OSU’s Dwayne Elmore was named the recipient of the 2018 Southern Region Excellence in Extension award. He will receive the award later this year in New Orleans.

Elmore to receive 2018 Southern Region Excellence in Extension Award

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Recognized for his excellence in Cooperative Extension programming, Dwayne Elmore has been named the recipient of the 2018 Southern Region Excellence in Extension award. He will be presented the award during the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, in November.

Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist and Bollenbach Chair in wildlife biology, has a dual Extension and research appointment. His primary focus areas are wildlife habitat management, prescribed fire, wildlife damage management, grouse conservation and youth education. His programs can be described as collaborative, applied and multidisciplinary.

This prestigious award was presented to Elmore for making a positive impact on his constituents and ability to provide visionary leadership.

“I feel fortunate to have been able to work collaboratively with so many outstanding professionals, both here at OSU and beyond,” Elmore said. “It has truly been a team effort, so I am grateful that our collective efforts have been recognized. OSU has been a wonderful place to work and I’m glad this award can highlight our programs.”

He has a proven track record at successfully identifying stakeholder needs, designing research and Extension projects to address those needs and acquiring funding ($5.9 million) to carry out programs. In addition, he has published more than 100 peer-reviewed and Extension documents.

Elmore has been with OSU for more than 12 years and feels fortunate to be able to work in a field he enjoys so much.

“I really enjoy working with both private and public land managers who are actively managing for wildlife,” he said. “It’s rewarding to see them apply research to meet their specific objectives. I also enjoy working with graduate students and getting them connected with Cooperative Extension.”

Elmore also collaborates with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quail Forever, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Nature Conservancy and multiple state wildlife agencies to provide technical assistance on land management issues.

“I believe that through the land-grant university system, I have an obligation to seamlessly integrate research and Extension activities,” he said. “My programs are designed around stakeholder needs and have direct application to land management for Oklahoma and beyond.”

Story by Trisha Gedon