Community Development Educator Receives UW Extensions Highest Honor

An educator recognized for her efforts to provide training to elected and appointed board members and government has received University of Wyoming Extension’s highest honor.

Julie Daniels, Laramie County community development educator, received the Jim DeBree Award in Riverton during extension’s recent annual training.

Daniels spearheaded efforts to develop a multi-year training institute for the Wyoming Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers that allows members to obtain the 100-plus hours of training required for certification. As institute director, she works closely with the association and its international association (International Institute of Municipal Clerks) to oversee curriculum planning, implementation and recordkeeping.

The institute’s popularity prompted the county treasurers to approach Daniels about spearheading a similar training effort on their behalf.

Daniels has helped train county-appointed board members and led extension’s community development educators’ efforts to provide online board training to county officials. Her partnership with the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office has helped state licensing board members and staff members develop a better understanding of the role of board members for their agencies and state, wrote a nominator.

The Jim DeBree Award is named in honor of the retired extension administrator and given to those who demonstrate a high level of professionalism, performance and leadership within their program areas and communities.

Daniels is based in Laramie County and also serves Albany, Carbon, Goshen and Platte counties. She joined UW Extension in 2007.