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In a celebration of academic excellence and its esteemed Land Grant Program, Kentucky State University (KSU) hosted its Ninth Annual Harold R. Benson Agricultural Luncheon on Tuesday, April 22. Held at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, the prestigious event commemorates the legacy of Dr. Harold R. Benson.

Dr. Harold R. Benson became the Cooperative Extension Program Administrator at KSU in 1975. In 1985, he took the reins for both the Community Research Service and the Cooperative Extension Program and became the Director of Land Grant Programs. As the longest tenured Extension Administrator for 36 years (1975-2011) and Research Director for 26 years (1985-2011), the spirit of Dr. Benson’s legacy and work continues to positively impact today’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and KSU’s Land Grant Program. Mrs. Geneva Benson, wife of the late Dr. Benson, and their daughter, Yolanda Benson, attended the ceremony.

Members of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also attended the event and were celebrated for their continued support of Kentucky State University and the works of its Land Grant Program. Among them, Michael Zachary, State Outreach Specialist for USDA’s NRCS was recognized for his exceptional support of KSU over the years.

This year’s Excellence in Teaching Awards went to Dr. Ken Semmens and Dr. Kirk Pomper. These awards honor outstanding faculty members who have made significant and sustained contributions to their field of study and reflected excellence in all aspects of their career, including teaching, scholarly work, leadership, and service.

This year’s Excellence in Research Award went to Dr. George Antonious. This award honors individuals who advance the field through transforming and integrating knowledge, facilitating learning, solving compelling problems, evaluating practices and programs, or interpreting knowledge for relevant audiences.

The Excellence in Extension Award went to Adriana Palmer, State Specialist for Community Resource Leadership Development. The Excellence in Extension Award is given to an Extension professional who strives in their career to achieve sustainable, high impact programs through anticipation of emerging issues for communities, their commitment to expanding audience reach, and partnerships and collaborations with community leaders and organizations.

1890 Scholarships Recipients and Departmental Honors Recipients were also recognized and awarded for their hard work and dedication to academia and the field of agriculture.

Graduating undergraduate and graduate students, members of MANRRS (otherwise known as Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences), Dean’s List recipients, and special student recognitions were also honored.

Dr. Michael Dailey, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, was awarded the Administrative Champion Award for his dedication to KSU and its students.

Kentucky State University remains committed to exceptional service across the Commonwealth of Kentucky and in the lives of its students.