Windham receives development award
By Ryan McGeeney
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
(327 words)
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Community Development Society presented one of its highest awards last week to Tony Windham, the University of Arkansas System’s Associate Vice President for Agriculture-Extension and Director of the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
The Friend of the Arkansas Community Development Society Award was presented to Windham Oct. 22, during the group’s 2015 conference. The award is given in recognition of extraordinary service or support for the practice of community development in Arkansas, Mark Peterson, professor of community and economic development with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said.
In her introduction of Windham, ACDS Awards Chairperson Whitney Horton touched on many of the contributions the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service has made to the state, including:
- 4-H Clubs touch 143,000 Arkansas youth annually, providing them with hands-on experience through community service projects to develop them into next-generation leadership for rural communities.
- LeadAR, a two-year leadership program, has trained more than 440 community leaders who are found in the House and the Senate, on local school boards, in city and county government, business and industry and non-profits.
- Breakthrough Solutions, a community development program, began as VISION 2010 when 2010 was well into the future. It was conceived of and directed by Mark Peterson and implemented through partnerships with the most community development oriented companies and organizations in the State. It is an award-winning strategic planning model that takes asset-based development to the next level. Breakthrough Solutions builds on its VISION 2010 predecessor which involved over 9,000 citizens in community development initiatives in 21 communities, generated over $70 million in local funds invested, grants, appropriations, and taxes, and involved 20 Breakthrough Solutions Partner organizations. ACDS has an ongoing partnership with Breakthrough Solutions as well.
“I was honored to accept this award on behalf of our Community and Economic Development faculty and staff,” Windham said. “I consider being recognized by our partners in community development as proof of our relevance and contribution to our stakeholders.”
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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