Volume 31, Number 3
September 2019 Newsletter
President’s Letter
Dear Friends,
“Where were you and what were you doing in 1969?” This is a question that I have posed to many of you this year, either in person or through email. As the UTIA Retirees Association celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, I thought this and answers to similar questions would be interesting information to collect. I share a few answers to one such question in this newsletter, and I will share more as the year goes on.
For myself, as a 1969 Loudon High School graduate, enrollment at UT Knoxville was right around the corner. Just recently, on a hot July Friday afternoon, I had reason to be on the Knoxville Campus at the Hodges Library. Upon arrival, I found myself in the midst of freshman orientation! How interesting it was to observe these students as they prepared to start that same journey at this land-grant institution… Read the complete message online.
Ruth
Ruth Henderson McQueen
UT Central Area Retirees Plan Fall Gathering
Warren Gill, Central Area Secretary
The Central Area UTIA Retirees Fall Gathering will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at the log home of Jill Martz. Folks will gather at 11:00 a.m. or after, with the lunch meal served at noon. Bring your favorite covered dish to share. Beverages will be provided along with all plates, cups, and silverware. We will enjoy some porch sitting with no specific agenda in a lovely secluded area between Murfreesboro and Woodbury.
All UTIA Retirees are invited, along with spouses/friends. Please respond no later than Friday, September 27, with the number attending to Pat Whitaker. If you need verbal directions, contact Jill.
If possible, bring a folding chair or two.
Former Extension District 3 Retirees to Meet in Lynchburg
Lunch at Miss Bobo’s in Lynchburg for former District III UT Extension Staff and other friends is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5. It will be at 1 o’clock Central time. Participants need to register with Larry Moorehead by September 20.
Join the Eastern Area Retirees at Bush Brothers Visitor Center
Wanda Russell, Eastern Area Vice President
Our fall social event for the Eastern Area UTIA Retirees is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, at Bush Brothers Visitor Center, Museum and Cafe in Chestnut Hill (Jefferson County). We hope you’ll make plans to come and enjoy a day of relaxation, fellowship, and good food.
The center includes a self-guided museum tour, and there’s a twenty-minute film welcoming visitors, with an overview of the Bush history and modern methods of processing and canning beans. The on-site cafe offers many options for a delicious lunch. There is also a gift shop on-site.
The center opens at 10 a.m., so if you can plan to arrive about then, you will be able to see the museum and/or video before our scheduled lunch at 11:30 a.m. No formal program is planned.
The website for more information is Bush Beans. Driving directions are available, but the easiest for most people may be I-40, taking Exit 417, then through Dandridge.
RSVP to Connie Geddings by October 14.
If you have any questions, please contact Wanda Russell.
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Information About Retirees
Memories and Mentors
Ruth Henderson McQueen, President
During this year of the fiftieth anniversary of the UTIA Retirees Association, I have been conducting a survey with members. The last question on the survey is: The teacher/mentor/friend/coworker that I learned the most from was ________ and he/she taught me ______.
In this issue, I am sharing several responses to this question. In the months to come, more answers to this and other questions will be shared. What wonderful stories and memories you have taken the time to submit and how inspirational. Thank you!
- Demps Breeding, H. B. Garrison, and A.C. Clark.—They taught me about family, communications, hard work, and to have fun and be loyal. (Roger Thackston)
- Extension wives at UT—Nettie Downen introduced me to families that shared their experiences in Extension. I never forgot that time. (Betty Hill, wife of Tom Hill)
- David Parrish—He taught me to love, research, and appreciate history. (Ramona Robertson)
- Clark Garland—He taught me how to do farm management with farmers. (unsigned)
- Albert Warren—Taught me about being an Extension agent. (Stephen Officer)
- Margaret Ussery, District II Home Economics Supervisor—To look, dress, and act professionally; to sit on the front row; and she could correct you in such a way that you would thank her and be grateful. (Cherry Lane Darken)
- David Moore—County agent when I started to work in 1958 as secretary in his office. (Robbie Adcock)
- Pat Whitaker—“Since we are already here, we might as well dance.” (Jeff Adcock, son of Robbie Adcock)
- Trish Wagoner—She was a great co-worker and I still remain great friends with her. (Bernice Knox)
- Mildred Clarke—Taught me about the UT Extension culture and then supported me to work here. (Pat Sobrero)
- Robert Waddell—He was so good with people and taught me so much on how to deal with people. (Jackie Donaldson)
- Alpha Worrell—I learned so much from her and it is far too much to write. Sudie Alston—Taught me the importance of counting to ten. (Deborah Hutton Seward)
- My Father—He taught me not to fear hard work, use my head, care for people, and be honest and sincere. Teach by example. (Clyde Lane)
- Ben Powell—So very many things that helped me be an Extension agent; how to conduct meetings, train teen leaders and adult leaders; organize and conduct 4-H events. (Shirley Miller)
Richard Powell
Last title at UTIA: Regional Director, Western Region
Kim Frady
Last title at UTIA: Agent and Director, UT Extension Bradley County
Dear UTIA Retirees:
I am retiring on July 31, 2019 and I asked George if he would mind to share this news with you. Throughout my forty-two-year Extension career, many, many of us have crossed paths and for that I am so grateful. I trust that retirement has been wonderful for you and your family and that you have been able to do all of the exciting things that were on your bucket list when you reached your milestone!
Wishing you safe, healthy, and happy days ahead.
Sincerely,
Betty Neilson
The UT Human Resources Office reports the following persons retired or departed recently from UTIA.
Retirements
- Cheryle Lynn Berrier, Administrative Specialist II, AgResearch
- Mary E. Cagle, Administrative Specialist I, Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, UTCVM
- Regina K. Dalton, Administrative Coordinator I, Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, UTCVM
- Eric C. Drumm, Professor, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science
- Christine Marie Egger, Professor, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, UTCVM
- Delton Charles Gerloff, Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
- Johnny Blair Glenn, Agricultural Service Aide II, Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center
- Deborah A. Hampstead, Consultant, AgResearch
- Gregory L. Hirshoren, Media Coordinator, Instructional Resources, UTCVM
- Iva Kay Marlowe, Administrative Support Assistant II, UT Extension Anderson County
- Betty Colvett Neilson, Extension Agent III and County Director, Henderson County
- Janet Lee Paquette, Senior Clinical Specialist II, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, UTCVM
- William Mills Park, Professor, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
- Cynthia A. Petty, Administrative Specialist I, Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center
- Linda Marks Robbins, Extension Program Assistant II, Lawrence County
- James Schumacher, Professor, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UTCVM
- Renee M. Thomas, Administrative Support Assistant II, Department of Animal Science
- Tina Renee Walker, Administrative Support Assistant II, UT Extension Henderson County
Departures
- Elisha Marie Bamfield, Medical Administrative Specialist II, UTCVM
- Hem Singh Bhandari, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Sciences
- Emily Rose Brower, Clinical Assistant II, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, UTCVM
- Maria Cekanova, Research Associate Professor, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, UTCVM
- Stephen Christophe Chmely, Research Assistant Professor, Center for Renewable Carbon
- Larkesha Yvette Coffee, Accounting Specialist I, Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, UTCVM
- Brandi Williams Davis, Administrative Support Assistant II, UT Extension Claiborne County
- Karla Cristina Erazo-Montiel, Extension Program Assistant II, Rutherford County
- Amanda Christine Gee, Extension Agent I, Fayette County
- Julie Ann Giles, Extension Agent I, Marshall County
- Taylor Elizabeth Gobble, Extension Program Assistant II, Giles County
- Jessica Valentine Grove, Clinical Specialist III, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UTCVM
- Christopher Cody Harrison, Advisor II, Herbert College of Agriculture
- Emily Laura Hoffman, Graphic Designer, UTIA Marketing and Communications
- Samuel W. Jackson, Research Assistant Professor, Center for Renewable Carbon
- Andrea Margarita Jacobo, Extension Agent I, Shelby County
- Allison Fulmer Mahan, Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications
- Whitney Briana Marshall, Extension Program Assistant II, Washington County
- Milissa Linn Martinez, Medical Administrative Specialist II, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, UTCVM
- Clarissa Brawner Meador, Administrative Support Assistant II, UT Extension Macon County
- Samantha Lee Northup, Senior Clinical Specialist I, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UTCVM
- Madison Paige Starnes, Clinical Assistant II, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, UTCVM
- Jessica Combs Thompson, Student Services Assistant III, UTCVM
- Kelly J. Tiller, Associate Professor and Director, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
- Anthony Paul Verhoff, Clinical Specialist II, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, UTCVM
- Christopher Shields Walker, Research Technician III, Department of Plant Sciences
- Julie Ann Werner, Manager, Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science
- Lanea Marie Wilson, Clinical Assistant II, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, UTCVM
- Leszek Jan Wojakiewicz, Research Associate I, Department of Animal Science
- Mary Frances Woodall, Administrative Support Assistant II, UT Extension Benton County
Name links to obituary.
Karen Marshall, former EFNEP and 4-H program assistant in Sequatchie County, age 63, of Dunlap, TN, died Sunday, June 23, 2019. Funeral Services were held Thursday, June 27, 2019, with burial following in Collier Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lusk Community Center.
Mary Ruth Chandler, former EFNEP program assistant in Knox County, passed away July 12 at the age of 79. She improved countless families and individuals lives through her efforts. Receiving of friends was held Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at Mynatt Funeral Home (Fountain City) followed by a Rosary at 6:45 p.m. A Catholic funeral mass followed on Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Donations may be sent to ALSA.org to support finding a cure for ALS.
James E. Tracy, 89, former UT Extension agent, passed away Friday, August 2. Services were held in Shelbyville on Monday, August 5, at Hillcrest Funeral Home with graveside services following at Ridgecrest Cemetery in Jackson.
Faye Galyon Alleman, 85, of South Knoxville, passed away on August 25, 2019, following a 14-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Faye was a former UTIA Services print shop employee. The family received friends Wednesday, August 28, 2019, in the Chapel of Berry Highland South, with a Celebration of Life service following. Interment was at Berry Highland South Cemetery.
M. Lloyd Downen, UT Extension Dean Emeritus, died September 2. During his time at UT, Dr. Downen served on countless advisory boards and councils, including the National Extension Committee on Operation and Policy, ECOP 4-H subcommittees, the 4-H Council Panel of Extension Directors and the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees. He was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2015. He and his wife Nettie provided the Lloyd and Nettie Downen Endowment Fund Leadership Enhancement Award each year to a member of Extension personnel who appear to have leadership potential and who desire to develop their leadership skills. Their daughter Donna Downen retired from UT as an Extension specialist.
A memorial service was held Sunday, September 8, 2019, at the Second Presbyterian Church Knoxville. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 or the TN 4-H Foundation, 2621 Morgan Circle Drive, 205 Morgan Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996.
We express sincere comfort and/or speedy healing to the following UTIA employees or retirees:
Sympathy is expressed to Warren Gill, professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Science, in the passing of his wife, Melissa. A full obituary is available online.
Sympathy is express to A. Scott Swoape, county director of UT Extension White County, in the passing of his grandfather, Thomas E. Swoape. An obituary is available online.
Sympathy is expressed to the Melton Family in the passing of Mary McDonald Jackson, mother of Robbie Melton, former Extension agent in Overton County, and grandmother of Rebekah Melton, Extension agent in Jackson County.
Sympathy is expressed to Kelli Roberson, Extension director in Cumberland County, in the passing of her mother, Fran Roberson. An obituary is available online.
Sympathy is expressed to UT Extension Dean Robert Burns in the passing of his mother, Nora Kay Burns. A full obituary is available online.
Ag Day 2019
Tim Cross, UTIA Senior Vice President and Senior Vice Chancellor
Ruth Henderson McQueen, President
For several decades UTIA has held an Annual Ag Day in the fall on a football Saturday. The event last year was the day of the UT/Florida game and drew a very large crowd. It was an exciting day of excellent exhibits and activities and good food and bluegrass music. The best part was the opportunity to not only see and learn about UTIA programs and activities, but to also visit with fellow retirees, alumni, current staff, students and other friends and donors of the Institute. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 5, 2019, for Ag Day this year. UT will play Georgia, but many folks come and enjoy the day whether or not they have tickets to the game.
Register Now for Heritage Skills Seminars
The statewide Heritage Skills Seminars will be held next month at the Clyde York 4-H Center in Crossville. We are excited to offer two seminars this year: White Oak Basketry and Quilting on the Mountain. These events are full of fun, education, food, and scenery atop the Plateau. This program is geared toward adults.
Never made a basket? You can! Sue Williams has been a basket-maker for more than thirty years and has won awards for her basket construction skills. She will lead you through the construction of a ribbed basket using white oak. This four-day seminar will take place October 7–10.
Are you a quilter or looking to become one? Quilting on the Mountain is the seminar for you! Many projects are available and assistance with them is a guarantee! This four-day seminar is full of quilting! Dates are October 7–10.
UTIA and UT Knoxville Unification
Tim Cross, UTIA Senior Vice President and Senior Vice Chancellor
On June 21, 2019, the UT Board of Trustees approved the reunification of the UT Institute of Agriculture with UT Knoxville to fully leverage our statewide presence and foster a culture of greater collaboration to more fully deliver on our land-grant mission of education, research and outreach to benefit the state of Tennessee.
To capture important stakeholder input, a UTIA-UTK Land-grant Unification Team has been formed and is charged with identifying and engaging stakeholders across the state. While the team will not determine policies or initiatives, they will reach out to stakeholders and identify ways to gather input. Once input has been gathered, the team will synthesize and summarize the feedback, identify common themes, organize recommendations, and present the findings to interim President Randy Boyd, Senior Vice President and Senior Vice Chancellor of Agriculture Tim Cross, and UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman. Details will be presented to the Board of Trustees at the November Board meeting.
We are engaging stakeholders both inside and outside of the University and across the state to gather ideas and identify and maximize opportunities. As a result, we would like to invite you to share your thoughts and ideas (a link to a survey is available at the top of the page).
New Mailing Address for the Department of Plant Sciences
Due to the eventual demolition of the Ellington Plant Sciences Building, the Department of Plant Sciences’ main office staff has moved to the Plant Biotech Building. The new mailing address for all plant sciences faculty, staff, and students is 112 Plant Biotech, 2505 EJ Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996. All phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same.
UTIA Takes Home Top Honors at National Agriculture Convention
Alumni Jim and Judi Herbert and Mark Wilson Recognized Along with UTIA Professionals
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture brought home numerous honors from the recent National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association (NAADA) Conference. UTIA was recognized in the publications and project award competition including three first place and four second place honors for work in video, digital, and print. Advancement director for the Institute, Tom Looney, was recognized with the PeliCan award for assisting his team whenever needed and displaying a can-do attitude.
Jim and Judi Herbert were recognized for their record of sustained giving to support agriculture and agricultural higher education. Jim Herbert, a 1962 animal husbandry graduate, is the cofounder of Neogen Corporation, a company that is leading the industry in rapid diagnostic testing and focuses on the development, manufacturing, and marketing of products for food and animal safety. Judi Herbert is a 1963 graduate in English with a nineteen-year-long career history with the women’s clothing company Doncaster. In 2018, the couple established the Herbert College of Agriculture Strategic Endowment that marks one of the largest gifts to the university in its 224-year history and positions the college for future success.
Mark Wilson, a 1976 animal science graduate, was recognized by the agricultural association not only for his philanthropic support of the UT Institute of Agriculture, but also for the volunteer and leadership support he has shown over the years.
The former senior vice president of financial services at Farm Credit Mid-America, Wilson has been instrumental in solidifying the corporate relationship between Farm Credit and the UT Herbert College of Agriculture. He was instrumental in establishing the Farm Credit Scholars program in 2012, which provides UT students with financial assistance as well as enhanced learning opportunities. Wilson is the 2019 Herbert College of Agriculture Distinguished Alumnus and has served on numerous boards at the University, Tennessee 4-H, and for the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.
UT Institute of Agriculture Presents Top Faculty/Staff Awards for 2019
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recognized some of its top faculty, staff, researchers, and Extension experts at UTIA’s annual Awards and Promotions Luncheon held on the UTIA campus in Knoxville August 2, 2019. Many of the awards are gifts made possible by past faculty, alumni, and friends of the Institute.
Hodges New Leader of Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries
Hongwei Xin, Dean, UT AgResearch
On behalf of Senior Vice President Tim Cross, Dean Caula Beyl, and Dean Robert Burns, it is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Donald Hodges as head of the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries. Hodges has served UTIA in various faculty and administration roles since 1999. He holds a PhD in forest economics and policy and a master’s degree in forest management and economics, both from the University of Georgia, and a BS in Forestry from the University of Tennessee. Hodges began his new role August 5, 2019.
We also would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Lisa Muller, who has provided excellent leadership as interim department head.
Matt Deveraux Is Interim Family and Consumer Sciences Assistant Dean and Department Head
Matt Deveraux, UT Extension professor and human development specialist, began serving as interim assistant dean and head of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences on August 1, 2019. Devereaux fills the vacancy left by Laura Stephenson, who has accepted a position as director of University of Kentucky Extension.
Sneed and Ward Take on New Roles
Chris Sneed will step into the role of assistant professor for consumer economics in the UT Extension Department of Family and Consumer Sciences on October 1, 2019. He will continue to serve in his role with SNAP-Ed and EFNEP programs to support the on-boarding of Jennifer Ward, the new program director, through September 29, 2019.
Membership in the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Retirees Association is for anyone who has worked five or more years for The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The organization’s membership includes former employees from the Herbert College of Agriculture, the College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension.
It doesn’t matter if you were one of the support staff, a teacher, research scientist, Extension educator, a farm worker, custodian, laboratory technician or an administrator. If you worked at UTIA, we welcome you to join.
A major objective of UTIA Retirees Association is to unite all former University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture workers and to provide channels for communication and friendship after employees leave the Institute. Our newsletter and web pages are communication links with the Institute and current and retired employees.
When employees retire or terminate employment at UTIA, their names are added to our mailing list to receive a complimentary issue of the quarterly newsletter and an invitation to the next area meeting scheduled in the area where they reside. During this period, retirees have the opportunity to decide whether or not they want to continue their contact with former co-workers by joining the UTIA Retirees Association. The cost is $30 for a lifetime membership.
The UTIA Retirees Association newsletter is published quarterly by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
UTIA Retirees Association
2621 Morgan Circle Drive || Knoxville, TN 37996
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