UT Institute of Agriculture Presents Top Faculty and Staff Awards for 2020
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recognized extraordinary service from members of the faculty and staff across the state at its annual awards and promotions event, held this year on August 21, 2020. Honorees were recognized virtually during a Zoom presentation rather than a fun, in-person luncheon. This change in venue did not minimize the amazing accomplishments for 2020. Many of the awards are gifts made possible by past faculty, alumni and friends of the Institute.
Heath Nokes with UT-TSU Extension Warren County is one of three statewide winners of the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists Award. The award is presented annually to three agricultural agents representing the three regions of Tennessee. The award is named for Billy G. Hicks, dean emeritus of UT Extension. The other two winners are Justin Hargrove of UT Extension Benton County and Adam Hopkins, area farm management specialist for UT Extension Jefferson County.
“It is an honor and privilege to receive the TAAA&S Hicks Award,” says Nokes. “Throughout the years, I have been extremely fortunate to have had many great coworkers and mentors. Many thanks to everyone involved. I am honored to be associated with such great people.”
Nokes has served with UT Extension for 24 years, seven in Warren County, and previously worked in Moore and Cannon counties. He has been involved with cattle and livestock producers, including work with goat farmers, and he enjoys helping 4-Hers in livestock projects. He has previously been the recipient of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association 4-H Agent of the Year Award and the TAAA&S Award for the Central Region as an agricultural agent. He also works with homeowners and horticultural producers.
UT Institute of Agriculture Senior Vice President Tim Cross hosted the Zoom session for the award winners and praised them for their work. “Now more than ever, it’s critical that we take time to acknowledge the award-winning work that our faculty and staff carry out, even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic,” Cross says. “Tennesseans can count on the real-life solutions that the UT Institute of Agriculture provides to students and stakeholders from communities throughout Tennessee and beyond to enhance the economy, conserve the environment, and develop leaders for the future.”
Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. utia.tennessee.edu.