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Office:University of Arkansas System Division of AgricultureCooperative Extension ServiceInformation Technology2301 S. University AvenueLittle Rock, AR 72204
The Extension Professionals' Organization, Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP), is dedicated to fostering standards of excellence in the Extension System and developing the Extension profession and professional.
We invite you to join and become involved in our organization of Extension professionals because of the:
Epsilon Sigma Phi leads the Extension System in providing and facilitating professional development that focuses on the Extension organization and the Extension professional.
The Alpha Iota Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi is the one Extension professional organization that looks after the needs of the whole Extension family. United, we are a powerful group. The mission of Epsilon Sigma Phi is to foster the standard of excellence in the Extension System and to develop the Extension Profession and Professional.
Our vision is to provide and facilitate professional development that focuses on the Extension organization and the Extension professional. Epsilon Sigma Phi will give you answers to tough questions such as:
Invitation to join ESP
Membership Eligibility
Application form - new members (only)
Renewal form - existing members (requires login)
Benefits include scholarship and award opportunities, professional development grants, public service, training and support, mentoring and more.
View Benefit Facts
As a member of ESP, one of the best ways to learn excellence and develop professional skills is to join a committee and learn by doing. It's also a great way to give back.
Find your place to serve in ESP
Notes:
Distinguished Service AwardDesigned to pay the highest chapter tribute to an experienced Extension professional who has consistently exhibited continuing leadership and excellence in Extension program planning, delivery, evaluation, in program and/or administration over a career of 20 or more years. Data supporting measurable impacts of the candidate's work in meeting needs of clientele will strengthen the nomination.
Contact the Awards and Recognition chair to apply
Continued Excellence Recognition Award:This gives recognition to an experienced Extension professional with twenty-plus years of experience who has exhibited continued leadership, the initiative, and excellence in Extension program planning, delivery, evaluation in program or administration, on a state, regional, and/or national level in the years after receiving the state Distinguished Service Award. Data supporting measurable impacts of the candidate's work in meeting the needs of clientele will strengthen the nomination. An Extension professional will be come eligible for this recognition after five years of receiving the Chapter Distinguished Service Award.
Early Career Service Award:This award is designed to recognize the achievements of rising young professionals who have shown noteworthy enthusiasm, performance, and accomplishment during the early Extension careers (less than 10 years) in program design and delivery.
Mid-Career Service Award:This recognition is designed to pay tribute to an experienced extension professional (with 10-20 years of service) who has exhibited continuing leadership and excellence in state Extension program planning, delivery, evaluation in the program and/or administration.
International Service AwardThis recognition is available to Epsilon Sigma Phi members who have contributed significantly to the development and/or expansion of an Extension program in another country or countries through in-state and/or overseas work.
Meritorious Support Service Award:Pays tribute to staff that has shown support for the mission, program, and professional staff of Cooperative Extension. Such persons include secretaries, program assistants, camp directors, motor pool managers, public distribution clerks, print shop operators, budget analysts, computer operators, and others. Several recognitions can be presented each year.
Retiree Service Award:This award is designed to recognize continuing contributions and outstanding service by retired Extension professionals.
Visionary Leadership Award:Designed to recognize Extension professionals whose significant accomplishments have resulted in leading Extension forward in new directions. This person's visionary leadership enabled Extension to anticipate a significant new opportunity and developed support to implement program organizational changes necessary to achieve success.
Administrative Leadership Recognition Award:Recognizes an Extension Professional who has shown noteworthy administrative enthusiasm, performance, and accomplishment during their Extension careers (10 years or more). Administrative leadership may be at county, regional, chapter, program, department, or national level.
Distinguished Team AwardDesigned to recognize outstanding efforts of Extension staff teams (two or more individuals) for responding to and incorporating into a specific educational program one or more critical issues. Critical issues may be defined by local, regional, state or national need. At least 50% of the team must be ESP members in good standing.
Diversity Individual AwardAcknowledges outstanding efforts and accomplishments in developing, achieving and sustaining Extension programs and/or audiences in our diverse and multicultural society.
Diversity Team AwardAcknowledges outstanding efforts and accomplishments in developing, achieving and sustaining Extension programs and/or audiences in our diverse and multicultural society. At least 50% of the team must be ESP members in good standing.
Tenure 25 Year Award:This recognition is for 25 years of Extension service, excluding other governmental (Civil Service) employment and military service time. (These are recognized through the USDA tenure recognition which is also available to Extension employees.) Recipients must be current ESP members.
Friend of Extension Award:This is the highest recognition presented by Epsilon Sigma Phi chapter to a non-Extension (lay) person. This award is designed to recognize truly outstanding support and personal involvement in Extension efforts.
Award applications are due by "TBD"
2023 ESP Officers
Officers are elected at the annual meeting in December with the term starting January 1st.
2023 ESP Committee Members
Diana Morian (Chair), Karen DiCicco, Susan Pickle, Pam Pruett
Becky McPeake (Chair)
Valerie Turner (Chair)
Committee members are chosen at the member meeting in the spring.
National Epsilon Sigma Phi
Login is required
Visit the members only section for the following information: