Seven people have received the first Outstanding Staff Awards from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.

Mike Richey, who received the administrative area award, has worked for the university for 24 years. Richey was director of Agricultural Alumni and Development most recently.

Michael Peters, farm manager for the Woodford County Farm, received the award in the maintenance area. Peters has worked for Management Operations for four years and was a student worker before accepting the farm manager position.

Linda Forbes, Rita Parsons and Jerry Warmouth received awards in the clerical area.

Forbes is a staff support associate in the Alumni and Development office. She has 24 years of service to the university. Parsons has worked at the university for 20 years. She is a staff support associate in the Agricultural Economics Department. Warmouth, who has worked at the university for 27 years, is a staff support associate in Home Economics Extension.

Katherine Akers and Colleen Steele received awards in the technical area.

Akers is a research analyst in the Animal Sciences Department with 23 years of service to the university. Steele, a research analyst in the Agronomy Department, has worked for the university nine years.

In remarks at the awards ceremony Dean Oran Little said, "I want to thank each of you for what you do as a staff for the College of Agriculture. The college is fortunate and blessed to have a dedicated, steadfast and competent staff whose outstanding service you represent.

"Through your efforts, we grow ideas in the fertile minds of students, in research in labs and other facilities across the state, and in the development of programs that reach people, their families and communities in every corner of Kentucky."

Other award nominees were Carolyn Allen, Patricia Baber, Lena Bush, Bonnie Chastain, Randall Collins, James Dollarhide, C. Diane Furry, Susan Hayes, Bruce Hightshoe, Gwyn Ison, June Johnston, Carl King, Elizabeth Kizzee, and Carole Laytart. Also, William Linton, Craig Locke, Albert Matthews, Lana Kay Phillips, Alice Proffit, David Rechtin, Carolyn Reinfelder, Pat Tackett, Deborah Sue Trammell, Doris Jayne White and Linda Young.

The awards were sponsored by the College of Agriculture Alumni Association, Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture, and Partners in Agriculture.

Editors: For photos of award winners, contact Steve Patton (606) 257-3129.