Numerous New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Science agents and specialists were honored for their work at the 2025 National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences annual session in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in October 2025.
NMSU garnered a pair of national awards. Amber Benson, Bernalillo County Extension FCS agent, was presented the Greenwood Frysinger Award. She received the award in recognition of the mentorship provided by Dianne Christensen, Bernalillo County Extension FCS agent, and Cindy Schlenker-Davies, former Bernalillo County Extension program director. Benson also received the second-place national food safety award winner for "Fermentation for the Future."
"The awards recognize the outstanding work and commitment of NMSU professionals not only at the state and regional levels but also affirm NMSU's role as a national leader in the family and consumer sciences field," said Crystal Garcia-Anaya, Valencia County Extension FCS agent and 2025 New Mexico affiliate awards chair. "These honors reflect the quality, innovation and impact of the programs being delivered and highlight the university's influence and excellence across the industry."
At the regional level, Erin Smith, Quay County Extension FCS agent, received a first-place family health and wellness award for "Strong Seniors Stay Young Exercise Program," and Michelle Stizza, Santa Fe County Extension program director and FCS agent, Garcia-Anaya, Patricia Largo, McKinley County Extension FCS agent, Madeline Gurney, Sandoval County Extension FCS agent, Phillip Alden, Bernalillo County Extension 4-H FCS agent, and Benson, received a third-place Florence Hall award for "Green Chile Preservation."
At the state level, Benson and Stizza received the innovation in programming award for "Making a Living on 5 Acres or Less." Christensen was honored for her contributions for the excellence in multistate collaboration award for "Collaborative Pathways: Sharing National Best Practices, Strategies, and Impacts for Walk with Ease."
Karim Martinez, Extension family life and child development specialist, Alden, Charlene Carr, Tribal Extension ag agent, Christensen, Esther Hernandez, Doña Ana County Extension FCS agent, Gurney, Tamara Schubert, Chaves County Extension program county director and FCS agent, and Augusta Yazzie, San Juan County Extension FCS agent, received the human development/family relationships award for "Implementing a Dibble Institute Program: Mind Matters-Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience."
"Receiving recognition at this level reflects the strength of our Family and Consumer Science programs and the dedication of our FCS professionals and their meaningful impact on communities across New Mexico," Garcia-Anaya said.
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-extension-agents-recognized-at-national-meeting/s/5f0d93cc-3760-4e60-a336-e1ddcc98ecaf
