Kevin Kesler and Gary Anderson
Kevin C. Kesler received his bachelors and master’s degrees from Utah State University in the fields of Agriculture Education, specializing in Extension Education and International Development. He received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University specializing in Extension Administration.
Kevin has a very diverse background rich with experience. These experiences range from growing up inside the fort located at Cove Fort, Utah, to working internationally as an agricultural engineer, developing extension organizations and farming systems in third world countries. His teaching experience also varies from teaching noncredit youth development workshops to teaching Extension courses at Utah State University and agricultural engineering courses at Iowa State University.
Kevin’s Extension employment has taken him to four different states including Nevada and Utah State University where he is presently working for the fourth time. These positions have included both rural and urban settings specializing in agriculture, 4-H youth development, water quality, community development and administration.
Kevin’s administrative experiences include the positions of County Director, Area Director, Director of Research and Extension and he is presently the Director of 4-H and Youth Programs and Assistant Extension Director here at Utah State University.
Kevin finds enjoyment in working with the 4-H organization. He tries to live the 4-H motto of “making the best better”. He has shared his love of the out of doors, technology and service with all those around him, including his family, volunteers and youth.
Epsilon Sigma Phi Iota Chapter is pleased to honor Kevin C. Kesler for 25 years of dedicated service to Utah State University Extension.
Gary Anderson, graduated with his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Utah State University in Animal Science and began his career Extension in 1983 as an Extension agent in Carbon County, later moving to Sanpete County where he has served as an Associate Professor and County Director. His career has been highlighted by his contribution to improving the economic stability of the businesses in his county and beyond. He currently serves as the Heritage Highway “89” Community Resource Development and 4-H Agent. In this position, he serves as a resource to the Heritage Highway”89” Alliance Board of Directors and to individuals and groups of artisans, crafters and other heritage related businesses along that corridor. He assists them in obtaining educational, financial, management and marketing assistance geared to increasing the success of their businesses. The Smart Sanpete program established an incubator space for new businesses to get their start. He has worked closely with Extension Specialists in research and furthering the success of the turkey industry as well.
Through his efforts several bills have been passed nationally and locally including The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area Act – 2006, Designation of the Heritage Highway “89” and Boulder Loop area as a state Heritage Area (2004), and Creation of the Mormon Pioneer Heritage Center by USU on the campus at Snow College in Ephriam (2004).
Gary has assisted in procuring in excess of $1,312,159 in funding in the last 8 years alone to assist with projects such as risk management outreach for women and limited resource farmers, funding the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Management Plan, land and water grants, and finishing a building on the Snow Campus to name a few. Gary has served as Mayor of Ephriam City, Board Member of Ephriam City Chamber of Commerce, on the Sanpete County Travel Council and Sanpete Economic Development Advisory Board.
In his other assignment, Gary assists his 4-H Council, leaders and members in fundraising and 4-H programming in the county.
Some of the honors he has received include Agent Cooperator of the Year Award from the Utah Extension Specialists Association, Outstanding Program award from Epsilon Sigma Phi, Region Eight Home Business Advocate of the Year and HUD 200 Best Practices.
Epsilon Sigma Phi Iota Chapter is pleased to honor Gary Anderson for 25 years of dedicated service to Utah State University Extension.