Extension director receives national honors

By Lil Spinks, West Nassau Correspondent

Nassau County Extension Director Dr. Mary Williams recently received two national awards from peer members of Epsilon Sigma Phi, the national extension honorary fraternity.

Williams was presented with the National Distinguished Service and the National Administrative Leadership awards on Nov. 17 by Epsilon Sigma Phi President Dr. Nancy Crago of Penn State University at the fraternity's annual conference in Annapolis, Md.

Williams received Florida recognition for these awards last fall and was nominated by her state peers to receive the 2006 national awards for her continued excellence and service to the extension profession.

In addition, she just completed her term as president of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents.

Williams joined the Nassau County Extension Service in 1980 as the 4-H and Home Economics agent, and helped move the office from Hilliard to its current Callahan location in 1988.

She has served as the director of the Nassau County Extension Service since 1988.

The extension service is a partnership between the University of Florida, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Nassau County Commissioners.

The Extension Service opened its second county office last year in Yulee, now located at the County Building. Under Williams' leadership, Nassau County has added three new faculty members, who all bring the resources of the University of Florida to Nassau County.

This helps to provide solutions to local problems and issues related to agriculture, natural resources, horticulture, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development and community development.

Story created Dec 23, 2006 - 09:46:07 PST