UT Institute of Agriculture Presents Top Faculty and Staff Awards for 2022
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 August 16, 2022. 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 Carrie Castille hosted the award winners and celebrated their work. “I am so excited to recognize excellence as exemplified by the award-winning members of our UTIA faculty and staff,” Castille says. “Their continuing commitment to our land-grant mission ensures that the Institute develops and delivers real-life solutions to improve the health and economy of our state and beyond while also enhancing our environment.”
Sreedhar Upendram, assistant professor in the UT Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, is the winner of the Ann and Bill Hicks Outstanding New Extension Worker Award. Established by UT Extension Dean Emeritus Bill Hicks and his wife, Ann, the award is presented annually to recognize an outstanding employee with at least three years but not more than five years of service with UT Extension. The award recipient is selected by a committee that includes past winners of the Outstanding New Extension Worker Award.
“I am truly honored and humbled,” says Upendram. “I appreciate the trust bestowed upon me. I am inspired by the great leadership and mentorship I receive from my department, UT Extension and UTIA. I am grateful for the support and feedback of the Extension agents that enabled me to develop a successful Extension program.”
Upendram has been with UTIA for five years and teaches special topics in agricultural economics. One area of specialty is community and rural economic development. Counted among his most memorable moments was being the chair of the Ag Day Committee.
Upendram has a doctorate in agricultural economics from Kansas State University, Manhattan and a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. Among his many achievements, he has received the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists Early Career and the Bonnie Teater Community Development Early Career Achievement Award from the Southern Rural Development Center.
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.