Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – A Texas AgriLife Extension Service entomologist at San Angelo was recently honored with the Superior Service Award in the specialist category.
Dr. Chris Sansone, associate department head and AgriLife Extension program leader for entomology, was nominated by his peers based on his AgriLife Extension work activities, philosophy and leadership skills, according to his nomination.
Sansone has 30 years of service with AgriLife Extension. He served as an AgriLife Extension entomologist in Williamson County before transferring to San Angelo as the West Central District’s entomology specialist. He has been in his current role as the entomology associate department head since 2003. He divides his time between supervising 30 AgriLife Extension entomologists located across the state and conducting applied research to answer clientele questions.
“Chris performs a tremendous service for Texas and the department of entomology by directing, guiding and training AgriLife Extension employees with diverse interests and obligations,” said Dr. M.O. “Mo” Way, professor of entomology at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Beaumont, who submitted Sansone’s successful nomination.
“Chris works very closely with our department headquartered on the Texas A&M campus at College Station, while still maintaining an active, productive Extension program at San Angelo.”
Randall Conner, Southern Rolling Plains Cotton Growers Association, Inc. executive director at Winters, said in his support letter that Sansone has been instrumental in bringing new technology directly to the producer.
“Chris has been closely involved with the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication effort, which started in this area,” Conner said. “He has adapted Integrated Pest Management techniques into many of his programs to provide the most cost-effective methods for insect control. He’s been involved in all aspects of agriculture in West Texas, including cotton, grain sorghum, corn, wheat, other crops and livestock.
“The Southern Rolling Plains is fortunate to have Dr. Sansone located within our area. This region has been a leader in agricultural technology and innovation, and we have been able to achieve this in part by the contribution of Dr. Chris Sansone.”
The Superior Service award is the highest recognition presented by AgriLife Extension.
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