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.
Tonya Bain, a 4-H agent for UT Extension Crockett County, is the winner of the Alice Ann Moore Outstanding 4-H Agent Award. The honor is made possible by Alice Ann Moore, the former state director for Tennessee 4-H who served UTIA more than 30 years. Moore is also an honorary member of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation and was a 4-H’er herself growing up in Crockett County.
“What an honor to receive the Alice Ann Moore Outstanding Agent Award,” Bain says. “For more than 23 years, I have had the privilege to work with amazing co-workers and mentors who constantly push me to be my best and to work in a county that encourages me and wholeheartedly supports the 4-H program. It has been a remarkable journey and I am truly humbled to receive this award. Thank you.”
Bain has served her entire UT Extension career in Crockett County. She’s also won other honors from UTIA for her leadership of 4-H youth. Her innovative programs have led to Crockett County 4-H’ers receiving a “No Bull” red carpet award from YouTube for an anti-bullying public service announcement as well as for vegetables that roll. Bain leads the lunch box derby, where 4-H’ers build cars from vegetables, using cucumbers and radishes for wheels. Her students also placed fifth in the national 4-H Horse Bowl.
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.