Central State University Extension Honors Outstanding Educators, Staff for Excellence

By Land-Grant Communications
Posted Oct 20 2026
Extension Awards

Central State University Extension takes time annually to recognize personnel for exceptional service, creativity and dedication to the audiences that its educators serve throughout Ohio. The dedication of the staff is the cornerstone for CSU Extension to continue impacting people's lives.

The unique quality of the CSU Extension recognition is that these are peer awards. The entire CSU Extension staff votes on the recipients, making this an award of colleagues. A highlight of the annual staff conference is the presentation of the awards.

At the second annual recognition program in Toledo, Ohio, the awards of a certificate and cash were for: 

  • Visionary Leadership (Michelle Wallace)
  • Mentorship Excellence (Kelly Beers)
  • Change Catalyst (Denise Natoli Brooks)
  • Trailblazer (Yu-Lu Hsiung)
  • Exceptional Service (Stacey Stangel)
  • Rookie of the Year (Marcia Coleman)
  • Employee of the Year (Mike McMurray)
  • Most Likely to Show Up Early (Eric Smith and Elizabeth Schweigert)
  • Most Positive Vibes (Yvonne Wideman and Jillian Horan)
  • Participant Happiness Hero (Kylee Peoples)
  • Extension Cheerleader (Dr. Joseph Frank) 

Several lighthearted recognitions included:

  • Grammar and Spelling Queen/King (Shantrice Richardson)
  • The Night Owl (Stephen Washington and James Keys)

"I think of creativity applying to youth education in a couple of ways," said John McGovern, 4-H youth development educator serving northeast Ohio, who received the Creativity Award. "From considering new perspectives on existing programs to thinking outside the proverbial box and being adaptable when circumstances change."

“All the awards recognize the dedication of the employees, and even an award such as 'Night Owl' provides a way to recognize someone's unique contributions to Extension work," said Alcinda Folck, Ph.D., associate Extension administrator.