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.”
Lucas Holman, Extension agent and director of UT Extension Wilson 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. Anthony Carver from Grainger County Extension and Virginia Sykes from the Department of Plant Sciences also received the award.
“I am very appreciative of the University of Tennessee for allowing me to use my passion as a career!” says Holman. “Thank you to all of my peers and clients who have helped me develop these skills that I’m using each day.”
Holman has been with UTIA for three years and earned a master’s in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Tennessee Tech University. He has previously received the Central Region TAAA&S Agriculture Agent of the Year award and the TAAA&S Early Career Award Central Region award.
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.