Dale Dunlap honored with Superior Service Award in leadership

Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dale Dunlap, 806-826-5243, mddunlap@ag.tamu.edu

BRYAN – Dale Dunlap, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Wheeler County, received the Superior Service Award in the county Extension agent category from the agency.

Superior Service Awards recognize AgriLife Extension faculty and staff members who provide outstanding performance in AgriLife Extension education or other outstanding service to the organization and to Texans. The award was presented Jan. 12 during the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Conference awards dinner at the Brazos Expo Center in Bryan.

With 18 years of service in AgriLife Extension, Dunlap served as county agent in Tom Green, Collingsworth and Eastland counties before moving to Wheeler County near the end of 2012.

According to the nomination, since his move, he has transformed a largely inactive program into one of the most valued and respected AgriLife Extension county programs in the state.

“He has a unique ability to interact with equal effectiveness with all audiences in Wheeler County, making him a truly great county Extension agent,” Brandon Dukes, AgriLife Extension district administrator, said in the nomination.

“Wheeler County ag producers know they can count on Mr. Dunlap for information, especially when they need it fast,” the nomination continued. “4-H members know they can count on him to be there whenever they need him, and they know that when Mr. Dunlap has an activity planned, it will be fun. Homeowners know that he is always willing to look at their garden, lawn, or tree issues and provide them solutions. Newly-hired AgriLife Extension agents know they can turn to Mr. Dunlap for guidance on a day-to-day basis.”

His major program in Wheeler County has been beef cattle nutrition.  

“He has provided programming in this area that is focused and in-depth and has provided educational programming to local producers in an area of need,” said Danny Nusser, AgriLife Extension regional program leader for agriculture and natural resources in Amarillo, in a letter of commendation.

“Dale has a unique ability to interact with equal effectiveness whether he is leading a group of beef cattle producers through a series on beef cattle nutrition or working with a group of 4-H members learning how to identify native grasses for the first time,” Dukes said. “He is able to not only wear many hats, but wear them effectively.”