Heath D. Nokes receives the Charles and Julie Wharton Award for Outstanding Extension Achievements
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture celebrated the accomplishments of some of its top faculty, staff, researchers and Extension experts at UTIA’s annual awards luncheon. The 2026 ceremony was held on the UTIA campus in Knoxville on August 4. Many of the awards are gifts made possible by faculty, alumni and friends of the institute.
UTIA Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Keith Carver hosted the celebration and praised the honorees for their devotion to the land-grant mission. “Our UTIA staff and faculty continue to overwhelm me with their enthusiasm and unparalleled expertise,” he said. “I am always in awe of their dedication to providing Real. Life. Solutions. to the people of Tennessee. These award winners represent the efforts and accomplishments this past year that will most benefit all Tennesseans and society – impacts that will have lasting benefits through teaching, research and Extension for years to come.”
Heath D. Nokes, county director of UT Extension Warren County, is one recipient of the Charles and Julie Wharton Award for Outstanding Extension Achievements. Established by longtime supporters of the Institute of Agriculture Charles Wharton and his late wife Julie, and now supported by Charles and Lori Wharton, this award is presented to three UT Extension agents annually. These agents may conduct programs in any area, including agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and resource development. Special consideration is given to those individuals who have demonstrated excellence in serving local needs for five years or more.
Nokes has been with UT Extension for 30 years, and currently serves as the county director and agriculture and natural resources agent for UT Extension Warren County. Previously he served UT Extension in Cannon and Moore counties.
With a passion for helping producers across various commodities, Nokes is one of the organizers of the annual Middle Tennessee Grain Conference, and he also presents Master Beef and Master Farm Manager programs. In addition, he leads a productive group of Master Gardeners and works with the with the Warren County Beekeepers. What does he like best about his job? “I have been blessed to be a member of a great team,” he says. “It’s truly a great feeling knowing every day we have an opportunity to help someone and make a new friend.”
Nokes adds that he is truly grateful for receiving the Charles and Julie Wharton Award for Outstanding Extension Achievements. “It’s truly a great honor. Having known and worked with other recipients of this award, I’m deeply touched to have my name listed among theirs,” he said.
Among his many accolades, Nokes is a past recipient of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s 4-H Agent of the Year Award and he has been actively engaged in the Warren County Cattlemen’s Association.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.