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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 
Agricultural and Human Sciences

AHS Welcomes, Awards, Recognitions, and Farewells

January 10, 2024
A copper wolf surrounded by trees with vibrant fall colors.

We are so thankful for our AHS family! Today we would like to express proper gratitude by acknowledging the many achievements made by our phenomenally hardworking faculty and staff. We would also like to send proper goodbyes to our AHS colleagues, whose time has ended. We wish them all the best and can’t wait to see what they accomplish next. 

Welcomes

  • Adrienne Williams started as a Project Coordinator for the new CDC HOP project in November.
  • Amanda Butalla is an extension associate with the SNAP-ED program in December.
  • Brooke Francher started with the FFA Association as a program associate in January.
  • NaTosha Thigpen joined the Steps to Health Program as their new grant monitor in January.

Awards and Recognitions

  • CALS highlighted some of our graduates who celebrated their academic accomplishments with friends, family and faculty this past December.
  • Three members of the EFNEP staff were highlighted for earning higher education degrees this year.
  • Carolyn Dunn, a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and former department head for AHS was honored with induction into the Eat Smart, Move More Hall of Fame.
  • FFA associates, Andy VonCanon and Allison Jennings, have received honorary American FFA Degrees for outstanding contributions to agricultural education.
  • At the 2023 National FFA Organization Convention and Expo, AHS celebrated a significant achievement as nine of our students were conferred with the prestigious American FFA Degrees.

Research and Extension

  • Ellen Shumaker was featured in a CALS article discussing the new California Food Safety Act.
  • AHS faculty and staff published a multitude of research this fall. Read more about their research here.
  • Virginia Stage and Jocelyn Dixon recently led a kick-off workshop providing professional development to preschool teachers and staff for the More PEAS Please! program.