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. The event included several new honors this year.
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.”
Scott Swoape, Extension agent and director of UT Extension in White County, is one recipient of the Charles and Julie Wharton Award for Outstanding Extension Achievements. Established by long-time supporters of the Institute of Agriculture Charles Wharton and his late wife Julie, and now supported by Charles and Lori Wharton, this award is presented to three UT Extension agents annually. These agents may conduct programs in any area, including agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and resource development. Special consideration is given to those individuals who have demonstrated excellence in serving local needs for five years or more. Ranson Goodman from Henry County Extension and Tim Woods from McMinn County Extension also received this award.
Swoape has worked for UT Extension for 30 years, including time in Chattanooga and Van Buren County. He’s served as agriculture agent and director in Sparta since 2007 and is a native son of White County – living now in Rock Island. Swoape is praised for his “lunch-and-learn” sessions, field day work and one-on-one farm visits with producers. Beef cattle and forage production are noted areas of expertise. He’s also part of the 11-county Upper Cumberland Extension Team, and they’ve held programs such as beef summits, ‘Women in Agriculture’ meetings, and woods and wildlife seminars. He and his wife have two sons, and the family raises English Labrador Retrievers – with hopes of developing a line of health service dogs.
Swoape has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Tennessee Tech University and a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from Tennessee Tech University.
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.