2021 Excellence in Agriculture Awards

The Excellence in Agriculture Awards Reception was held virtually on May 14, 2021 to recognize the achievements of the College of Agriculture's students, faculty, and staff. 

Outstanding Student Leader: Michelle Borges

Michelle is the College of Agriculture’s Student Senator and newly elected AS Commissioner of Sustainability Affairs. She is also our public information intern and works at the University Farm Greenhouse. She is a founding member of Ag Ambassadors and chaired the statewide agriculture ambassadors annual conference public relations committee.  Michelle is high performing academically, shows a commitment to agriculture, is civically-engaged, and exemplifies the leadership qualities that Chico State agriculture students are known for.

Star Students

Latin Honors

Cum Laude

Fall 2020

Miranda Claire Iverson
Joel Baltazar Mendoz

Spring 2021

Tania Jo Burrone
Zoe Danielle Halliday
Maura Rasmussen
Autumn Hausman

Magna Cum Laude

Fall 2020

Rachael Lee Wilson
Matthew Hamon

Spring 2021

Kara Audrey Lipke
Natalie Isabella Kinney
Marissa Marie Patton

Summa Cum Laude

Fall 2020

Jacquelyn Kesting

Spring 2021

Jesus Barba
Miranda Jachens

Outstanding Graduates

Agricultural Business

Agricultural Education

Animal Science

Plant and Soil Science

Marco Giron
Maura Rasmussen
Alexandria Tucker

Club of the Year

In a year that has presented extraordinary challenges to student organizations, one club in the College of Agriculture has not only survived, but thrived in the virtual environment. The Pre-Vet club has made creative and effective use of social media, email, and Zoom to keep members involved, connected, and informed. Find them on Instagram @prevetchico for a glimpse of their accomplishments.

Staff of the Year Award

As the Student Success and Retention Support Specialist and Chico STEM Connections Collaborative (CSC²) Coordinator, Lindsey epitomizes the College of Agriculture’s commitment to student success. Within her role as CSC² coordinator, Lindsey has created and expanded upon the many opportunities students receive. From improving the communication between students and the Student Success Office/CSC² program, to creating a brand new college-specific tutoring program that helps students with difficult agriculture courses, Lindsey has time and time again provided exemplary service to our college.

Richard and Marian Baldy Faculty of the Year Award

Agriculture Education Professor Tommy Henderson has made his mark on Chico State with his trademark enthusiasm and dedication to student success. In addition to teaching agricultural education and ag mechanics, Dr. Henderson advises Collegiate FFA and Ag Ambassadors. One of his nominators said, “Dr. Henderson has put so much time and effort into creating classes that are informational and interactive. He is always available for students and takes time out of his lessons to ensure that students are physically and mentally doing well. Overall, he deserves to be recognized for all of his hard work!”