Extension Awards

Award Descriptions

Category 

Outstanding 

Exceeds Expectations 

Successful 

Limited 

Rating Points 

Maximum = 25 

Maximum = 20 

Maximum =15 

Maximum = 10 

Extension Programming Implementation and/or development of impactful programs 

Develops and implements substantial programs with proven impact that address critical community needs. Regularly conducts evaluations and adjusts programs for maximum effectiveness. Demonstrates wide-reaching, long-term benefits. 

Creates and delivers impactful programs that meet community needs. Shows evidence of evaluation and adaptation to improve effectiveness. Demonstrates consistent, measurable benefits. 

Implements programs that meet identified needs with measurable success. Occasionally adjusts based on feedback, showing positive but limited impact. 

Delivers programs with minimal evidence of impact. Little to no evaluation or program adjustment; impact is not clearly demonstrated. 

Leadership on initiatives, programs, and/or funded projects 

Leads multiple major initiatives and funded projects, demonstrating visionary leadership and excellent teamworking abilities. Consistently exceeds project goals, while mentoring others and fostering collaboration. 

Successfully leads important initiatives and funded projects, consistently meeting objectives and deadlines. Encourages teamwork and provides guidance to peers. 

Leads initiatives and projects that meet objectives with occasional support from others. Leadership shows steady but routine performance. 

Takes limited leadership roles. Leadership skills lack in organization, communication, or team engagement. 

Innovation and research that improves Extension as a whole 

Conducts relevant research on innovative Extension practices that significantly enhance Extension’s efficiency or reach. Contributions are widely recognized and adopted by peers across the country. 

Develops innovative research on Extension practices that impact Extension and are adopted beyond the Utah. Innovation leads to improvements in Extension delivery or outreach. 

Engages in research on Extension practices with some evidence of positive change within the state. Improvements are moderate but relevant. 

Demonstrates minimal engagement in innovative research. Contributions show limited or no clear impact on improving Extension. 

Commitment to the advancement of Extension through internal and external service 

Actively serves in major leadership roles both internally and externally, contributing to the growth of Extension. Mentor others and fosters community partnerships that enhance Extension's reach. 

Serves in meaningful internal and external roles that promote Extension. Contributes regularly to committees, partnerships, or community engagement activities. 

Participates in service roles, mostly within Utah, contributing adequately to advancing Extension. Service is limited in scope. 

Engages minimally in service roles with little contribution to advancing Extension. Service activities are sporadic and/or not relevant. 

 *Note: Review candidates based on the past three (3) years of performance in each category. Review E. G. Peterson Award candidates based on the past 20 years of performance.  

The E. G. Peterson Extension Award was established in 1986 to honor the Utah State University Extension faculty members who, in keeping with the mission and goals of Utah State University, has provided outstanding service to the state of Utah. In many ways, this should be considered a “career” award and it is the most prestigious of all Extension awards. The recipient of the E. G. Peterson Extension Award will be recognized during Extension Annual Conference and honored at the University’s Commencement Ceremony and dinner in May where s/he will receive a $2,000 honorarium. Nominees for the E. G. Peterson Extension Award must be USU Extension faculty members who are currently employed at least half-time and with a minimum of 20 years of Extension service. The nomination packet must include a full CV. The recipient cannot have been chosen for this award in the past (see list of past recipients). Recipient must be willing to serve on next years awards committee.

The Spirit of Extension Award was established in 2008 to honor the Utah State University Extension employee who emulates the heart and soul of Utah State University Extension. The selected person serves the organization and its clientele with unparalleled dedication, perseverance, and contributions behind the scenes. He or she goes far above and beyond their job requirements and honorably represents USU Extension. The recipient of the Spirit of Extension Award will be recognized during Extension Annual Conference and receive a $500 honorarium. Nominees for the Spirit of Extension Award must be USU Extension faculty or staff members who are currently employed at least half-time and for a minimum of three years. The recipient cannot have been chosen for this award in the past (see list of past recipients). Recipient must be willing to serve on next years awards committee.

The Extension Innovator Award was established in 2015 to recognize the Utah State University Extension employee who embraces innovation and technology. The selected individual utilizes technology to better serve the internal and external clientele. The selected individual has played an integral part of a team or pursued innovation individually. The recipient of the Extension Innovator Award will be recognized during Extension Annual Conference and will receive a $500 honorarium. Nominees for the Extension Innovator Award must be USU Extension faculty, staff, or professional employees who are currently employed at least half-time and for a minimum of three years. Please note that this is an individual award, not a team award. The recipient cannot have been chosen for this award in the past (see list of past recipients). Recipient must be willing to serve on next years awards committee.

The County Faculty of the Year Award recognizes a county faculty member who has demonstrated excellence, commitment, and impact. This is not a career award and can be given to someone who has made significant contributions in a very limited time. The designation “faculty of the year” means the contributions of recent years are given more consideration than contributions from years ago. The recipient of the County Faculty of the Year Award will be recognized during Extension Annual Conference and will receive a $500 honorarium. Nominees for the County Faculty of the Year Award must be USU Extension faculty members who are currently employed at least half-time and for a minimum of one year. The recipient cannot have been chosen for this award in the past (see list of past recipients). Recipient must be willing to serve on next years awards committee.

The Faculty Service Award was established in 2015 to recognize and emphasize excellence in service to the operations and governance of the University. Recognized activities will include service at the University, USU Extension, and/or county level. Examples include service on one or more of the standing or ad hoc committees of the Faculty Senate or on other councils, committees, and/or task forces addressing specific university issues and initiatives; service on a county, region, Extension, or University-level committees; service on search committees or promotion/tenure committees; and other activities performed in service to the University. This award is not intended to recognize service to a professional organization or community outside of USU. The recipient of the Faculty Service Award will be recognized during Extension Annual Conference and will receive a $500 honorarium. The recipient will also be nominated for the Faculty University Service Award. The University recipient will be announced at the University Faculty Awards Ceremony in the spring and will be honored at the University Commencement Ceremony in May where they will receive a $1,000 honorarium. Nominees for the Faculty Service Award must be full-time USU Extension faculty members (tenure-track, tenured, or term appointments) without an administrative position on their role statements. The recipient cannot have been chosen for this award in the past (see list of past recipients) or served as Faculty Senate President within the last three years. Recipient must be willing to serve on next years awards committee.

Nominations and selection of the recipient will be handled by Extension administration. The Staff Service to Extension Award was established in 2020. This recognition is designed to pay tribute to the many staff, on- and off-campus, that support the mission, programs, and faculty of USU Extension. Nominees can be within Extension or other units/departments that support Extension (e.g., Business Services, Advancement, Marketing, etc.). Nominees must be in a professional or classified staff position. Nominees must be currently employed by USU at least half-time and for a minimum of three years. The recipient will be recognized during Extension Annual Conference and will receive a $500 honorarium. Recipient must be willing to serve on next years awards committee.

Nominations and selection of the recipient will be handled by the current specialists association president. The awardee will be presented with a plaque at Extension Annual Conference

Nominations and selection of the recipient will be handled by Extension administration. The awardee will be presented with a plaque at Extension Annual Conference