UW honors outstanding staff, partners

Recently, University of Wyoming (UW) Extension honored employees and partners who go above and beyond to serve the communities of Wyoming. 

Awards were presented on Nov. 5 at an annual conference held in Laramie. 

Foundation receives inaugural award

This year, UW Extension created a new award to honor exceptional partners who advance its mission to engage people, strengthen communities and improve lives. 

The John P. Ellbogen Foundation, a valued and long-time partner, is the first recipient of the Heart of Extension Award. 

“The John P. Ellbogen Foundation has set the standard for supporting our efforts and sustaining the outward expression of the mission, vision and values of Extension,” says UW Extension Director Mandy Marney. “By standing with Extension, the foundation helps us reach further and do more.” 

Since 2015, the John P. Ellbogen Foundation has awarded more than $400,000 to UW Extension educators through the Wyoming Communities, Agriculture and Rural Living Project Fund. 

These grants enable educators to implement programming to help the people of Wyoming thrive. Funded projects have focused on everything from helping livestock producers recover from wildfires to teaching youth how to balance a checkbook.

Stam earns highest employee honor 

Barton Stam, a UW Extension educator based in Hot Springs County, received the 2025 Jim Debree Excellence in Extension Award for his 21 years of service. This award recognizes an employee who demonstrates a high level of professionalism, performance and leadership. 

Throughout his career, Stam has helped lead many of UW Extension’s most iconic and impactful programs. For example, he co-founded UW Extension’s annual Ranch Camp, a weeklong program providing eligible applicants with practical ranch management experience. 

“What sets Stam apart is his remarkable ability to build relationships,” says Gretchen Gasvoda-Kelso, Big Horn County 4-H educator. 

From local livestock producers to federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Stam has a talent for gaining trust. As the program leader of UW Extension’s agriculture and natural resources team, he mentors educators across Wyoming.

Recently, Stam mobilized support for Wyoming residents impacted by the Red Canyon Fire, which burned more than 114,000 acres in Hot Springs County this summer. 

Nominators highlighted his ability to stay calm and inspire others to think things through, particularly in challenging situations. 

WORTH educator wins Newer Employee Award

In recognition of her enthusiastic attitude, ability to connect with the public and aptitude for creative problem solving, Wyoming Jay Kemmerer Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Institute Extension Educator Hailey Sorg received UW Extension’s JR Broadbent Newer Employee Award. 

This honor recognizes innovation, initiative and collaboration in employees with no more than six years in UW Extension.

“As the only WORTH educator in the state, Sorg manages a tremendous workload and covers a unique topic area which had not previously been represented within UW Extension,” says McKenna Julian, Lincoln County Extension educator. “I can’t imagine anyone better suited for the role. Her dedication and effectiveness are unmatched.” 

Since joining Extension in 2023, Sorg has helped brainstorm, design and lead innovative programs to fulfill community needs, including Wyoming Walks; Ag and Art Tours and Ready, Set, Explore. 

Though she is based in Natrona County, she regularly travels to help other Extension educators with local events. Her presence, knowledge and bright personality have enriched programs across the state. 

Team recognized for meaningful programming

The UW Extension Team Excellence Recognition celebrates groups who have gone above and beyond to create innovative, high-impact programs. 

This year, the Harvest Bucks Team received the award for expanding access to fresh produce, supporting local food producers and helping build stronger, healthier communities across Wyoming. 

The Harvest Bucks Program was led by Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP) Manager Kali McCrackin Goodenough, with Community Vitality and Health Educator Vicki Hayman and CNP Educators Stephanie Anderson, Tanya McCoy, Angela Michael and Mary Evans. 

Through the program, Wyoming residents with limited resources received “harvest bucks” they could use to buy fresh produce at local farmers markets in Evanston, Ranchester, Sheridan and Thermopolis. 

Many participants had never attended a farmers market before. 

“The Harvest Bucks Program didn’t just help produce vendors, it helped the market overall,” says Thermopolis Market Manager Kim Bartlett. “Some people who came with Harvest Bucks spent additional monies at other vendors. It seemed the more produce we could bring in, the more we could sell.”

Despite recent changes in federal legislation which eliminated significant funding for CNP, the team remained dedicated to strengthening local communities and increasing food security across the state. 

The Harvest Bucks Program was funded by a grant from Farm Credit Services of America.

CNP celebrates Debbie Kelly

Debbie Kelly, a longtime CNP educator, received CNP’s highest honor – the Linda Melcher Award. 

This award, named for CNP’s first director, recognizes educators who excel at helping individuals with limited resources make healthier nutrition and physical activity choices. 

“Kelly shows compassion and empathy for people experiencing food insecurity,” says CNP Director Mindy Meuli. “She has been an advocate and champion for people with limited re-sources to help improve access to healthy foods.” 

Due to the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education funding, Kelly retired from UW this fall after working as a CNP educator for more than two decades.

Since her retirement, she has remained involved with Wyoming’s food security efforts through First Lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative (WHI). She serves as a regional director, helping WHI effectively address food insecurity in northwest Wyoming. 

As a CNP educator, Kelly taught youth, adults and families about nutrition; built community partnerships; encouraged physical activity for youth and helped connect people with limited resources to local produce and meat.

“Kelly has been an integral part of the CNP team,” says Meuli. “She provided humor and levity over the years with her positive outlook. We will miss having her as part of our team.” 

Maya Gilmore is a writer and editor for UW Extension. This article was originally published by UW Ag News on Nov. 18.