MSU Extension Fall Extension Conference

FEC is not only a time to strengthen and create new connections or explore and learn new skills with our colleagues but it is also a time where we can celebrate our individual and collective accomplishments. From rapid response to emerging issues, finding innovative ways to incorporate technology, intentionally impacting diversity, equity and inclusion, developing and implementing creative educational programming, and individual and team commitment to excellence and service to MSU Extension, we will explore the breadth and depth of the impact that our colleagues have been making across the State of Michigan.

Learn more about the 2024 award winners by viewing the 2024 Fall Extension Conference Program Booklet and the Awards Program booklet. 

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MSU Extension Staff Awards

Read the summaries below to learn about the Fall Extension Conference awards. Explore the various awards and find past award winners using the links to the right. Association Awards are recognized in the Fall Conference program.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Impact Award

One award is given to an individual or team that has at least one MSU Extension staff member that have made exceptional efforts in supporting or fostering excellence in reaching new or underrepresented audiences; promoting inclusion in program content or delivery; working in partnership with diverse communities or constituents; carrying out other efforts that promote sustained relationship-building across differences.

Emerging Issues/ Rapid Response Team Award

This award was created in 2020 to honor an individual or team that rapidly responded to a critical, emerging issue. One award is given to an MSU Extension individual or team that conducts high-quality, collaborative programming that contributes to the mission of MSU Extension. They quickly identified and analyzed an issue and delivered an outcome to meet the needs of Michigan residents. Teams can include institutes or MSU administrative units for nomination.

Gordon Guyer Collaborative Team Award

This award was created in 2014 to honor teams that conduct high-quality, collaborative programming that contributes to the mission of MSU Extension, has been developed through a process of issue and opportunity identification and clientele needs analysis, and has had demonstrably positive effects on programming outcomes. Teams that have members from at least two MSU Extension institutes or MSU administrative units are eligible for nomination.

It is named for former MSU Extension Director Gordon Guyer. During his tenure, Dr. Guyer encouraged MSU Extension staff at all levels to develop evidence- and research-based, collaborative, and interdisciplinary programs to meet the needs of Michigan residents.  Read more about Dr. Guyer’s contributions here:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Guyer

Innovative Technology Award

This award recognizes an individual or team that has demonstrated involvement with eXtension or other creative uses of technology through one or more of the following ways: Active Community of Practice (CoP) leadership or participation; Creative online course offering; Responsiveness in the Ask an Expert service; and use of technology in educational programming that has resulted in documented positive response by participants. Individual MSU Extension staff members and teams are eligible for nomination. Up to two awards can be awarded in an award cycle.

Michigan Council of Extension Associations (MCEA) John A. Hannah Award for Program Excellence

The John Hannah Award recognizes superior Extension programs that are developed and carried out by MSU Extension professional staff members who are appointed by the MSU Board of Trustees. This award recognizes the excellence of programs, not just individuals. Programs that are developed and carried out by MSU Extension staff who are appointed by the MSU Board of Trustees are eligible for this award, and self-nominations are accepted. All programs must be current – that is, conducted within the past 18 months. 

The award was established when Dr. John Hannah retired as president of Michigan State University. The members of the agent and specialist associations voluntarily contributed funds for a “suitable memorial to Dr. Hannah that would encourage professional achievement among Extension staff.” The earnings from these gifts, plus any further gifts are used to support the award. Learn more about Dr. John Hannah here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Hannah

Meritorious Service Awards

These awards recognize outstanding individuals from each MSU Extension employee group. Service Awards can be given in the following categories:

Administrative Leadership – For individuals who have shown continuing leadership and excellence in MSU Extension administrative planning and organizing in an outstanding manner.

Educators and supervising educators – For individuals who have shown continuing leadership and excellence in MSU Extension program planning, delivery, and evaluation.

Extension and academic specialists – For MSU Extension specialists, program leaders and associate program leaders who have shown continuing leadership and excellence in statewide program planning, delivery and evaluation.

Program instructors, program coordinators and community nutrition instructors – For individuals who have supported the mission, program, and professional staff of MSU Extension in an outstanding manner.

Support staff and supervisors – For individuals, both on and off campus, who have supported the mission, programming and professional staff of the organization in an outstanding manner. This category includes clerical and administrative support staff, clerks, budget analysts, fiscal officers, event planners, technical services and communications staff and more.

Outstanding Service to MSU Extension

This is one of highest honors given to MSU Extension professional staff members. Nominees must have consistently exhibited leadership, service and excellence in program planning, delivery, evaluation or administration. This award is open to MSU Extension professional staff members who have had MSU Extension careers lasting at least 20 years.

MSU Extension External Awards

MSU Extension recognizes that we cannot make the impact that we do across the State of Michigan without our key partners, supporters and collaborators. The support that we receive through our local, regional, and statewide is why we can reach new audiences, create new and innovative programs that address community needs and extend our reach in ways that we cannot do along. For that reason, our external category of awards focuses on recognizing and celebrating our external partners, collaborations, and supporters.

Key Partner Award

The MSU Extension Key Partner Award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to creating, improving, supporting or promoting MSU Extension programs. This award is open to individuals, organizations, media, special MSU programs and government officials. Nominees must possess the highest standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the reputation of MSU Extension. Up to six awards can be awarded in an award cycle.

Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) State Friends of Extension Award

This award recognizes individuals who have been true friends of MSU Extension. They may have helped promote programs, represented us as lay leaders, served as key program developers or collaborators, or supported MSU Extension in other ways. This award is open to individuals from nonprofit organizations, businesses, government agencies, media outlets, MSU units and elsewhere. Nominees must possess the highest standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the reputation of MSU Extension. The award is presented by Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) and MSU Extension, though nominees do not have to be ESP members. The ESP awards selection committee will review nominations.