Whether it was responding to a crisis in the Hispanic community or collaborating with the local hospital to take nutrition education programs into area classrooms, Judy Bland (BSHE ’74, Clothing and Textiles) has been the go-to person in Tift County since 1991. Prior to that, she served a similar role in Brooks County for 17 years.
Among her many accolades have been the Walter B. Hill Award for Distinguished Achievement in Public Service and Outreach and the D.W. Brooks Award of Excellence, both awarded by the University of Georgia, and the Athena Award, awarded by the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce.
“She is without a doubt one of the best, if not the best, College of Family and Consumer Sciences county Extension agents in the state,” according to Tony Roberts, director of the Southwest Extension District.
Roberts points to Bland, who retired Feb. 1 with 33 years of service, as being instrumental in developing teamwork among all of the Southwest District agents.
Bland’s accomplishments have been recognized at every level and she is frequently asked to speak at the local, state and national levels, but it’s those she works with daily, like 4-H Development Coordinator Laura Perry Johnson, who speak most eloquently of her contributions:
“Judy Bland’s resume and application speak for themselves,” Johnson says. “But what makes her truly special…is a genuinely caring spirit, an intense desire to help others, an incredible work ethic and (the) determination to get the job done.
“Co-workers want to serve on committees with her, kids love her, administrators value her opinion and the lives of the families she serves are enriched from the association.”
Make your nominations for the |
 |