COLLEGE STATION - Alma M. Fonseca, Texas Cooperative Extension agent for family and consumer sciences, was recently named a recipient of the Regents Fellow Service Award. This award, presented by the Texas A&M University Board of Regents, is based on achievements throughout a career.
“This is the highest honor I’ve ever gotten,” Fonseca said. Since joining Extension in 1977, Fonseca has served in several capacities. She has been a county Extension agent in Willacy, Brazoria and Brazos counties, as well as an Extension clothing specialist on campus at Texas A&M.
Fonseca has been certified as a child passenger safety technician by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. She has also been certified as a home buyer educator by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and as a mentor by Texas Cooperative Extension.
Throughout her 27 years of service with Extension, Fonseca has received many awards and honors, including Superior Service Award in 1994 and 1998; Community Partnership Award from Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences in 2001; State Distinguished Service Award from Alpha Zeta chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi in 2001; Communications Award in Televison from Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences in 2002 and Communication Award in Educational Curriculum Package-Individual from Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences in 2003.
Her professional committee memberships have included Do Well, Be Well With Diabetes Coalition, Extension Marketing Advisory Committee, Brazos Valley Homebuyer Education Coalition, Texas Community Futures Forum Extension Leadership Team, Home Based Entrepreneurship Conference Steering Committee, 4-H Clothing Program Development Advisory Board and State 4-H Clothing Educational Activity, where she served as state coordinator for 10 years.
Fonseca is active in the community too, serving on such agencies as the Prenatal Clinic board of directors, Health Educators’ Network, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Brazoria County board of directors, United Way of Brazoria County board of directors and Texas-Based Task Force on Older Drivers.
She has authored or co-authored many professional publications, as well as news articles for local newspapers. She has also produced video tapes and slide presentations, home study courses and newsletters, and leader training packets.
Fonseca is a member of several professional organizations, including National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and National and State Epsilon Sigma Phi Professional Fraternity.
She earned a bachelor of science degree in home economics education from Texas Woman’s University in 1977, a master of science degree in clothing and textiles, also from TWU, in 1981, and a doctorate in industrial education from Texas A&M University in 1993.
Recipients of the Regents Fellow Service Award are chosen from the nine universities, eight agricultural and engineering agencies and the health science center that make up the Texas A&M University System. In addition to a medallion and a commemorative certificate, each winner receives $9,000.
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