UT Institute of Agriculture Presents Top Faculty and Staff Awards for 2023
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recognized some of its top faculty, staff, researchers and Extension experts at UTIA’s annual awards and promotions luncheon on the UTIA campus in Knoxville on August 15, 2023. Many of the awards are gifts made possible by faculty, alumni and friends of the Institute.
UT Institute of Agriculture Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Keith Carver hosted the award winners and celebrated their work. “I’m excited to celebrate the amazing work of our UTIA faculty and staff,” says Carver. “These awards are well-deserved and represent our employees’ steadfast dedication to their work, the Institute and the people of Tennessee. The impact of their accomplishments and passion will be felt for generations to come.”
Anthony Carver, Extension agent and director of UT Extension Grainger County, is one recipient of the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists – Hicks Award of Excellence. Established by the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists and other endowment funds, this award is presented annually to up to three agricultural Extension faculty who are also members of TAAA&S. Lucas Holman from UT Extension Wilson County and Virginia Sykes from the Department of Plant Sciences also received the award.
“The Good Lord told me back in college that I should be helping people. I knew that Extension did that very thing,” says Carver. “I strive to help farmers, families and youth every day. I am proud to be an agent of Extension.”
Carver has been with UTIA for 23 years and specializes in forages and tomato production. He’s worked closely with producers in Grainger County to find and apply for Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program grants. Since 2005, Carver has helped bring in $4,853,693 directly to farmers in Grainger County. He also works closely with the Grainger County Tomato Festival each year, where more than 3 million indirect contacts hear about those great tasting Grainger County tomatoes.
Carver earned a master’s in agricultural operations from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He received the 2022 Dr. Jim Neel Adult Education Award, the 2020 and 2021 TAAA&S Communication Awards, the 2010 TAAA&S Achievement Award, and the 2010 NACAA Communication Award State Winner – Publication.
Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. utia.tennessee.edu.