AgriLife Extension presents Superior Service Awards honors employees
Awards recognize exemplary service and programming of statewide faculty and staff
Faculty and staff of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service gathered from across the state to receive the agency’s Superior Service Awards during a ceremony on July 16 in the new Texas 4-H Headquarters.
The Superior Service Award is the highest recognition given to employees in honor of their exemplary service and programming.
“Service is at the core of AgriLife Extension and the very heart of the land-grant mission,” said Rick Avery, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension director, Bryan-College Station. “Our awardees reflect the highest standards of our agency. Through their dedication, commitment to education and passion for serving others, they demonstrate what makes AgriLife Extension strong and why we continue to make a difference in every corner of this state.”
County Extension Agent, Early Career awards
Mason Carter, agriculture and natural resources, Hemphill County
Carter has served seven years with AgriLife Extension in Briscoe, Oldham and Hemphill counties and is recognized for innovative, research-based programming that strengthens beef cattle production, supports risk management and builds agricultural literacy among youth. He partners with producers, AgriLife Extension specialists and community leaders to deliver impactful education with measurable economic and learning outcomes. He also reaches thousands of young leaders and producers through leadership programs and a beef cattle podcast. Carter is pursuing a doctoral degree in agriculture at West Texas A&M University.
Marcie Kucera, health, Victoria County
Kucera has brought energy and vision to Victoria County since joining AgriLife Extension in 2022. She is a champion for change by advancing mental health, physical wellness and chronic disease prevention through Healthy South Texas initiatives. Her strong advocacy for underserved populations and her deep community partnerships allow her to reach audiences with information that empowers them to take charge of their health. Kucera embodies the mission of AgriLife Extension, strengthening local systems and building essential collaborations that elevate the well-being of Victoria County residents.
Taryn Titsworth, agriculture and natural resources, Medina County
Since beginning his career with AgriLife Extension in 2019, Titsworth has provided leadership and program direction for Medina County. He has also demonstrated early leadership and administrative responsibility by serving as county coordinator in Kimble County. Titsworth holds degrees in agricultural science and administrative leadership from Angelo State University and is known for his ability to pair technical expertise with a strong commitment to service. His work reflects a clear mission to be a trusted resource while delivering meaningful, measurable impacts to the communities he serves.
County Extension Agent, Mid-Career awards
Mark Carroll, agriculture and natural resources, Floyd County
Carroll exemplifies excellence through innovative, research-based programming that addresses regional agricultural and youth development needs. He leads impactful multi-county efforts, including beef cattle education, crop production conferences, and a radio and podcast series reaching over 13,000 listeners monthly. He has expanded 4-H enrollment to over 400 youth through strong school partnerships and experiential learning. His programs generate measurable economic benefits, exceeding $362,000 annually, and are supported by over $1.7 million in secured resources, demonstrating significant impact, leadership and commitment to the agency’s mission.
Angie Gutierrez, family and community health, Bexar County
Angie Gutierrez started her career with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, EFNEP, in 2005 as a nutrition education associate. She was promoted with EFNEP after receiving her bachelor’s degree in child studies, and after earning her master’s degree in adult education, she became a family and community health agent for Bexar County, a role she has served in since 2015. Her invaluable leadership and dedication have expanded access to evidence-based nutrition, wellness and food systems education for vulnerable families, seniors and children in Bexar County.
Mellanie Mickelson, 4-H youth development, Bastrop County
Mickelson served AgriLife Extension as the 4-H agent in Travis County, where she coordinated the 4-H CAPITAL Urban Animal Science Program, before joining the team in Bastrop County in May 2019. Her primary focus is to increase agricultural awareness while teaching and providing opportunities for youth to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills through the county 4-H Council and Ambassador programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University and a master’s in management and leadership from Tarleton State University.
County Administrative Support – Early Career awards
Lorraine Niemeyer, administrative assistant for horticulture, Fort Bend County
Niemeyer has served as an administrative assistant in AgriLife Extension’s Fort Bend County office since 2022. She has significantly increased the productivity of the agriculture and horticulture unit by improving processes that support major events, including the Pecan Show and Pecan Harvest Festival, the AG’tivity Barn, and the Vegetable Conference, all while maintaining day-to-day operations professionally and efficiently. She is solution-oriented and committed to documenting processes that help the next person get a head start.
County Administrative Support – Mid-Career awards
Brandy Rader, program coordinator for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists, Fort Bend County
Rader is an asset to AgriLife Extension’s program in Fort Bend. One of her favorite quotes comes from Audrey Hepburn, who said, “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” She provides the highest level of service and care for valuable volunteers. Her kindness and resolve are the perfect combination to keep Fort Bend’s Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs thriving and active.
District/State Administrative Support – Early Career awards
Jessica Lennerton, manager, human resources, AgriLife Administrative Services
In only a few short years, Lennerton has become a trusted human resources partner for AgriLife Extension. Bringing more than 13 years of human resources experience to the agency, she is recognized for her exceptional professionalism, compassionate approach to complex employee matters, and unwavering commitment to service. Her impact is perhaps best reflected in her nomination packet, which included a letter of support signed by all 12 of AgriLife Extension’s district administrators — a testament to her customer-focused mindset, commitment to compliance and dedication to strengthening human resources processes.
District/State Administrative Support – Mid-Career awards
Isabel Hernandez, Administrative Associate II, District 10
Isabel Hernandez serves as an administrative associate II for District 10 in Uvalde, providing support for specialists and district administration. During her tenure, she has become a central figure in the administration of the District 10 4-H program. In 2020, Hernandez assumed the additional responsibility of coordinating District 10 4-H, balancing those duties while continuing to support the district’s specialists. When the district 4-H specialist position became vacant, she rose to the challenge, working alongside district administration and county agents to lead 4-H operations and ensure every major event was executed at the highest possible level.
Program Support award
Wesley Faries, project manager IV, Office of Data and Accountability
Faries has provided exemplary service and leadership by strengthening AgriLife Extension through innovative, mission-critical program support systems. As lead programmer and system administrator in the Office of Data and Accountability, he has modernized complex reporting and operational platforms that support more than 85,000 programs annually across all 254 Texas counties. His collaborative, user-centered approach, technical expertise and commitment to service have improved efficiency, scalability and accountability. His professionalism, mentorship and ability to deliver high-impact solutions have left a lasting mark on the agency and strengthened its capacity to serve Texans.
Program Specialist, Manager or Coordinator – Early Career award
Zach Howard, Ph.D., program specialist II, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences
Howard serves as a program specialist II in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, where he anchors the statewide AgriLife Extension weed science program. Since 2020, he has delivered research-based weed management education to Texas producers, county agents, pesticide applicators and industry professionals at more than 75 programs, reaching more than 5,600 participants. He has managed more than 200 field and greenhouse research trials; co-authored nine publications and three peer-reviewed journal articles; and pioneered the integration of unmanned aerial systems into applied weed management research for Texas agriculture.
Program Specialist – Mid-Career award
Natalie Cervantes, 4-H youth development program specialist, District 10
Cervantes has excelled as the program specialist for 4-H youth development in District 10 since April 2022. She has revitalized the atmosphere of district 4-H events, boosted morale and maintained outstanding communication with agents. Her leadership has been instrumental in numerous programs and contests. A vital link between 4-H faculty and county offices, she leads important trainings and supports county programs in the 21 counties of District 10, as well as numerous state and international leadership programs. She served as the 4-H agent in Bexar County for eight years and in other support roles prior.
Extension Specialist, Early Career award
Jake Thorne, Ph.D., sheep and goat specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo, and assistant professor, Department of Animal Science
Thorne, at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo and in the Department of Animal Science, has quickly established himself as a statewide leader through innovative, research-based programming that strengthens producer decision-making and promotes industry sustainability. He has reached thousands of people over the past five years through hands-on training, technical schools and digital platforms, delivering more than 3,300 educational contact hours annually. His nationally recognized podcast has generated more than 90,000 listens in 50 countries. Through his leadership, Thorne has advanced workforce development, accelerated genetic improvement and generated measurable economic returns while building strong collaborations that expand AgriLife Extension’s impact across Texas and throughout the global small ruminant industry.
Extension Specialist, Mid-Career award
Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Ph.D., forage specialist and professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton and Department of Soil and Crop Sciences,
Corriher-Olson, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton and in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, has served Texas forage producers for nearly two decades, building one of the most impactful Extension forage programs in the nation. Since joining AgriLife Extension in 2008, she has conducted more than 640 county educational meetings, fielded more than 84,000 individual producer consultations, and generated an estimated 14 million reader contacts through popular press publications. Her innovative programs — from the Select Beef and Forage Producers series to the ForageFax digital platform — consistently produce documented, measurable economic benefits for Texas ranchers and hay producers.
Volunteerism, Individual award
Ashley Gregory, horticulture agent and Master Gardener coordinator, Hidalgo County
Since March 2015, Gregory has demonstrated outstanding leadership in volunteer development and horticulture education in Hidalgo County, strengthening the county’s Master Gardener program and expanding community engagement. Working closely with volunteers and local officials, she helped establish the Hidalgo County Education Garden as a hub for hands-on learning and outreach. She also leads spring and fall plant sales that attract residents from across the Rio Grande Valley. Through collaborative partnerships, Gregory has helped secure and facilitate more than $1.18 million in grant funding supporting agricultural and community education initiatives in South Texas.
Volunteerism, Team award
Texas 4-H Summit Team
The Texas 4-H Summit Planning Committee team members include 4-H youth development program specialists Garry Branham, District 7; Tina Conn, District 1; Julie Gardner, Ph.D., College Station; Grace Henicke, District 12; Cory Hundl, District 9; Megan Duet, leadership and citizenship, and Larry Hysmith, agriculture and natural resources, both in Bryan; Megan Shaffer, District 8; Denita Young, District 4; Jana Barrett, State 4-H Roundup, Bryan-College Station; and Molly Forman, Ph.D., North Region family and community health program leader, and Danny Nusser, North Region agriculture and natural resources program leader, both in Canyon.
The Texas 4-H Summit Planning Committee has created and sustained one of the most valuable professional development opportunities for AgriLife Extension personnel involved with youth. This team has created a high-quality training experience that equips AgriLife Extension professionals with the knowledge, confidence and connections needed to strengthen 4-H programs across Texas. Newer employees often need foundational training in program management, volunteer systems, youth protection and project delivery, while experienced professionals seek advanced strategies, fresh ideas and opportunities to network with peers. The Summit was intentionally designed to meet both needs in one comprehensive event.
Team awards
Graze Beef and Range Team
Team members include AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources county agents Mark Carroll, Floyd County, and Andy Hart, Hale County; Jason Smith, Ph.D., beef cattle specialist and associate professor, the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center at Canyon and Department of Animal Science, Canyon; and Tim Steffens, Ph.D., associate professor in rangeland resource management, West Texas A&M University, Canyon.
This team delivers practical livestock and ranching education to producers in Floyd and Hale counties. Through conferences, workshops, radio programs, certifications and hands-on training, they help ranchers improve herd health, grazing management, forage use and long-term profitability. Their programs are based on local needs and backed by research, making information useful and easy to apply. Producers report major knowledge gains and significant economic benefits from practices adopted through these efforts, demonstrating the team’s lasting impact on agriculture and rural communities.
Texas Triple-P Team
The Texas Plant Phenology Project, or Texas Triple P, team members include Silverio Avila, Ph.D., rangeland specialist and assistant professor, Alpine; Chase Brooke, small acreage wildlife program specialist, Stephenville; Megan Clayton, Ph.D., range specialist and professor, Uvalde; Jeff Goodwin, Ph.D., director of the Texas A&M Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management and Texas A&M AgriLife Research assistant professor, Bryan-College Station; Stacy Hines, Ph.D., rangeland habitat management specialist and assistant professor, Corpus Christi; Barron Rector, Ph.D., range specialist and associate professor, Bryan-College Station; and Morgan Treadwell, Ph.D., range specialist and professor, San Angelo, all in the Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management.
Texas Triple P was launched in 2022 following a survey that identified a need for improved educational tools to support plant identification. Hines brought together a multidisciplinary team of AgriLife Extension subject matter experts with statewide expertise in rangeland plants and habitats. Together, they developed region-specific plant identification resources supporting the Texas Master Plant List and piloted multiple workshops that reached 576 participants over two years.
Adulting 101 Team in Calhoun County
The Adulting 101 Team members include Emilee DeForest, 4-H youth development agent, and Karen Lyssy, family and community health agent, both in Calhoun County. Adulting 101 is an innovative Calhoun County program created to help graduating seniors prepare for life after high school. Through partnerships with schools, businesses and community leaders, students rotate through hands-on sessions covering budgeting, housing, insurance, healthy cooking, career readiness and personal safety. Over the past three years, the program has reached 515 seniors and continues to grow through student feedback and community support. Adulting 101 gives young adults the confidence, knowledge and practical skills needed to become independent adults..
Grayson County Conservation Team
The Grayson County Conservation Team is led by Chad Cummings, Ph.D., agricultural and natural resources agent, and Tamra McGaughy, Ph.D., 4-H youth development agent, both in Grayson County. The Grayson County Conservation Team has transformed a long-standing, limited-scale conservation event into a scalable, school-based environmental education program. Since 2023, the Conservation Team has reached more than 5,400 elementary students. The team includes a diverse coalition of AgriLife Extension professionals, educators, volunteers and high school students to deliver hands-on, TEKS-aligned conservation education directly to schools. This innovative, collaborative model removed logistical barriers, expanded participation, strengthened community partnerships and produced measurable learning gains while building a sustainable workforce pipeline for conservation education in Grayson County.
Ideal Team Player award
Leslie Pressler, administrative coordinator II, AgriLife Research and Department of Horticultural Sciences, Fredericksburg
Pressler is a person who makes things work. Whether within the program or in the community, when challenges arise, she doesn’t wait. She steps in and finds a way to connect people and resources to make things happen. Her work reflects the collaborative, service-oriented culture of AgriLife Extension. Her work ethic, initiative and ability to lead by example set a standard of excellence that others strive to follow. Pressler’s work embodies the characteristics of someone humble, hungry and smart, elevating her colleagues and increasing AgriLife Extension’s impact day after day.
Emerging Issues – Individual award
Erica Reyes, Ph.D., program specialist II and assistant director, Healthy South Texas, Weslaco
Reyes has been instrumental in the statewide adoption of Strong People Strong Bodies and the creation of AgriLife Extension materials needed to implement this program. Since July 2023, 84 participants have reported losing weight, on average 10.3 pounds per participant. Similarly, Reyes leads the statewide Maintain No Gain program, where 103 participants reported decreasing their weight post-program, with an average weight loss of 5.8 pounds. She has also supported the development of many popular resources for programs like Cooking Well Exploring Cultures, DanceFit and Walk Across Texas school rallies.
Emerging Issues, Team award
Rural Student Success Initiative Team
The Rural Student Success Initiative Team, led by Maria Luna-Torres, Ph.D., 4-H youth development Rural Student Success Initiative project director, includes Shelby Behm, 4-H youth development program specialist; and Arnulfo Gonzalez, 4-H youth development program specialist, all in Bryan.
The Rural Student Success Initiative, RSSI, makes monumental impacts in its innovative train-the-trainer model, empowering rural school district staff to provide essential, relevant college and career advising support to geographically isolated students. By helping navigate complex college and financial aid processes, RSSI fosters postsecondary education access and success in underserved regions of the state. Since launching in 2018, RSSI has garnered over $6 million in grant awards and serves more than 6,000 middle school- to high school-age students across 29 rural school districts, spanning 25 remote counties. RSSI is providing resources and support to rural students in a way that has never been done before, and the initiative will leave a lasting mark on those communities it reaches.
Supervisor award
Michael Haynes, Ed.D., Southwest district administrator, District 10
Haynes has been the AgriLife Extension district administrator for Southwest District 10 since January 2019. His leadership has fostered stronger communication and improved morale across the district. He has repaired strained relationships between county programs and commissioners’ courts while championing innovative programs that strengthen AgriLife Extension’s impact. Haynes earned a doctorate in educational leadership from West Texas A&M University and, before becoming district administrator, served as the agriculture and natural resources agent in Bandera and Caldwell counties. Whether guiding employees through change, building strong partnerships, or mentoring the next generation of AgriLife Extension professionals, Haynes consistently leads with professionalism, humility and a servant’s heart.
Distinguished Career, Administrative Support award
Elena Almendarez, administrative assistant II, Hidalgo County
Almendarez’s career encompasses 26 years of exemplary service to AgriLife Extension in Hidalgo County, reflecting not only longevity but extraordinary impact. She is often the first welcoming face or helping voice our clientele encounter, offering professionalism, warmth and unwavering dedication. Through decades of program growth and change, her institutional knowledge, organizational excellence and behind-the-scenes support have strengthened AgriLife Extension programming and community outreach. Her commitment to service exemplifies the highest standards of public service.
Distinguished Career, County Extension Agent award
Terry Millican, agriculture and natural resources, Gillespie County
Millican’s 38-year career exemplifies sustained excellence, leadership and impactful programming in AgriLife Extension. Serving Gaines, Menard, Scurry, Yoakum and surrounding counties, Millican has advanced profitable, science-based agricultural practices that have been widely implemented in farming and ranching operations. He has also been instrumental in shaping generations of youth through livestock projects, shooting sports and leadership development. His work has produced measurable economic benefits, strengthened community resilience during disasters, and built enduring partnerships across agriculture and natural resources. Millican’s career reflects unwavering service, integrity and commitment to the agency’s land-grant mission.
Distinguished Career, Extension Specialist award
Larry Stein, Ph.D., horticulture specialist and professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Uvalde
From 2012 to 2024, Stein led the AgriLife Extension horticulture program as associate department head, continuously expanding and innovating agency initiatives. He has led multiple award-winning teams, and under his guidance, his unit has received prestigious service accolades. Stein truly represents what a distinguished specialist should be. He is incredibly knowledgeable in his field, but just as importantly, he is always willing to share that knowledge and help others succeed. Whether working with clients, agents, volunteers or colleagues, he is approachable, supportive and genuinely invested in their success. His deep belief in the AgriLife Extension mission as he consistently works to make research practical and accessible and his impact is felt across the communities he serves.
Distinguished Career, Middle Management award
Josh Brooks, district administrator, Panhandle District 1
Brooks is recognized for exceptional leadership that has strengthened AgriLife Extension across the Panhandle. He has advanced employee recruitment, mentoring and career development while building trusted partnerships with county leaders, universities and stakeholders. Brooks played a key role in fundraising and planning for the new Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center at Canyon and helped secure critical local funding. His steady leadership has improved workforce success, expanded youth opportunities and positioned District 1 for continued growth and impact.
Agency Leadership award
Rusty Hohlt, Ph.D., state program leader, Healthy South Texas
Hohlt has been the consistent leader for the AgriLife Extension portion of Healthy South Texas since 2018. Before that, she spent three years working on the initial establishment of Healthy South Texas. Hohlt has overseen more than $23.5 million in state funding allocations for Healthy South Texas. Before she transitioned into program leadership, she was an AgriLife Extension agent in rural and urban counties and a program specialist for the development of the Junior Master Gardener Learn, Grow, Eat and Go! curriculum.
Distinguished County Extension Agent designation
Receiving the Distinguished Agent designations were:
- Julie Smith, family and community health agent, Borden County.
- Pascual Hernandez, agriculture and natural resources, Sutton County.
Photos of award winners will be available in PhotoShelter after the event.
