Extension Educator Praised for Educational Efforts Toward Youths and Adults

The Wyoming Association of County Agricultural Agents presented its Outstanding Educator Award to Kellie Chichester, a University of Wyoming educator in Niobrara County.

Nominators praised her dedication, professionalism and educational efforts for youths and adults. She was cited for:

-- Liaison efforts on behalf of UW Extension with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association biannual meetings.

-- Creating the Wyoming Master Cattleman Youth Program, focusing on overall production knowledge, leadership development and agricultural advocacy.

-- Establishing the Cowboy Youth Classic in Albany County, an annual two-day youth livestock show with a mandatory educational workshop component.

-- Creating and managing beef artificial insemination schools in Albany County.

Chichester also has served as Wyoming’s representative on the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. She transferred from Albany to Niobrara County this year, moving from an agriculture and horticulture educator to a 4-H youth educator position.

“She has a way of bringing out the best in people and ensuring they are successful,” wrote one nominator.

The award was presented in Riverton in November during UW Extension’s annual training program. The honor includes a cash award by four departments in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources that have close extension ties: agricultural and applied economics, animal science, plant sciences and ecosystem science and management.