E. G. PETERSON EXTENSION AWARD DENISE STEWARDSON

As an agricultural literacy specialist and Extension associate professor, Denise Stewardson works with teachers statewide, regionally, and nationally to help them and their students understand the importance of agriculture in daily living. Denise has been the Utah Agriculture in the Classroom director for nearly a decade. The organization works to increase student awareness about agriculture and create an appreciation for our food and fiber systems. It has reached over 200,000 students and 4,000 teachers.

Denise makes great effort to serve teachers by helping them deliver the best lessons possible. She supports them by attending their conferences, visiting classrooms, and sharing her materials.

Denise is respected by her peers, which has led to multiple leadership opportunities. She was elected and served as president of the USU Extension Specialists Association. She was also elected president of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization.

Denise makes a special effort to engage with college students. She teaches an agricultural literacy course and assists the USU Student Nutrition Access Center with its sustainability goals. She represents Extension on the USU Faculty Senate, serves as a mentor to students through the Aggie First Scholars program, and serves on the Connections faculty committee.

The E.G. Peterson Award is the highest recognition available to USU Extension faculty members. It is awarded to those who provide outstanding service to the state of Utah. Denise is exemplary of this recognition as evident through her dedication and service to delivering agricultural literacy education.