Nebraska Extension annually awards outstanding and innovative professionals. Anyone can nominate an Extension professional. An awards selection committee reviews the nominations and provides a list of recommendations to the Dean and Director. Awards are announced and distributed during the Nebraska Extension Fall Conference.
Nominations
Anyone can nominate an Extension professional through the nomination form which is due by September 30, 2024. An awards selection committee reviews the nominations and provides a list of recommendations to the Dean and Director. Awards are announced and distributed during the Nebraska Extension Fall Conference.
Nominations are limited to 500 words and are due at the end of business on September 30, 2024. Multiple awards in each category are possible. Select the award titles below to access the respective nomination forms. Please direct questions to Linda Tempel at 402-472-3967 or (ltempel@unl.edu).
Excellence in Extension Award
This award recognizes excellence in Extension. Nominations may be for individuals or teams and should focus on one of the following areas of excellence based on values. Describe how the individual or team nominee has excelled in one of the particular value areas. Team nominees should only include individuals who are making significant contributions.
- Uniquely Local: We are where you are. We are the only team bringing the resources of the University of Nebraska to all 93 Nebraska counties, serving the distinct needs of Nebraskans from all walks of life in every corner of the state.
- Collaborative:: We love working with our fellow Nebraskans. We convene stakeholders, leaders, and experts to co-create solutions that make a positive impact on complex issues facing Nebraskans.
- Relevant: If it's important to you, It's important to us. We leverage the fundamental strengths of Nebraskans and the University to create results that truly matter to lives and livelihoods.
- Accountable: We answer to the Nebraskans we serve. We return Nebraskans' investment in their University directly to their counties and communities, showing proof of performance through transparent reporting.
- Research-based: You can count on us for unbiased information. We provide scientifically sound insight that helps Nebraskans make important decisions with even greater confidence.
- Inclusive: We're here to serve all Nebraskans. We honor and respect every person and every interaction and proactivity foster a welcoming and inclusive culture in which accessible, meaningful learning experiences are available for everyone.
- Responsive: We're ready when and where Nebraskans need us. We listen to what's on the minds of Nebraskans and assemble the right teams with the right expertise to address their challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
- Innovative: We're never satisfied with the status quo. We anticipate and embrace change and continually challenge ourselves and our stakeholders to taka a "what if?" and "why not?" approach to problem-solving.
2023 Individual Award Winners
Omega Barcenas
Uniquely Local
Irvin Ramirez-Benavides
Inclusive
Maria Cantu Hines
Collaborative
2023 Team Award Winners
Nit Kit Team
Food, Nutrition and Health - PEARS Evaluation Team
Escape to a 4-H Camp
Chester I. Walters "Extra Mile" Award
The Chester I. Walters “Extra Mile” Award recognizes Extension professionals who show evidence of “going beyond the call of duty” in carrying out the responsibilities of their role. Recipients of this award must have a minimum of three years of service with Nebraska Extension.
2023 Award Winner
Angie Rushman
Mentor of the Year
The Mentor of the Year Award recognizes Extension professionals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and skill in informally and formally mentoring colleagues to success.
2023 Award Winner
Nathan Mueller
Bruno Lena
Lead Educator Award
The Lead Educator Award is intended to recognize Lead Educators for the exceptional leadership commitment to the mission of Nebraska Extension in our counties across the state.
2023 Award Winner
Carrie Miller
UNL Engagement Exemplars
The Engagement Award recognizes professionals that exemplify engagement excellence. Nominations may be for individuals or teams and should highlight partnerships with community stakeholders that extends the partnership beyond “traditional” programming to connect them with the resources, research and innovation of the University of Nebraska system. For example, connecting a community and a UNL resource beyond Extension professionals; forging a partnership between Nebraskans and a non-UNL resource, and facilitating collaborations to support organizational success.