Beef Manager and Research Specialist Recognized
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The accomplishments of the faculty and staff of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture were celebrated at an annual awards luncheon held on the UT Knoxville campus in the new Agriculture and Natural Resources Building on July 30. Many of the awards are gifts made possible by faculty, alumni and friends of the institute.
UTIA Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Keith Carver hosted the luncheon and praised the honorees for their work. “The enthusiasm and expertise demonstrated by our UTIA faculty and staff is unparalleled,” he said. “I am always in awe of their dedication to providing real life solutions to the people of Tennessee. These well-deserved awards represent impacts and accomplishments that benefit Tennesseans and society now and for years to come.”
Wes Gilliam, beef manager and research specialist with the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center (MTREC) in Spring Hill, is the winner of the UT AgResearch Support Staff Award. This award honors and acknowledges the excellence of employees in fulfilling their job responsibilities. The award recognizes employees who have demonstrated competence and critical thinking; cooperativeness and team building; professionalism and ethical behavior; initiative and dependability; and excellent communication skills.
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award,” Gilliam says. “I’m grateful to be a part of the UT team, and the ability to provide real world solutions for all our farmers and ranchers. I take great pride in the ability to make such contributions to this industry, all while from the company of a good horse.”
Gilliam often teams with MTREC director Kevin Thompson to herd cattle on horseback from pasture to pasture. Both say, when you’re in the saddle, it’s a safe way for humans to interact with animals and doesn’t spook the herd. Gilliam also has served as the inaugural onsite manager for the Tennessee Beef Heifer Development Program with MTREC, and has worked in the UT Bull Test Program.
“I consider Wes to be a true stockman and steward in the beef cattle and horse industry,” Thompson says. “This attitude of caring for the livestock he is charged with managing is the reason his talents are so evident for such an award. Wes also has the personality to compliment his understanding of the animal agricultural industry – which brings great value to researchers.”
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch, and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.