Communicator of the Year
The Communicator of the Year is given to a subject-matter specialist, agent, or researcher who extends the work of K-State Research and Extension through exemplary communication skills. The award recognizes communication skills that facilitate delivery of K-State Research and Extension programs and the building of successful collaborations within the organization, county, region, state, and nation. The award is presented during the annual conference awards luncheon.
Nominations for Communicator of the Year
Do you know an exceptionally good communicator who consistently conveys K-State Research and Extension information to the public and to the media? Consider nominating him or her as the Communicator of the Year. This award is given by the Department of Communications and Agricultural Education and Kansas Chapter of Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) annually at the K-State Research and Extension Annual Conference. Contact Linda Gilmore, committee chair, at 785-532-1153 or lindagi@ksu.edu for more information.
Past Recipients
2022 — Kelsey Andersen Onofre, Extension Specialist, Wheat Plant Pathology, Department of Plant Pathology; and Alexa Hayes, Youth Livestock Coordinator, Department of Animal Sciences and Industry
2021 — Diane Mack, Northeast Region 4-H Specialist; and Matthew McKernan, Sedgwick County Ornamental Horticulture Agent
2020 — Glynn Tonsor, Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Agricultural Economics, and Gregg Eyestone, Riley County Horticulture Agent (Starting this year, we gave two awards — one to a specialist or researcher in a tenure-track position and one to an agent or extension professional in a non-tenure-track position.)
2019 — Aliesa Woods, Regional Local Unit Director for North Central and Northwest Kansas (Post Rock District Director when named to the award)
2018 — Ignacio Ciampitti, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Agronomy
2017 — Elaine Johannes, Associate Professor, Family Studies and Human Service
2016 — Frannie Miller, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Entomology
2015 — Erick DeWolf, Interim Department Head and Professor, Plant Pathology
2014 — Daniel O'Brien, Associate Professor and Agricultural Economist, Northwest Area Extension Office
2013 — Alan Stevens, Associate Professor, Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources
2012 — Cheryl Boyer, Assistant Professor, Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources
2011 — Dennis Patton, Extension Agent, Johnson County
2010 — Ward Upham, Director of Rapid Response Center, Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources
2009 — Karen Blakeslee, Director of Rapid Response Center, Animal Sciences and Industry
2008 — Jim Shroyer, Professor, Agronomy
2007 — Stacie Minson, Watershed Specialist, Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE)
2006 — Linda (Walter) Beech, Extension Agent, Ellis County
2005 — Charlotte Shoup Olsen, Professor, Family Studies and Human Services
2004 — Chuck Marr, Emeritus Professor, Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources
For more information, contact Linda Gilmore, 785-532-1153, lindagi@ksu.edu.