UW College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Honors Outstanding Staff, Educators

This spring, the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural Resources celebrated faculty and staff members for their outstanding contributions to the university community.

“This was the first banquet we’ve had in two years, because of COVID. It was an amazing opportunity to get people together and recognize staff and faculty,” Dean Barbara Rasco says.

Recipients of the 2021-22 awards are from the college’s business operations team and the departments of Animal Science, Family and Consumer Sciences, Molecular Biology and Plant Sciences.

Randa Jabbour, an associate professor and graduate program coordinator for the Department of Plant Sciences, was one of two recipients of the college’s Outstanding Educator Award.

She “is engaging, designs thoughtful, effective assessments and cares deeply about the success of her students,” says Department Head Andrew Kniss. “She is the first person I ask when I have questions related to education or student mentoring, so it is great to see her recognized for her teaching expertise and commitment to our students.”

Treva Sprout Ahrenholtz, senior lecturer in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, also received the Outstanding Educator Award.

“Treva is consistently recognized as an instructor who has high but fair expectations, is passionate and knowledgeable about the field, cares about her students’ success and provides opportunities to support her students’ professional growth,” says Department Head Christine Wade.

Four staff members received the college’s Outstanding Staff Award in recognition of their dedication and exemplary service:

-- Winter Hansen, assistant director of business operations, “truly embodies the spirit of this award,” says Maria Jenks, director of business operations.

-- Yana Nightingale, office associate in the Department of Molecular Biology, consistently excels in her duties, says Department Head Jay Gatlin.

-- In the Department of Animal Science, Meat Laboratory Manager Kyle Phillips is “respected by students, faculty and staff because of his drive, his ability to work well with others and his professionalism,” Department Head Bledar Bisha says.

-- Ellyn Sturgeon, office associate in the Department of Plant Sciences, “has been a tremendous source of level-headed stability to our department and college,” Kniss says. “She has kept our department focused on the important tasks and ensured that our students remain our top priority.”

To learn more about the UW College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag.