UT Institute of Agriculture Presents Top Faculty/Staff Awards for 2021
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 July 30, 2021. The event was conducted in person, a welcome return to normalcy after having an online ceremony because of the pandemic last year. The awards honor the extraordinary performance of UTIA employees during a difficult year of online education and changes to procedures because of the pandemic. Many of the awards are gifts made possible by faculty, alumni and friends of the Institute.
UTIA Senior Vice President Tim Cross hosted the award winners and praised them for their work. “After a challenging and stressful year, it’s a pleasure to recognize excellence as exemplified by these award-winning members of the UTIA faculty and staff,” Cross says. “Their continuing dedication to our land-grant mission of serving Tennessee ensures that we develop and deliver real life solutions to improve health, grow the economy and enhance our environment.”
Emily Osterhaus, UT Extension agent in Bedford County, is the statewide winner of the Alice Ann Moore Outstanding 4-H 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.
“I am shocked and excited to receive the Alice Ann Moore Outstanding 4-H Agent Award.” Osterhaus says. “I was fortunate to work with Alice Ann Moore and have the utmost respect for her. I love being a 4-H agent and cannot imagine myself doing anything else. To be recognized for something I love to do is truly a blessing.”
Osterhaus has been with UT Extension-Bedford County for 23 years – where more than 3,000 youth are enrolled in 4-H. Over the course of her career, Osterhaus has developed a strong 4-H curriculum, partnering with local schools and community clubs. Notable programs include a workforce preparation project, consumer decision-making teams. She has mentored 42 statewide winners in 4-H Roundup competitions. Osterhaus is also praised for her work to keep 4-H’ers active during the pandemic, conducting club meetings and projects via Zoom.
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.