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.
Sharon Davis with UT-TSU Extension Knox County is one of three winners of the Charles and Julie Wharton Award for Outstanding Extension Achievements. The award recognizes winners in agriculture, family and consumer sciences and 4-H and includes an agent from each region of Tennessee. Davis represents East Tennessee and 4-H. The other winners are family and consumer sciences agent Michele Atkins of UT Extension Henry County and agriculture agent Ruth Correll from UT-TSU Extension Wilson County.
Davis has served with UT Extension for 22 years both in Knox and Blount counties. She is involved with youth science fairs, environmental education and 4-H Career Camp, where youngsters shadow working professionals to learn about what their future could be.
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.