In the last year, Agronomy faculty members have accumulated numerous awards at all levels: college-wide, regionally, nationally, and internationally. A small selection of these outstanding accomplishments are outlined below:
J. Anita Dille, professor of weed science, was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Teacher Award from the Weed Science Society of America. To be eligible for this award, the nominee must be currently active in teaching weed science. Dille’s teaching responsibilities include three undergraduate courses as well as a graduate course in weed ecology. She also plays an active role in undergraduate advising and has advised 16 M.S. and 7 Ph.D. graduate students. Her research program focuses on the biology and ecology of key weed species and evaluating integrated and site-specific weed managements programs for Kansas cropping systems.
Kevin Donnelly, professor of agronomy, received the 2017 Murray Brown Leadership Award from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA). This award recognizes one member each year for a distinguished and sustained record of NACTA leadership. Donnelly has been the Central Regional director and president of NACTA, and is currently the NACTA historian. He was the NACTA Judging Conference liason for many years, and recently chaired the planning committee for the 2017 Judging Conference hosted by K-State.
Colby Moorberg, assistant professor of soil science, received the 2017 Outstanding Service Award from the Soil and Water Conservation Society. The Outstanding Service Award is given to society members in recognition of distinguished service in helping the society to develop and carry out its program over a long and sustained period of time. In honoring Moorberg with this award, the society stated that he has advanced soil and water conservation efforts through recruitment to and development of student chapters of the society, community outreach and educating the next generation of conservationists.
Clenton Owensby, professor of range management, received the 2018 Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award from the Society of Range Management. Owensby instructs both undergraduate and graduate students in courses dealing with range management.
Michel “Mickey” Ransom, professor of soil classification and interim department head, received a 2018 Educator Award (formerly Fellow) from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA). One of the central purposes of NACTA is to recognize those individuals whose efforts represent the very best in agricultural higher education.
Charles “Chuck” Rice, university distinguished professor, has been recognized for his lifelong commitment to international advancement in soil improvement and cultural exchanges. During the fall of 2017, he was awarded the International Agronomy Award from the American Society of Agronomy and the International Soil Science Award from the Soil Science Society of America. The International Agronomy Award recognizes outstanding contributions in research, teaching, extension, or administration made outside the U.S. by a current agronomist. The International Soil Science Award is bestowed on an individual for their outstanding contributions to soil science on the international scene.
Dr. Rice also received the 2017 Hugh Hammond Bennett Award from the Soil and Water Conservation Society. This is the highest honor that can be received by an individual from the Society. It recognizes national and international accomplishments in the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.