SDSU Extension recognized staff and faculty members for achievements in service and educational programming at its annual Fall Conference at the Swiftel Center in Brookings.
"It is our privilege to take this opportunity each year to recognize our SDSU Extension professionals and the impactful work that they conduct each and every day," said Karla Trautman, SDSU Extension director. "From recognizing years of service to the organization or acknowledging the creation of innovative programs, it is important to elevate and celebrate the accomplishments of our talented and valued professionals."
The SDSU Extension employees recognized for their accomplishments are listed below.
Years of Service with SDSU Extension and/or the State of South Dakota
Five years
- Laura Alexander, 4-H Youth Program Advisor -- Brule and Lyman counties
- Audrey Bollin, Accounting Assistant
- Katie Doty, 4-H Youth Program Advisor -- Yankton County
- John McMaine, Griffith Endowed Assistant Professor and Water Management Engineer
- Ryan Samuel, Assistant Professor and Swine Specialist
10 years
- Pete Bauman, Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist
- Leacey Brown, Gerontology Field Specialist
- Sharon Klein, Administrative Assistant -- Winner Regional Center
- Amber Letcher, Assistant Professor and Youth Development Specialist
- Audra Scheel, 4-H Youth Program Advisor -- Sanborn, Aurora, and Jerauld/Buffalo counties
- Janice Rounds, Administrative Assistant -- Watertown Regional Center
- Jennifer Ringkob, 4-H Youth Program Advisor -- Marshall and Day counties
- Lauren Hollenbeck, 4-H Youth Program Advisor -- Union, Clay and Yankton counties
- Jane Amiotte, 4-H Youth Program Advisor -- Pennington County
- Laura Edwards, State Climatologist
- Amanda Stade, 4-H Events Management Coordinator
15 years
- Shelly Cartney, Educational Technology Information Officer
- Chuck Engelmann, Senior Computer Support
- Aletha Benson, Administrative Assistant -- Pierre Regional Center
- Amanda Blair, Professor and Meat Science Specialist
20 years
- Kari O'Neill, Community Vitality Program Manager
- Ann Schwader, Program Assessment and Reporting Coordinator
25 years
- Julie Walker, Professor and Beef Specialist
- John Keimig, Youth Safety Field Specialist
30 years
- Anthony Bly, Soils Field Specialist
35 years
- Bob Thaler, Distinguished Professor and Swine Specialist
SDSU Extension Awards
The Mental Health First Aid program team -- Andrea Bjornestad, Krista Ehlert, Audrey Rider, Samantha DeVaney, Jennifer Ringkob, Jane Amiotte, Kaycee Jones, Michelle May, Olivia Amundson, Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head, Peggy Schlechter and Heather Gessner -- received the Creativity in Service to All South Dakotans
Christine Wood, received the Excellence in Partnership Award
Katherine Jaeger, Excellence in Programming Innovation and Creativity
4-H Workforce Outcome Team -- John Madison, Sonia Mack, Sara Koepke, Laurie Elmore, Deanna Gall, Wendy Sweeter, Jane Amiotte and Christine Wood -- received the Excellence in Virtual Program Delivery Award
Sara Koepke, Spirit of Extension Award
Categories: South Dakota, Education, Livestock, Beef Cattle