight, director of the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics.
The presentations were made at the monthly breakfast sponsored by Arkansas EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 122.
- Lalit Verma
Arkansas Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta Announces Faculty Awards
The Arkansas Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta has announced the winners of its three faculty awards. The awards are presented to GSD faculty who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields of teaching, research or extension programs in the previous five years.
The 2008 award winners are as follows:
The recipients will be recognized during the spring awards and initiate recognition ceremony at 3 p.m. on March 25 at the Hembree Auditorium of the AFLS Building, which will be open to the campus community.
- David Edmark
Lim Receives Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Soybean Pathology Research
At the 35th Annual Meeting of the Southern Soybean Disease Workers, which was held in Pensacola Beach, Florida, on March 12-13, 2008, Dr. John Rupe accepted the Distinguished Service Award presented to Dr. S.M. Lim in recognition of his outstanding research in soybean pathology. Dr. Lim was unable to attend the meeting due to a previous commitment.
This is the highest award bestowed to an outstanding soybean pathologist by the Southern Soybean Disease Workers from 14 states in the southern and midwestern regions.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lim for his achievements.
- Rick Cartwright and John Rupe
4-H Announces Formation of New Society
Many people devote their time and money to Arkansas 4-H Youth Development. For them, 4-H is more a way of life than just a club. The newly formed Emerald Clover Society exists to recognize and honor those who have made a commitment to making the best better in Arkansas youth.
The 4-H office is currently accepting nominations to the Emerald Clover Society. Nominations for 2008 must be submitted by June 30, 2008. There are two categories for nominations: one for 4-H alumni and one for non-4-H alumni. A minimum of five years as a member or volunteer is required to be nominated as a 4-H alumnus. Significant contributions to Arkansas 4-H, either monetarily or through service, are required for non-4-H alumni.
A strict process is in place to select inductees for the prestigious award. It is a nomination process, and selfnominations are allowed. Posthumous nominations are accepted, and Little Rock Extension State Office 4-H employees are not allowed to make nominations. Finally, a selection committee will choose the inductees. This committee consists of 4-H volunteer leaders, 4-H alumni, non-4-H Extension employees, 4-H Extension agents, a representative from the 4-H Little Rock Extension state office and a representative from the Arkansas 4-H Foundation board of directors.
The 2008 induction ceremony will take place during the Centennial Celebration Gala in September. Inductees receive a pin, are listed as members in Emerald Clover Society publications and obtain permanent recognition at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale.
For more information on the Emerald Clover Society, including a nomination application, contact Sarah Harrison, Arkansas 4-H centennial coordinator, at 501-671-2352, or sharrison@uaex.edu.
- Elizabeth Fortune
Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Board Funds Stiles' Proposal
Awards have been announced for the current year's Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Board projects. Dr. Scott Stiles' proposal, "Economic Analysis of Corn and Grain Sorghum Production Practices," was funded in the amount of $5,784.
- Scott Stiles
Family and Consumer Sciences Hosting Financial Fair
April is Financial Literacy Month! As part of our Arkansas Saves campaign, Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences Department is hosting a financial fair in the break area on Monday, April 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served in the morning. Learn the latest financial tips for saving, credit and spending.
Arkansas Saves is a campaign to help individuals and families build wealth and increase financial security. You can find out more about Arkansas Saves or enroll as an Arkansas Saver at www.arfamilies.org/arkansassaves.
- Laura Connerly
44 Attend Day Camp Provided by 4-H Teen Leaders
Perry County 4-H teen leaders provided a one-day camp for youth ages 5-13 on Saturday, March 1, 2008. There were 44 participants from throughout the county. Teen Leaders Whitney Wright and Candace Ruff attended State Counselor training at the 4-H Center in Ferndale in January. While at that training, they came up with the idea to do the one-day camp entitled "Stepping Out" to provide youth the opportunity to experience some of the fun learning activities of being involved with 4-H.
All games and activities of the day were geared toward teaching the participants how to "step out" of their comfort zone to try new things and gain self-confidence, problem-solving and leadership skills as well as make new friends. Only 23 of the 44 participants are current 4-H members, which means 21 participants got to experience 4-H for the first time and will hopefully want to be a part of the nation's largest youth development organization.
Whitney and Candace recruited six other teens to help lead the camp as well as eight adults to assist and provide adult supervision for the day. The camp was a success on every level, and because of its success, Perry County youth will see more day camps planned throughout the summer months.
- Vicki Shadell
Recognition Dates to Remember
Throughout any calendar year, there are days set aside to recognize and honor loved ones and those individuals who have invested more of themselves to make the world in which we live better.
Following are several upcoming dates to remember:
April 20 - Volunteer Recognition Day
April 23 - Administrative Professionals Day
May 11 - Mother's Day
May 26 - Memorial Day
June 15 - Father's Day
This year, consider making a charitable donation in honor of the outstanding volunteer who promotes your programs or the administrative professional who keeps you on track. Donations honoring your mother and father also make excellent "gifts." Individuals who are honored with donations receive a card acknowledging the gift made. For memorial gifts, the next of kin receive acknowledgement cards.
For questions about honorary or memorial gifts that are to be directed to the Arkansas 4-H Foundation, contact Brad Davis, 501-671-2079, bdavis@uaex.edu, and for gifts to be directed to the Agricultural Development Council, contact Merritt Royal, 501-671-2156, mjroyal@uark.edu.
- Merritt Royal
Grants and Contracts
| Fund Title | Project Title | Award Amount | Principal Investigator | Granting Agency |
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AARP Support to Purchase Gadget & Gizmo |
AARP Support to Purchase Gadget & Gizmo Boxes for the Aging in Place Program | $3,400.00 | LaVona Traywick | AARP |
| Winrock/Sheep and Goat Farmers | FSMIP – Market Diversification Assistance to Small and Disadvantaged Sheep and Goat Farmers | $1,400.00 | Jodie Pennington | Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development |
| Cotton/Irrigation Init&Term/08/Barb
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Achieving Profitable Cotton Production: Irrigation Initiation and Termination | $23,780.00 | Tom Barber | Cotton Incorporated |
| Cotton/New Transgenics/08
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The New Transgenics: Will They Be Cost Effective for Arkansas Cotton Growers? | $25,565.00 | Gus Lorenz | Cotton Incorporated |
| Cotton/Plant Bug Thresholds/08/Lore | Achieving Profitable Cotton Production: Validating Plant Bug Thresholds | $21,520.00 | Gus Lorenz | Cotton Incorporated |
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Total |
$75,665.00 |
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© 2006 |
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University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture |
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