A recently retired Kentucky State University professor recently received the distinguished service award from the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. 

Dr. Joanne Bankston, who recently retired from Kentucky State after 44 years of service, was one of three recipients of the award.

The award is the association’s highest honor, awarded to three professionals at the annual meeting each year. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the profession. 

“Families throughout the state of Kentucky and across the country have benefitted from her career,” Dr. Kirk Pomper, dean of the College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences and director of land grant programs. “During her career, her contributions to family consumer sciences, both on a state and national level, have been outstanding.” 

Bankston previously served as coordinator of family and consumer sciences, and as a state specialist for family economics management for the Cooperative Extension program at Kentucky State. Bankston has served in various capacities within Cooperative Extension at Kentucky State.

Click here to view a video presentation of Bankston’s life and career.