Purdue News

November 20, 1998 Assistant director receives 1998 Sharvelle Award WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Floyd Branson Jr., assistant director of personnel operations with the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, received the 1998 Eric G. Sharvelle Distinguished Extension Specialist Award during the annual Extension conference at Purdue. Branson's nominators said his dedication and job performance make him an outstanding contributor to the Purdue CES program. Branson not only knows staff members personally, but cares about their individual situations, helps them with their problems, stands up for them when they need it, and is always available to counsel and help. "Dr. Branson has a vision for the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service for it to be the best in the nation, and he is always working to move it in that direction," said the nomination. "Dr. Branson has both the courage and professional integrity to make these decisions professionally and competently." Branson's contributions include: Working with Cindy Schmidt of Purdue's Risk Management to ensure that more than 14,000 4-H volunteers are covered by the university's liability insurance when they work on behalf of the 4-H program. Instructing graduate classes in adult education in the School of Education and counseling students. Providing assistance to keep civil service staff eligible for federal health insurance, saving some staff members literally thousands of dollars. Developing the "Extension Board Leadership Materials" in conjunction with the National Extension Leadership Development team. The materials contain five modules: board leadership, audience and clientele base, program identification and impact measurement, financial resources, and human resources. Providing staff development and orientation programs for the past 15 years. Branson has received many awards in recognition of his service to Purdue Extension, such as the Bob Amick Outstanding 4-H/Youth Program Award and the Purdue Agriculture Team Award. Additionally, he served as both president-elect and president of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Specialists Association in 1986 and 1987 respectively, and he has been the annalist for Epsilon Sigma Phi, the national honorary Extension fraternity, since 1993. The Sharvelle Award is given each year in memory of Eric Sharvelle, a professor of botany and plant pathology at Purdue. The award was established in 1985 by Dr. Derek and Sybil Sharvelle of Battle Ground. CONTACT: Branson, (765) 494-8490; e-mail, Floyd_Branson@ces.purdue.edu Compiled by Chris Sigurdson, (765) 494-8415; E-mail, sig@ecn.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page