Rodgers Wins State 4H Award

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recognized Hardeman County Extension Director Gary Rodgers as one of their top faculty, staff, researchers and Extension experts at UTIA’s annual Awards and Promotions Luncheon held on the UTIA campus in Knoxville August 2.
Rodgers (second from left above), who also serves as the 4-H agent for Hardeman County, is the winner of the Alice Ann Moore Outstanding 4-H Agent Award. The honor is made possible by Alice Ann Moore, the former state director for Tennessee 4-H who served UTIA more than 30 years. Moore is also an honorary member of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation, and was a 4-Her herself growing up in Crockett County.
“Being the recipient of the Alice Ann Moore Outstanding 4-H Agent Award means a great deal to me,” Rodgers said. “Having worked with Mrs. Moore and with her having ties to West Tennessee and Hardeman County, it means even more. Being a 4-H agent is a very rewarding and sometimes challenging task. Being recognized by my peers for my programming efforts and dedication to Hardeman County 4-H is truly special.”
Rodgers has served all 20 years of his Extension career in Hardeman County, and works with some 2,000 youth every year through 4-H. Notable programs include teaching kids the web curriculum My American Farm – online games where you can learn about agriculture. He’s also coached champion 4-H meat-judging teams, and has been active in developing STEM programming for nearby Lone Oaks Farm. Rodger’s 4-Hers have been active collecting items for Operation Christmas Child and the Carl Perkins Child Abuse Center in Bolivar. He’s a member of the Bolivar Optimist Club and is a deacon with his church.
Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu.