October 26, 2022
Two recognized as Communicators of the Year
The Communicator of the Year Award this year goes to two recipients: Kelsey Andersen Onofre, an extension specialist in wheat plant pathology in the plant pathology department, and Alexa Hayes, youth livestock coordinator in the animal sciences and industry department.
The award is presented annually by the K-State communications and agricultural education department members and the Kansas chapter of the Association for Communication Excellence, the international professional association for extension communicators.
Both winners exemplify the desire to make extension programming available to all, which is one of the marks of an effective communicator.
Andersen Onofre has been in her position since 2020. She uses a variety of communication tools to reach producers, extension agents, ag retailers and crop consultants with research-based information. She's been effective in adapting events such as a wheat plot tour to also be accessible to those who are not able to participate in person.
Hayes has been the youth livestock coordinator for seven years. She effectively communicates about the youth livestock program to various audiences. She's developed a guide to help families navigate the requirements for livestock nominations and implemented a new process for state 4-H livestock nominations.
Both are commended for their enthusiasm, knowledge, leadership and innovation in reaching audiences for K-State Research and Extension.