By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University celebrates the hard work and dedication of its agriculture faculty and staff during the 35th Annual NDSU Agriculture Awards ceremony held on December 3. The event recognizes individuals who make strong contributions through research, teaching, Extension programming, and support services. These awards help highlight the vital role agriculture professionals play in supporting students, producers, and communities.
The ceremony includes presentations by university leaders such as Greg Lardy, Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture; Carrie Hammer, associate dean in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources; Frank Casey, associate director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station; and Lynette Flage, associate director of NDSU Extension. Their involvement reflects the university’s commitment to recognizing excellence.
This year, the program receives 53 nominations for 11 awards, showing the wide range of talent across NDSU Agriculture. The 2025 award recipients include individuals from teaching, research, Extension, and staff roles. Winners include:
- Samiran Banerjee for Excellence in Research
- Carl Dahlen for Excellence in Research
- Ewumbua Monono for Excellence in Teaching
- Shawn DeKeyser for Excellence in Teaching
- Barney Geddes for Excellence in Advising
- Jan Stankiewicz for Early Career Extension Excellence
- Kurt Froelich for Extension Excellence
- Susan Finneseth for Staff Excellence
- Linda Schuster for Staff Excellence
- Chris Anderson for Staff Excellence
- Shannon Ueker for Access and Opportunity
These individuals serve in a variety of departments, including Microbiological Sciences, Animal Sciences, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Natural Resource Sciences, and Plant Sciences. Their work supports both the university and the wider agricultural community through instruction, advising, research, and hands-on Extension service.
NDSU’s long tradition of recognizing agricultural leaders shows the importance of education and support programs in strengthening farming communities. Through research discoveries, student mentorship, and practical outreach, faculty and staff help advance agricultural knowledge and improve real-world practices.
The awards highlight the value of commitment, teamwork, and service in building a strong agricultural future for North Dakota and beyond. For more information and to view the awards program, visit https://www.ndsu.edu/vpag/faculty_and_staff_awards/.
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Education