Eight Clemson Cooperative Extension professionals were recognized with national awards at the 2025 National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference in Billings, Montana, affirming their significant, on-the-ground impact in South Carolina communities.
NACAA supports professional development and honors excellence among Extension professionals across the United States. The awards presented to Clemson Extension agents span multiple categories, from early-career achievement to communication and environmental programming.
“This recognition is not just about individual accolades—it’s about local impact,” said Tom Dobbins, Clemson Extension director. “Our agents live and work in the communities they serve. These awards reflect their commitment to making life better for the people of South Carolina.”
National award recipients
Three Extension professionals, Charlotte Maxwell, Rob Last and Stephanie Turner, received the Achievement Award, given to agents with less than 10 years of service who demonstrate excellence in Extension work.
William Hardee, Derrick Phinney and Barbara Smith were honored with the Distinguished Service Award for professionals with more than 10 years of experience.
Mallory Maher received the Search for Excellence in Environmental Quality, Forestry and Natural Resources Award for her work on the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program.
Susan Lunt won the Communication Award in the Bound Book/eBook category for co-authoring a septic system user guide.
“These agents are building relationships, solving problems and educating South Carolinians every day,” Dobbins said. “Their work is rooted in science, but their success is rooted in trust. That’s what makes this kind of national recognition so meaningful.”
Celebrating peer recognition and professional growth
The NACAA awards are peer-nominated, making the honors especially meaningful to the recipients.
“Being recognized by my peers with an Achievement Award is an incredible honor,” said Turner. “As a county agent, I prioritize making new connections and developing relationships within my community, between Extension teams and across South Carolina.”
“Receiving the Distinguished Service Award is truly an honor because it comes from my colleagues, who understand the dedication and effort this work requires,” said Phinney, Natural Resources Program team director. “Extension has always been about building trusted relationships and delivering practical solutions that help communities thrive. I’m proud to be part of an organization that empowers people across South Carolina with research-based knowledge that makes a real difference in their lives.”
Last, a horticulture agent noted the importance of research-based knowledge: “To be nominated and selected by peers is humbling,” he said. “In a world of constant information, the need for reliable, science-backed guidance has never been greater.”
Innovative programs and community education
Maher’s Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program—developed with colleagues Samantha Porzelt, Tancey Belken, and Martin Hamilton of the South Carolina Botanical Garden—equips homeowners to create spaces that support native wildlife. A demonstration habitat garden complements the program, serving as a hands-on learning site.
Lunt co-authored Be Septic Safe: A User’s Guide to Taking Care of Business with Charly Greenthaler, Bea Calhoun and Ellen Sturup Comeau to help South Carolinians understand and maintain their septic systems. The book links to additional resources on Clemson’s Be Septic Safe website.
Widespread recognition and leadership
Clemson Extension professionals were also honored as national finalists, Southern Region winners and state-level honorees included:
- National Finalists: Sarah Scott (Applied Research Posters) and Samantha Porzelt (Computer Generated Presentation with Script)
- Southern Region Winners: Stephanie Turner (Personal Column), Charlotte Maxwell (Published Photo), Jaime Pohlman (Website/Online Content)
- State Winners: Nine agents were recognized in categories including feature writing, audio recordings, educational videos and agriculture awareness
Additionally, Maxwell and Zachary Snipes were selected to deliver oral presentations during concurrent sessions—a competitive honor reflecting peer recognition and content quality.
Two Clemson professionals also hold national leadership roles with NACAA. Brian Beer chairs the Professional Improvement Council, which oversees national committees focused on professional development. Sarah Scott, who has served as SCACAA Communications Chair since 2019, will now serve as Southern Region Vice Chair of the NACAA Communications Committee.
“Our involvement at every level—from award winners to national leadership—shows how Clemson Extension is helping shape the future of our profession,” Dobbins said. “It’s a testament to our team’s dedication and the trust communities place in us.”
State Winners
Nicole Correa – Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture Recognition Program
Eric Eliassen – Event Promotional Package
Matthew Fischer – Newsletter
Brad Fowler – Audio Recording, Feature Story, Search for Excellence in Consumer or Commercial Horticulture
Laura Hair – Agriculture Awareness and Appreciation Award, Search for Excellence in 4-H Programming
Carmen Ketron – Educational Video Recordings
Steven O’Shields – Learning Module/Notebook
Barbara H. Smith – Fact Sheet
Zachary Snipes – Publication
