University of Georgia

A website from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Epsilon Sigma Phi – Alpha Beta Chapter

National Recognition – Deadline June 30, 2026

DIVISION 1 – National Epsilon Sigma Phi Awards

National Recognition Awards are those with a State Level recipient who is forwarded on to the Region Level for judging. Applicants must apply online.  Each National Recognition with a state level recipient must be submitted using the ESP National Website. The deadline for these awards is June 30, 2026. Please note: You should receive a confirmation email from Rachel Stewartby the close of the next business day after your application is received. If you do not receive a confirmation email within this time frame, please email Rachel to ensure your application is received.

To apply for National recognition:

  1. Visit the National Recognition website. You will need to log into the member portal to view awards.
  2. The awards are listed and links provided with complete description.
  3. Click on the award name for a description of the award and a link to the online application.
  4. Complete the application and submit on-line. Please be sure to use the correct email (restewar@uga.edu) for Rachel Stewart, ESP Awards Chair, so she receives a copy.
  5. Print a copy for your files.

Applications must be submitted online following the instructions listed above for applying for National Recognition

National Award Descriptions

  • VISIONARY LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION – For a person whose visionary leadership enabled Extension to anticipate new opportunity and developed support to implement program and organizational changes necessary to achieve success Approval of this award will be rare.
  • STATE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE RECOGNITION – Designed to pay the highest tribute to an experienced Extension professional that has consistently exhibited continuing leadership and excellence in Extension program planning, delivery, and/or administration over a career of 20 or more years.
  • MID-CAREER SERVICE RECOGNITION – For a 10-20 year professional who has displayed continuing leadership and excellence in program planning, delivery, and evaluation, or in administration.
  • EARLY CAREER SERVICE RECOGNITION – To recognize the achievements of rising young professionals (5-10 years experience) who have shown noteworthy enthusiasm, performance, and accomplishments in program design and delivery.
  • DISTINGUISHED TEAM RECOGNITION – Recognizes outstanding efforts on the part of a team of Extension Staff in responding to and incorporating into a specific educational program one or more of the National Initiatives identified by the Cooperative Extension System. At least one half of team members must be ESP members. Self nominations are welcome. (One award per state.)
  • 25-YEAR TENURE RECOGNITION – Recognition for 31 years of professional Extension service. Must be “pure” Extension Service not including credit given for military or other employment. Self nominations are welcome. Must be current ESP member. Send dates of your Extension employment to state awards chair to receive this award.
  • RETIREE SERVICE RECOGNITION – This recognition is for continuing contributions and outstanding service to Extension. Must be a life member of ESP. (One award per state.)
  • MERITORIOUS SUPPORT SERVICE RECOGNITION – Designed to recognize an employee in a support role for significant contributions over time to Extension effectiveness. All co-workers in classified positions such as secretaries, program assistants, etc. are eligible. Applicants should apply for the State level Excellence in Support Service Award.
  • FRIEND OF EXTENSION RECOGNITION – Presented to a lay (non-Extension) person for outstanding support and personal involvement in Extension efforts.
  • ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION – Recipients must have shown noteworthy administrative performance during 10+ years of county, regional, state, program department or national level leadership.
  • EXCELLENCE IN OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT RECOGNITION (One team award and one individual award) – Recognizes exceptional efforts and achievements in effectively engaging a wide range of audiences and communities through impactful outreach or community engagement. Nominations should emphasize efforts of exceptional commitment to connecting with communities, fostering participation, and building lasting partnerships that enhance learning, collaboration, and impact in Extension programs and outreach. Additionally, nominations should highlight excellence in creating, delivering, and evaluating programs that effectively engage audiences and strengthen relationships between Extension and the communities it serves.
  • DISTINGUISHED INTERNATIONAL SERVICE RECOGNITION – Recipients must have made significant contributions to international programs.
  • CONTINUED EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION – Recognizes an experienced Extension professional with 20+ years who has exhibited continued leadership, initiative and excellence in the Extension program or administration, on a chapter/regional/national level. Members are eligible for nomination five years after receiving the chapter DSA Recognition.

State Scholarships

  • (State) ESP Professional Improvement Fellowships (2) and Tal Duvall Fellowship (1) A total of three $500 fellowships may be awarded to support academic or other professional improvement activities – any program area. Applicants will submit an application after nomination.

National Scholarships have May 1 or December 1 Deadline

  • An individual member may receive a scholarship no more than once in a five year period and twice in an extension career.
  • PILD Scholarship  (Due December 1)
    Epsilon Sigma Phi, through the ESP Development Fund, has established this scholarship for eligible members to attend the Public Issues Leadership Development National Conference in order to become informed about and develop skills in responding to public issues and legislative matters affecting Extension programs and personal needs.  The scholarship is to be used to defray the cost of attending the Public Issues Leadership Development Conference.  Four to six (depending on funding) scholarships of $600.00 each will be awarded annually.
  • Angus Professional Development Scholarship (Due December 1) (May 1 for second round if funds available)
    Epsilon Sigma Phi, through the ESP Development Fund, provides $4,000 annually to fund scholarships not to exceed $1,000 per member to encourage, stimulate, and support professional development through participation in courses, seminars, conferences or workshops.
  • National ESP Conference First Timer’s Scholarship (Due May 1) 
    Epsilon Sigma Phi, through the ESP Development Fund, has established these scholarships in the amount of early bird registration fees to assist in the attendance of the National ESP Conference for the first time. 
  • Redinger Administrative Leader Scholarship  (Due May 1)
    Epsilon Sigma Phi, through the ESP Development Fund, has established this scholarship to promote continued professional development for eligible members to attend the National ESP Conference.  The scholarship is to be used to defray the cost of attending the National ESP Conference.  Two scholarships of $1,000.00 each will be awarded annually to outstanding administrators/leaders based on accomplishments at the county, regional, state or national level.
  • Justin Morrill Scholarship (Due May 1)
    Epsilon Sigma Phi, through the ESP Development Fund, has established this scholarship to promote professional development for ESP eligible members employed by 1890 or 1994 Land Grant, as well as those employed by Tribal Extension institutions to attend the National ESP Conference. The scholarship is to only be used to defray the cost of attending the National ESP Conference. Two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded.
  • ESP Chapter at Risk Scholarship (Due May 1) Epsilon Sigma Phi, through the ESP Development Fund, has established this scholarship to promote professional development and encourage institutions to establish new or re-establish inactive ESP Chapters. Attendance at a National ESP conference is seen as supporting a Chapter at risk, and may be part of the actions suggested in the National ESP Handbook, Section E. The scholarship is to be used to defray the cost of attending the National ESP Conference. Two scholarships in the amount of $500 will be awarded.

Each National Recognition with a state level recipient must be applied for using the ESP National Website. The deadline for these awards is June 30, 2026.