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.
Adam Hopkins, area farm management specialist with UT Extension Jefferson County, is one of three statewide winners of the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists Award. The award is presented annually to three agricultural agents representing the three regions of Tennessee. The award is also named for Billy G. Hicks, dean emeritus of UT Extension. The other two winners are Justin Hargrove of UT Extension Benton County and Heath Nokes of UT Extension Warren County.
“I am honored to receive the Hicks Award, but see myself as lucky to have the career I do,” Hopkins says. “I have been blessed with a great number of friendships, mentors and talented co-workers. While educator might be my professional title, education has been my blessing. Each day, each interaction and each person has taught me something, and, for that, I am truly grateful.”
Hopkins has been with UT Extension for 12 years and serves as an agricultural advisor to producers and agents in several northeast Tennessee counties. He has degrees in animal science, agri-business and risk management and an MBA. Hopkins was active in 4-H and livestock projects while growing up, and raising cattle is still a big part of his life, personally and professionally. Hopkins is also involved with beekeeping, farmer’s markets and vegetable production.
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.