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.”
Shawn Hawkins, professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, is the recipient of the Webster Pendergrass Outstanding Service Award. This award is presented in memory of former Vice President for Agriculture Webster Pendergrass and recognizes a teaching, research or Extension faculty member who has contributed most to the fulfillment of the Institute’s goals and objectives.
“It is an honor and privilege to receive this award. Thank you,” says Hawkins. “Ultimately, the award indicates that I have been in some measure useful in the core UTIA mission, to be service oriented and responsive to producer and citizen needs, to bring to them scientific information and practical advice to help them adapt to a rapidly changing world.”
Hawkins has been with UTIA for 17 years and specializes in animal waste management. He values his time spent with producers on farms across the state of Tennessee, providing advice and conducting applied research to help them be more productive.
Hawkins earned a doctorate in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a bachelor’s with an environmental engineering concentration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He received the J. E. Moss Excellence in Extension Award in 2020 and the University of Tennessee Success in Interdisciplinary Research Team Award in 2018.
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.