The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences had six staff members nominated for the 2018 College of Agriculture, Food and Environment's Outstanding staff award (out of 42 total nominations), and two of our staff were chosen to receive awards. Maggie Maynard, PSS Human Resources Specialist, received the ‘Office and Clerical’ award, and Krista Lea, Senior Research Analyst with the Forage Extension Program was chosen for the ‘Technical/Paraprofessional’ award. 

"Maggie really stepped up to the plate for our department this year, covering her own duties and those of two other open office staff positions for about 5 months. Her dedication and commitment to Plant & Soil Sciences is outstanding. We are extremely grateful to have Maggie in our ranks and are pleased the College rewarded her extraordinary efforts this year with an Outstanding Staff award," says Dr. Rebecca McCulley, department chair.

"Krista is the core of the UK Ag Equine Programs Pasture Evaluation Program. As the lead staff person on this project, Krista is in charge of identifying and engaging new customers for this program as well as carrying out the essential observational and analytical work of the program. Krista is that rare combination of initiative, knowledge (she holds an MS degree from the college), leadership, attention to detail and service orientation that would make any program successful," according to Dr. Ray Smith, Forage Extension Specialist.

Congratulations Maggie and Krista!