COLLEGE STATION – Michelle Allen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for family and consumer sciences in Austin County, has received a Superior Service Award in the county agent category from the agency.
Superior Service Awards recognize AgriLife Extension faculty and staff members who provide outstanding performance in AgriLife Extension education or other outstanding service to the organization and to Texans. The award was presented Jan. 6 during the Texas A&M AgriLife Conference in College Station.
Allen has been an AgriLife Extension professional in Austin County for 22 years. She has held her current position as family and consumer sciences agent for the past 10 years.
The nomination stated that Allen “is an advocate for health and wellness, and upholds the AgriLife Extension mission by leading high-quality, relevant educational programs that greatly improve the lives of the people of Austin County. She has a passion for helping others in their quest to make life-changing shifts that will lead to a healthier lifestyle.”
In the past five years, Allen and her Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Board, which includes health, medical and other professionals, have coordinated and implemented AgriLife Extension’s Walk Across Texas program with the Bellville Independent School District.
In 2014, 942 students and their families logged a total of 65,856 miles in the physical exercise program, using friendly competition to encourage students and families to exercise regularly, the nomination stated.
In 2013, Allen was one of two professionals recognized by the Bellville school district with the Partnership in Education Award.
“Michelle exhibits great leadership skills and Bellville ISD is honored to work side by side with her,” wrote Kenneth Stein, the district’s deputy superintendent.
Allen is credited with promoting and supporting several other health-related programs in her community including women’s health issues, diabetes management education, a county worksite wellness series and a back-to-schoolhealth fair.
“In AgriLife Extension, Michelle is viewed not only as an educator, but as a leader among her peers at the district, regional and state level,” the nomination states.