LARAMIE — This year, University of Wyoming Extension employees received state, regional and national honors from professional associations in their fields. These staff members were recognized at an annual UW Extension conference held in Laramie earlier this month. 

Jeremiah Vardiman won the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA). This award is given to an exceptional educator who has served extension for over 10 years, led effective programming and actively worked to improve extension. 

Vardiman is currently the assistant coordinator for UW Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program. He is an expert in soil, pest and crop management, from vineyard establishment to cheatgrass control.

McKenna Julian earned NACAA’s Achievement Award, which is given to an outstanding educator who has been with the association for less than 10 years. During Julian’s two years as a NACAA member, she has been instrumental in coordinating key programs throughout the state, including Wyoming Ranch Camp, Southwest Wyoming Ag Days, Women in Ag Night and the UW Extension Sheep Task Force.

Chance Marshall was recognized by fellow Wyoming Association of County Agricultural Agents (WACAA) members. He received the WACAA Outstanding Educator Award for his leadership, willingness to tackle challenging issues and delivery of innovative programming. Marshall currently serves as WACAA’s president and has been a member of the association since 2014.

Marshall provides a calm perspective when discussing controversial topics, like predator management, and has helped lead impactful programs like Wyoming Ranch Camp and Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days.