AACES Awards

AACES encourages the recognition of peers by providing members the opportunity to honor their co-workers annually with the following awards. Recipients are recognized with the award at the annual Galaxy Awards Banquet. 

Would you like to nominate a peer for a job well done? Nominate someone today!

Awards

• Brett Barham Extension Innovation Award
• Outstanding Project Performance Award
• Gary Burke Memorial Award  (for program associate or tech)
• Jane Osborne Memorial Award
• Jeanette Roberts Memorial Award
• Linda Meeks Support Specialist Award
• Outstanding County Extension Agent Award
• Outstanding Research Award
• Service Award
• Outstanding AACES Member

Brett Barham Extension Innovation Award

Nomination Guidelines

• All award nominations must be made by a current AACES member
• All narrative speaks to work in the past three years (not prior)
• Word/character limit must be followed
• Two or more instances of accomplishment must be addressed. Details include data on evaluation results, impact, or another data-driven metric would be preferred.
• Two or more specific instances of innovation in programming must be addressed.Examples include:
  
  • spearheading innovative technology that delivered relevant information for the time period
  • collaboration with colleagues to apply the innovation in programming concepts.

Who is eligible?

This award recognizes one appointed Extension employee for innovation in programming or use of technology to further the mission of Extension within the last three years and is available to one appointed Extension employee.

The award was created and named in memory of Dr. Brett Barham, who was an Associate Professor of Animal Science and was elected President of AACES in 2011. Throughout his short 7 year career, Dr. Barham was a leader in introducing innovative technologies that delivered timely information specializing in beef cattle breeding and genetics to cattle producers.
He freely shared ideas with his colleagues which led to the adoption of these technologies by other Extension programs. Brett was committed to his profession and the betterment of the beef industry. 

Outstanding Project Performance Award

Nomination Guidelines

• Must be nominated by a current AACES member
• All narrative speaks to work in the past three years (not prior)
• Word/character limit must be followed.

Who is eligible?

This award recognizes one appointed Extension employee for outstanding performance in a single, difficult assignment within the last three years. A nominee must have a minimum 50% Extension appointment and be a member of AACES. 

Gary Burke Memorial Award

Nomination Guidelines

• Must be nominated by a current AACES member
• All narrative speaks to work in the past three years (not prior)
• Word/character limit must be followed.
• Two or more instances of accomplishment addressed. Details include data on evaluation results, impact, or another data-driven metric would be preferred.
• Two or more specific instances of professionalism addressed. Examples include:
  • representing Extension well to the public and/or to other Extension services nationwide.
  • They would also be identified by peers as a leader in their field of expertise or used as a consultant in an ongoing basis.
• Two or more specific instances of character addressed. Examples include:
  • being regarded highly by supervisors and peers.
  • The employee's attitude is consistently positive and forward-thinking, and they take on new challenges with gusto and not negativity.

Who is eligible?

This award is available to one appointed Extension Program Associate or Program Technician who has demonstrated commitment, character, accomplishment and professionalism within the last three years..

Dr. Gary Burke was an Assistant Specialist (Program Associate) in the Agronomy and Animal Science departments from 1989 to 1996. A complete professional, Dr. Burke was meticulous with the implementation of demonstrations and collection and analysis of data. He was committed to assisting Arkansas producers with improved sustainability and profitability. Dr. Burke’s dedication to his profession was admired by all who knew him.

Jane Osborne Memorial Award

Nomination Guidelines

• Must be nominated by a current AACES member.
• All narrative speaks to work in the past three years (not prior).
• Word/character limit must be followed.
• Two or more instances of accomplishment addressed. Details include data on evaluation results, impact, or another data-driven metric would be preferred.
• Two or more specific instances of professionalism. Examples include demonstration of:
  • integrity - consistent honesty; being able to be trusted with the property of others; complete and accurate documentation
  • self-motivation - taking initiative to complete assignments; taking initiative to improve and/or correct behavior; taking on and following through on tasks without constant supervision; showing enthusiasm for learning and improvement; consistently striving for excellence in all aspects of professional activities; accepting constructive feedback in a positive manner; taking advantage of learning opportunities
  • confidence/ demeanor - demonstrating the ability to trust personal judgement; demonstrating an awareness of strengths and limitations; exercises good personal judgement.
  • communication - speaking clearly; listening actively; adjusting communication strategies to various situations
  • teamwork and diplomacy - placing the success of the team above self-interest; not undermining the team; helping and supporting other team members; showing respect for all team members; remaining flexible and open to change; communicating with others to resolve problems
  • respect - behaving in a manner that brings credit to the profession

Who is eligible?

This award recognizes one classified appointed Extension employee whose efforts have exemplified professionalism in the performance of all job responsibilities within the last three years.

Jane Osborne started to work on 4/26/56 as a Secretary-Stenographer, with a 27 year career with the Cooperative Extension Service.

Jeanette Roberts Memorial Award

Nomination Guidelines

• Must be nominated by a current AACES member.
• All narrative speaks to work in the past three years (not prior).
• Word/character limit must be followed.
• Two or more instances of accomplishment addressed. Details include data on evaluation results, impact, or another data-driven metric would be preferred but not required.
• Previous examples include:
  • a faculty member that has reliably and consistently provided up-to-date information on rural infrastructure changes for county agents and state legislator
  • a faculty member that has provided evaluation resources for almost every project in state headquarters

Who is eligible?

This award recognizes an Extension faculty member for superior service in the performance of all job responsibilities within the last three years and is available to one appointed Extension faculty member with a minimum 50% Extension appointment.  The employee must be a member of AACES.

Jeannette Roberts was elected as the very first Vice-President of AACES when the organization was established on September 17, 1977. She was elected AACES President in 1979 and the organization grew under her leadership. She began her career with Extension as a County Extension Agent - Home Economics and 4-H in Benton county and later became a Clothing Specialist in the State Office. She was very loyal and dedicated to her work, and she remained in that position until her passing in 1992.

Linda Meeks Support Specialist Award

Nomination Guidelines

• Must be nominated by a current AACES member.
• All narrative speaks to work in the past three years (not prior).
• Word/character limit must be followed.
• At least two examples of superior work on specific projects; the work extends and supports Extension and Division mission.
• Outreach to all program areas (4-H, ANR, etc) is evident in regular work projects.
• The project shows initiative, efficiency and/or money savings.
• The project/work is innovative and/or creative.
• The individual maintains a positive work relationship with program areas and within their support unit.

Who is eligible?

This award recognizes one appointed Extension support specialist** for superior service in the performance of all job responsibilities within the last three years. A nominee must be a member of AACES. 

This award, created in 2015, is named in memory of Linda Meeks, who was employed by the Cooperative Extension Service for 15 years.  Linda served in a support role as the Assistant Director for Financial Services.  She was a long-time member and supporter of AACES, where she served as Treasurer for many years.  She was also a member of the Audit Committee.

Outstanding County Extension Agent Award

Nomination Guidelines

• Must be nominated by a current AACES member.
• All narrative speaks to work in the past three years (not prior).
• Word/character limit must be followed.

Who is eligible?

This award recognizes one County Extension Agent for outstanding service in the performance of all job responsibilities within the last three years and is available to one county agent.

Outstanding Research Award

Nomination Guidelines

• Must be nominated by a current AACES member.
• All narrative speaks to work in the past three years (not prior).
• Word/character limit must be followed.
• A specific instance of efforts made in their field are addressed. Examples include research geared toward problems facing and/or having a direct impact on Arkansans.
• Two or more instances of accomplishment addressed. Details include data on evaluation results, impact, or another data-driven metric would be preferred.

Who is eligible?

This award recognizes a researcher or research team whose efforts have made an important contribution to their field of study within the last three years. This award is open to any non-classified appointed employee within the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Service Award

Nomination Guidelines

• Must be nominated by a current AACES member.
• All narrative speaks to work directly impacting the Cooperative Extension Service or Land-Grant System.
• Word/character limit must be followed.
• Two or more instances of service addressed. Examples include:
  • service to Extension, Land-Grant, or 4-H beyond the normal “call of duty”.
  • Support given through volunteerism, monetary, or in-kind donations.
  • Someone who gives selflessly with no expectations.

Who is eligible?

This award recognizes unselfish service and dedication to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service or to the Land-Grant System. This award should be considered a rare and coveted award and is available to any individual or organization.

Outstanding AACES Member

Nomination Guidelines

• Must be nominated by a current AACES member.
• All narrative speaks to work in the past three years (not prior).
• Word/character limit must be followed.
• Two or more instances of accomplishment addressed. Details include data on evaluation results, impact, or another data-driven metric would be preferred but not required.
• Weighted on nominees that demonstrate connection with other program areas through project collaboration, resource and information sharing, or general support.
• Examples could include:
  • a specialist that innovates with multiple program areas
  • an associate with an excellent work product record and supportive of innovative projects in other program areas
  • a faculty member provides reliable expertise in a timely manner.

Who is eligible?

The Outstanding AACES Member Award (founded 2020) recognizes one non-classified Extension employee for overall superior performance in all job duties in the past three years and whose efforts have furthered the Extension’s mission and vision. Nominee must be a current AACES member.

(**Note: Support specialists include project/program specialists, managers, directors, and senior directors.)

Award related links

Master List of past award winners Updated 9-14-21