Across our state’s 55 counties, West Virginia University Extension faculty and staff work tirelessly to serve the people of West Virginia, providing educational programs and services that aim to improve the lives and livelihoods of our residents.
Each fall, those employees gather at WVU Jackson’s Mill for WVU Extension’s Annual Conference, which concludes with an awards and accolades ceremony to recognize the dedicated efforts of faculty and staff.
"Our WVU Extension colleagues are some of the most hard-working and passionate people. This annual awards banquet is just one small way that we recognize our employees and highlight the important work they do for their communities,” Jennifer Ours Williams, WVU Extension associate dean and associate director, said. “These awards allow us to celebrate our successes as we work together to carry out our land-grant mission.”
The 2025 WVU Extension Awards of Excellence recipients include:
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Belinda Nicholas, WVU Extension nutrition outreach instructor, received the Creativity and Innovation Award for exceptional innovation and creativity in expanding Extension programming to communities.
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The WVU Extension Institute for Labor Studies and Research leadership team received the Team Creativity and Innovation Award for delivering outcomes and securing resources that sustain Extension teaching and service.
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Regenia “Annie” Heater, WVU Jackson’s Mill kitchen team member, received the Individual State-Based Staff Performance Award for her vital part in the Jackson’s Mill kitchen team, known for her creativity, kindness and constant drive to improve the dining experience for all.
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Melissa “Missy” Stewart, WVU Extension Safety and Health program coordinator senior, received the Individual State-Based Staff Performance Award for being a cornerstone of the student experience, known for her dedication, innovation and genuine care that leaves a lasting impact on everyone she supports.
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John Wickline, WVU Extension Family and Community Development program assistant, Harrison County, received the Individual County-Based Staff Performance Award for his significant enhancement in the outreach, effectiveness and community benefit of WVU Extension’s Family and Community Development programming in Harrison County.
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Lesley Woodrum Sears, WVU Extension 4-H Youth Development agent, Summers County, received the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award for her exceptional teaching and innovation in teaching methods, course and curriculum design and instructional tools.
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Kelly Hicks, WVU Extension 4-H youth development agent and associate professor, Hampshire County, received the Faculty Research Excellence Award for her outstanding research that has garnered state and national attention, influencing the respective field of study.
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Josh Peplowski, WVU Extension agriculture and natural resources agent, Greenbrier County, received the Faculty Service Excellence Award for educational and public service extending beyond the classroom and to a broad audience.
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Zachary White, WVU Extension 4-H youth development agent, Hancock County, received the Outstanding New Faculty Teaching Award for demonstrating exceptional teaching abilities early in his career.
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Amy Walker, WVU Extension 4-H youth development agent, Nicholas County, received the Outstanding New Faculty Research Award for demonstrating exceptional research abilities early in her career.
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Jeffery “JR” Davis, WVU Extension 4-H youth development agent, Fayette County, received the Outstanding New Faculty Service Award for demonstrating exceptional service abilities early in his career.
If you want to learn more about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, X and Instagram.
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an/10/15/2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Aden Nickerson
Communications Specialist
WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement
304-293-7606;
aden.nickerson@mail.wvu.edu