Maine Perspective Front Page
Extension Awards of Excellence Presented
The first annual Extension Awards of Excellence have been presented to Extension Educator Deb Eckart in Washington County and Secretary Linda Reed, who works in Extension's State Communication's Office on campus.
The two awards, sponsored by the Extension Support Staff Committee (EssC), were created out of the importance of acknowledging and applauding the demonstration of excellence in a professional role.
Eckart is the recipient of the 1999 Extension Supervisory Award of Excellence. Many of her outstanding attributes were cited in her nomination, including her capability, leadership, and communication and team-building skills. Her nominators also noted that she has demonstrated respect for the importance of the classified evaluation process, making it a positive experience. Eckart is a proponent of professional development.
Eckart, who joined the University community in 1994, coordinates Washington County's Senior Companion Program. In addition, from July 1997-June 1998, she served as county coordinator for the entire Extension office.
Reed is the recipient of the 1999 Extension Support Staff Award of Excellence. Reed worked in the Penobscot County Extension Office for 24 years, beginning in 1972. Her nominators note that her greatest strengths include "a thorough working knowledge of the rules we work by and a true concern for the quality and timeliness of materials that go to UMCE clients."
Two and a half years ago, Reed joined the State Communications Office in Libby Hall. Since then, Reed has single-handedly processed client orders for more than 82,000 publications. She has helped develop or revise more than 300 statewide fact sheets, and helped upgrade Extension's Website. She is an active member of Extension's Communications Team.