UT Institute of Agriculture Presents Top Faculty and Staff Awards for 2024
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 and promotions luncheon. This year’s ceremony was held in the newly-opened Agriculture and Natural Resources Building on the UTIA campus in Knoxville on August 14, 2024. 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 praised them for their work. “I continue to be amazed by the dedication, enthusiasm and expertise demonstrated by the impressive work of our UTIA faculty and staff,” says Carver. “The awards are well deserved, and the impacts of these accomplishments are seen across the state and will benefit Tennesseans for generations.”
Heather Kyle, Extension Agent III with UT-TSU Extension Knox County, is the recipient of the William D. Bishop Award for Outstanding Service. Presented in memory of Dean Emeritus William D. Bishop, this award recognizes a member of the field force of UT Extension who has contributed most to the attainment of Extension objectives. Kyle has worked for Extension for 26 years, but for the last 12 years she has served Knox County representing family and consumer sciences (FCS) issues. Prior to that, she served communities in Bradley County through 4-H youth development and Monroe County in adult FCS. She has been recognized many other times for her dedication and work ethic as well.
Kyle is grateful for the recognition and attributes her success to hard work and to her peers and constituents. “I am so humbled and honored to be receiving the William D. Bishop Outstanding Service Award. This award is a direct result of working with outstanding Knox County Extension staff and community partners that make this job so impactful and fulfilling,” she says.
Kyle received both her B.S. in human development and family studies and her M.S. in agricultural operations from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
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.