Clemson Cooperative Extension professionals earned national recognition from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA), receiving honors for professional achievement, service, educational programming and communications.
The awards recognize Extension professionals from across the country for their contributions to agriculture and their communities through research-based education, leadership and public service.
Six Clemson Extension professionals received NACAA Achievement or Distinguished Service awards.
Susan Lunt, Mark Cathcart and Chad Carter received Achievement Awards, which recognize Extension professionals with fewer than 10 years of service who have demonstrated excellence in their fields.
Matthew Burns, Justin Ballew and Charly Greenthaler received Distinguished Service Awards, recognizing Extension professionals with at least 10 years of service who have made significant contributions to Cooperative Extension.
“What an honor it is to receive the Distinguished Service Award from my colleagues,” Ballew said. “I’m proud to be a part of the South Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents and Clemson Extension, and I greatly value the relationships I’ve developed through these organizations.”
Thomas Dobbins, director of Clemson Cooperative Extension, said the national recognition reflects the commitment Extension professionals bring to their work throughout South Carolina.
“These awards reflect the outstanding work our Extension professionals do every day to serve the people of South Carolina,” Dobbins said. “Being recognized by their peers through NACAA is a testament to the innovation, dedication and real-world impact our agents bring to communities across the state.”
Clemson Extension professionals also earned recognition for communications and educational programming.
Samantha Porzelt received awards for Audio Recording, Computer Generated Presentation with Script, Fact Sheet and Feature Story. Bethany Funkhouser earned honors for Educational Video Recordings, Event Promotional Package and Personal Column.
Justin Ballew was recognized for Website/Online Content and was named the Southern Region winner in the Learning Module/Notebook category.
Additional communications award recipients included Barbara H. Smith for Published Photo, Liliane Severino da Silva for Bound Book/eBook, Jaime Pohlman for Newsletter and Susan Lunt for Publication.
Clemson Extension professionals were also recognized through NACAA’s Search for Excellence awards. Ben Boyles received recognition in the Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers/Ranchers category; Lauren Hood in 4-H Programming; Charlotte Maxwell in Agriculture Awareness and Appreciation; and Nicole Correa in Livestock Production.
NACAA provides professional development opportunities for Extension professionals working in agriculture, horticulture, natural resources and related fields and recognizes excellence in Extension education, programming and communications.
Meet the national honorees
Distinguished Service Award
Matthew Burns
Matthew Burns is associate director of Clemson Cooperative Extension, providing statewide leadership and oversight for district Extension directors and program team directors. During his Extension career, he has served as Extension beef specialist, livestock and forage agent, and livestock and forage program team director. Burns has also held several leadership positions with the South Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents, including president.
Justin Ballew
Based at Clemson’s Sandhill Research and Education Center in Columbia, Justin Ballew is a fruit and vegetable research associate who conducts on-farm and on-station research on fruits and vegetables of economic importance to South Carolina’s Midlands. He also provides training for Extension fruit and vegetable agents and has served in multiple leadership positions with the South Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents.
Charly Greenthaler
Charly Greenthaler is a regional water resources agent serving 10 counties in South Carolina’s Midlands. She coordinates the Center Pivot Irrigation Test Program and provides education on pond management, water quality and watershed planning. Greenthaler also has served the South Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents as secretary and Public Relations Committee chair.
Achievement Award
Chad Carter
Chad Carter is a food systems and safety associate based in Charleston who supports farmers, food manufacturers and retail food establishments through training and assistance with regulatory compliance, product development and facility planning. He also serves on South Carolina’s Farm-to-Plate Advisory Council.
Mark Cathcart
Mark Cathcart is a Clemson Cooperative Extension 4-H agent serving Union County. His work includes developing “Forged in 4-H,” an innovative program unique within South Carolina 4-H. Cathcart is also heavily involved with livestock shows at the Union County Fair and South Carolina State Fair.
Susan Lunt
Susan Lunt serves as Carolina Clear coordinator for Clemson Cooperative Extension, supporting Extension professionals statewide through professional development and helping coordinate six stormwater education consortia, annual reporting and strategic planning. She also serves as a district director for the South Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents.
