Peers Honor UW Extension Educator in Albany County

Strong leadership, programming, work ethic and commitment to clients have earned a University of Wyoming Extension educator in agriculture and horticulture the Wyoming Association of County Agriculture Agents’ Outstanding Educator Award.

Brian Sebade, based in Albany County, has been working with UW Extension since 2011. He provides leadership and educational programming for range management; plant identification; fruit trees; vegetable production; season extension; small acreage management; all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety; native plants; and more.

“No matter what initiative team, county office or programming focus, Brian seamlessly serves his clientele,” says Jeremiah Vardiman, an agriculture and horticulture extension educator based in Park County.

Sebade has served as county coordinator in two counties. He is the chair of UW Extension’s agriculture and horticulture initiative team and co-editor of Barnyards & Backyards magazine.

“Saying he is ambitious is definitely an understatement,” says Mary Louise Wood, Albany County 4-H/youth development extension educator. “He can be quite detail-oriented and looks at the big picture, not just the task at hand.”

Sebade took on the ATV safety program, Wyoming Good Riding Practice (WyGRiP), in 2017 to help reduce the number of accidents within the state. He maintained an active role in providing 10 programs in two states for 737 participants.

He also took initiative to develop programming for the emerald ash borer, a newly developing pest, Vardiman says. While found in Colorado, Nebraska and South Dakota, the emerald ash borer has not yet been detected in Wyoming.

Sebade works well with age groups across generations, helping youths in 4-H, young producers and retired gardeners, Wood says.

“Mr. Sebade fits right in with young adults, middle-aged and senior citizens,” Wood says. “His people skills are to be envied.”

He may be known for his laid-back personality and ability to provide a comical quote to lighten the mood, but he is a powerful force within UW Extension, Vardiman says.

“He is not the most vocal or loudest voice in the room but, when he speaks, everyone listens. His focus is concentrated on the greater good,” Vardiman adds.