North Dakota State University Extension recognized several individuals and teams for their work in the past year at the 2026 Extension Spring Conference, held April 7-9 in Fargo, North Dakota.

This year’s awards and recipients were the following:

• Communicator of the Year – Joe Ikley, NDSU Extension weed specialist
• Epsilon Sigma Phi Distinguished Service Award – Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension nutrition and food safety specialist
• Epsilon Sigma Phi Mid-Career Service Award – Acacia Stuckle, NDSU Extension family and community wellness agent in Emmons County
• Epsilon Sigma Phi 25 Year Tenure Award – Janet Knodel, NDSU Extension entomologist
• Epsilon Sigma Phi State Meritorious Support Staff Award – Dixie Schulz, administrative assistant in Stark-Billings County
• Program Excellence Award – “Emergency Response Preparedness for Foreign Animal Diseases and Mass Livestock Mortalities” (large group) and “Careers and Technical Education 4-H Camp” (small group)

The Communicator of the Year award recognizes someone who has displayed exceptional expertise and professionalism in delivering educational programs and information to the public through a variety of communication tools.

Ikley works to communicate complex weed management concepts in a clear, approachable way that resonates with producers, agronomists, researchers and the general public.

“Joe consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that the people of North Dakota have access to the most current, practical and effective weed management strategies,” says Bruce Sundeen, electronic media specialist for NDSU Agriculture Communication. “His genuine dedication to education and service represents the very best of NDSU Extension.”

The North Dakota chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, a national association for Extension professionals, recognizes those dedicated to fostering standards of excellence in the Extension system and developing the Extension professional.

The Distinguished Service Award is designed to pay the highest chapter tribute to an experienced Extension professional who has consistently exhibited leadership and excellence in Extension program planning, delivery, evaluation and/or administration over a career of more than 20 years.

Garden-Robinson’s body of work spans every major area of food and nutrition outreach.

“Julie has an exceptional ability to design, implement, evaluate and continuously improve high-impact Extension programs,” says Jim Gray, West District director for NDSU Extension. “Her career reflects extraordinary leadership, innovation and dedication to the land grant mission.”

The Mid-Career Service Award pays tribute to an experienced Extension professional who has consistently exhibited leadership and excellence in Extension program planning, delivery, evaluation and/or administration for over 10 years and less than 20 years.

Stuckle is said to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging needs in her county.

“Her work has made a profound and lasting impact on both youth and adults in her county,” says Gray.

The 25 Year Tenure Award recognizes someone who has at least 25 years of Extension service.

Knodel is a nationally recognized leader in Extension entomology and Integrated Pest Management, having directed NDSU Extension’s entomology and IPM programs for more than 25 years. Her work is vital to protecting North Dakota’s crops through innovative pest surveillance, applied research and sustainable pest management strategies.

The Meritorious Support Service Award is designed to pay tribute to staff who have shown support for the mission, program and professional staff of Cooperative Extension.

Schulz has long served as a vital resource for 4-H volunteers, offering steady guidance and up-to-date information on current program activities.

“She is always ready to step in and assist with any task, no matter how large or small,” says Gray. “She truly embodies the excellence and service that this award represents.”

The NDSU Extension Program Excellence award, sponsored by NDSU’s Joint Council of Extension Professionals, recognizes teams for outstanding Extension programming.

The large-team winner of the award is “Emergency Response Preparedness for Foreign Animal Diseases and Mass Livestock Mortalities.” The team was led by Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension disaster education coordinator and livestock environmental stewardship specialist, and Mary Keena, NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist.

This program aims to equip NDSU Extension agents, veterinary professionals and emergency responders through practical, research-based training for responding to animal disease outbreaks and livestock mortality events.

The small-team winner of the award is “Careers and Technical Education 4-H Camp.” The team was led by Karla Meikle, state 4-H activities coordinator; Katie Thompson, NDSU Extension family and community wellness agent in Walsh County; and Emily Burkett, NDSU 4-H youth development agent in Ward County.

North Dakota 4-H Careers and Technical Education Camp is a hands-on career exploration experience that connects youth ages 13-18 with high-demand skilled trades and technical careers through industry partnerships, real-world skill development and work-readiness training.

*Photos of all spring conference award honorees can be found at bit.ly/NDSUspringconference-26.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – April 21, 2026

Source: Lynette Flage, 701-231-7782, lynette.flage@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu