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.”
Virginia Sykes, associate professor in the Department of Plant Sciences, is one recipient of the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists – Hicks Award of Excellence. Established by the Tennessee Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists and other endowment funds, this award is presented annually to up to three agricultural Extension faculty who are also members of TAAA&S. Anthony Carver from Grainger County Extension and Lucas Holman from Wilson County Extension also received the award.
“I’m honored to have been selected for this award,” says Sykes. “Tennessee has an excellent Extension system made up of dedicated and innovative individuals. I’m proud to be a part of that team and to know we are making an impact on the lives of those living and working in Tennessee.”
Sykes was also promoted to associate professor with tenure during the luncheon and received the Cavender Outstanding Award for Best Publication for her contribution to the publication Tennessee Home Fruit and Vegetable Garden 2023 Calendar.
Sykes has been with UTIA for 10 years and specializes in variety testing and field crop agroecology. She earned a doctorate in plant sciences and a master’s degree in statistics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a master’s degree in plant pathology and a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing management from Virginia Tech.
In addition to her current award, Sykes received the 2023 National Association of County Agricultural Agents – 1st place state factsheet, the 2023 1st place state publication, the 2021 2nd place state factsheet, the 2021 3rd place state publication, the 2018 Southern region winner program promotional piece, the 2018 1st place state program promotional piece, the 2018 Southern region winner publication, the 2018 1st place state publication, the 2018 1st place state learning module, and the 2020 American Society of Agronomy Environmental Quality Section – Inspiring Young Scientist Award.
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.