Patricia Jepson, director of the College’s academic advising center director and agriculture education advisor, received the 2015 National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Outstanding Service Citation, one of only six such awards given nationwide. The awards were presented at the NAAE annual convention this past November in New Orleans.
“I was very honored to receive this award,” Jepson says. “What drives me is helping students realize their strengths and think about the possibilities. It’s very rewarding to see students achieve their goals.”
“Speaking for the Connecticut Agricultural Educators, we recognize and applaud Dr. Jepson as she builds a bridge between the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources and all the high school agriculture teachers and students in Connecticut,” says Bonnie Kegler, Killingly High School agriculture teacher and College alumna. “There is a documented shortage of agriculture teachers in the nation, and UConn has played a critical role in training and educating students to be successful agricultural education professionals. Dr. Jepson has helped to ensure that our outstanding system of school-based agricultural education in Connecticut and the region have well prepared teachers now and in the future.”
Jepson came to the College’s academic advisory center in 1988. For the past twenty-eight years, she has been a vital resource for both students and faculty.
“Pat’s most significant contributions are related to undergraduate advising,” says Associate Dean Cameron Faustman. “She has coached faculty and staff in this responsibility and directly advised students, often those presenting the most complex and challenging cases, requiring meticulous attention to detail and follow-up.”
“Pat’s high level of commitment to the College and its students proves that she considers her responsibilities a lifestyle rather than just a job,” he remarks.
