News and Press

Fort Valley State professor earns award for Extension impact

by Russell Boone Jr

---

 

Niki Whitley, Ph.D., animal science Extension specialist, honored with the Excellence in Extension Award from the Association of Extension Administrators.

A national organization recently honored a Fort Valley State University professor in Cooperative Extension for her work with farmers.

Niki Whitley, Ph.D., Extension specialist for animal science, received the Excellence in Extension Award from the Association of Extension Administrators on Aug. 18 at the annual Southern Region Program Leadership Network meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Whitley was recognized for her impact in helping small-scale beef and small ruminant farmers improve their herd quality and production methods. Her work includes conducting more than 350 presentations and trainings, securing more than $10 million in grant funding and developing widely used educational resources.

Mark Latimore Jr., Ph.D., associate dean for Extension, nominated her for the award.

“It’s an honor for us to have her as part of our team. Dr. Whitley is very dedicated in her efforts to help students, farmers and producers. This award is just a small token of her contribution to agriculture through FVSU’s Extension services,” Latimore said.

The FVSU administrator also said that as a faculty Extension specialist, Whitley has assisted Cooperative Extension in expanding its outreach efforts, and her expertise has aided many producers in improving their livestock operations.

“She’s well sought after in the areas of beef cattle and sheep and goats,” Latimore said.

Whitley is very appreciative of the AEA award. “I was pleasantly surprised and truly honored to be nominated and selected for this award. It is rewarding to know that the hard work, dedication and sacrifices we make in Extension are recognized and appreciated,” Whitley said.

Additionally, she said receiving the honor for the collaborative animal science program established at FVSU reinforces the value of the work done and the impact Extension professionals have on the communities they serve.

Furthermore, Whitley said she gets satisfaction by sharing her knowledge and experiences with farmers and ranchers.

“Extension has provided an ideal opportunity for me to combine my passion for learning, agriculture and helping others. Being able to assist beef cattle and small ruminant producers in solving problems, improving their operations and achieving greater success is extremely rewarding,” Whitley said. “Knowing that the information and guidance we provide, especially in collaborative programming like this, can make a meaningful difference in a producer’s operation is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.”

Although she has a record of instructing farmers on improving their operations, Whitley did not see herself becoming a respected teacher.

“I never envisioned myself as a teacher before or during college. Looking back, however, I realize that I was already serving as an educator by mentoring others and sharing knowledge gained through research, study and personal experience – this is what we do in Extension,” Whitley said.

Whitley enjoys working in agriculture and natural resources. She says the key to being successful in Extension is building positive relationships with clients.

“As a specialist, I can bring the research, technical knowledge and recommendations to the table. At the end of the day, though, none of that matters if producers don’t feel comfortable picking up the phone, asking questions or being honest about what’s going on in their operation,” Whitley said.

Another aspect of being a successful specialist is adaptability. Whitley said that one thing she’s learned is that no two farms or producers are exactly alike.

“I think it’s important to take time to sit down, listen and really understand what the farmer is trying to accomplish and what challenges they are dealing with. That helps us make sure the information we are providing fits their operation instead of giving them a textbook answer,” she said.

Even though an agent or specialist may be a source of vital information, Whitley said some farmers may only need someone they trust who can walk them through their options and present possibilities.

“Our job is full of ‘it depends’ answers that allow us to show things to think about and help them figure out what makes the most sense for their farm,” she noted.

Whitley also received the national 1890 Region Excellence in Extension Award at the 2026 National Extension Directors and Administrators Meeting held in September in Seattle, Washington. The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Cooperative Extension and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities give out this award annually to recognize Extension individuals and teams demonstrating outstanding community leadership, innovative programming and measurable impact.

Mark Latimore Jr., Ph.D., associate dean for Extension, presents Whitley with the 1890 Region Excellence in Extension Award.

For more information about FVSU’s Cooperative Extension Program, visit https://bit.ly/4A0vXgX or call 478-825-6296.

---

• Categories:
• FVSU Agriculture College

• Tags:
• Extension

---