UW educators honored

Outstanding faculty and staff in the University of Wyoming (UW) College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources (CALSNR) were recognized at the college’s annual awards banquet in Laramie on May 4.

Award recipients include members of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Department of Veterinary Sciences, UW Extension and the Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC).

Educators recognized for excellence in teaching

Two faculty members in the UW CALSNR – Berit Bangoura, assistant professor of veterinary sciences and Karen Vaughan, associate professor of ecosystem science and management – received 2022 Outstanding Educator awards.

“Bangoura has excelled as an instructor because she is very knowledgeable in the field of parasitology, has invested in building her didactic skills and engages with students in a way which demonstrates her passion for education,” comments Jonathan Fox, head of the Department of Veterinary Sciences.

“Karen is a wonderful and effective teacher,” says Tim Collier, head of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. “She’s dedicated, passionate and inspires keen interest in soils in her students.”

Three members of UW Extension were also recognized as outstanding educators.

Goshen County 4-H Educator Megan Brittingham excels at mentoring and supporting both 4-H youth and colleagues, says Kelly Crane, director of UW Extension. 

“Megan has proven to be especially adept at expanding the breadth of 4-H programming in Goshen County, especially in the integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics topics in schools. She also provides really outstanding support for her colleagues at a state, regional and even national scale,” he says.

Barton Stam, an Extension educator based in Hot Springs County, was also recognized. According to Crane, Stam is approachable, objective and considerate of other peoples’ viewpoints. 

“These character traits position him well to address complex, conflict-laden natural resource issues. He is one of our most effective and engaged Extension educators,” he says.

UW Extension Entomologist Scott Schell also provides exemplary service to stakeholders across the state. 

“Scott is among our best Extension specialists in terms of his responsiveness to the public and his colleagues and in terms of his teaching capacity and ability to connect with Extension audiences,” Crane notes. “He’s truly a servant of the state.”

Means receives lifetime teaching honor

The Andrew Vanvig Lifetime Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award honors a senior faculty member’s accomplishments in the areas of teaching, research, scholarship or creative activities, outreach and service. 

This year’s recipient is Warrie Means, associate dean of academic and student programs in the CALSNR.

Originally from Montana, Means joined UW’s animal science faculty in 1992. For most of his career, he has taught classes in meat science, food science and animal science as well as contributing to research and Extension programming. 

Means notes teaching was what brought him to UW and what kept him at UW. 

He considers Extension programming a key part of his career as well, noting his Extension appointment has always kept him grounded in the practical aspects of meat science and livestock production. 

For the past five years, Means has served as an associate dean.

CALSNR staff go
above and beyond

Accountant Tanya Wheeler is one of two staff members to receive the UW CALSNR’s 2022 Outstanding Staff Award. 

“Tanya has been incredibly helpful to me since I started as department head,” says Collier. “She is always helpful and cheerful. I’m happy to see her recognized.”

Elias Hutchinson, assistant farm manager at LREC, is also very deserving of the award, notes LREC Director Scott Lake.

“Elias juggles between 4-H, rodeo, classes and public events at the Hansen Arena. He is a great asset to LREC, and we are truly fortunate to have him,” Lake says. 

Hutchinson is also the handler for Pistol and Pete, UW’s Haflinger draft horse team.

Brooke Ortel is a writer and editor for UW Extension. This article was originally published in UW Ag News on May 16.