image: Matthew Devereaux, interim assistant dean and head for UT Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, has been selected to receive the National Excellence in Extension Award from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Cooperative Extension, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). Devereaux's research has focused on best practices for positively developing youth in afterschool settings. He will receive the award at a ceremony on November 10 in San Diego, California during APLU's 132nd Annual Meeting. view more
Credit: Photo by T. Salvador, courtesy UTIA.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A University of Tennessee Extension professional has been recognized by national organizations for his contributions to national Cooperative Extension programs. Matthew Devereaux, a human development specialist in Family and Consumer Sciences and interim assistant dean of UT Extension, has been honored with the National Excellence in Extension Award.
Presented by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and the Association of Public Land-grant Universities, the National Excellence in Extension Award is given annually to one Cooperative Extension professional who excels at programming, provides visionary leadership and makes a positive impact on constituents served. Cooperative Extension programs are presented in all 50 states and five U.S. territories where more than 32,000 Cooperative Extension professionals serve.
Currently serving as the interim assistant dean for UT Extension, Devereaux's research on child and adolescent development focuses on social and emotional development through the school year. His research has shown that students have greater gains in grades and standardized test scores when their curriculum incorporates significant social and emotional learning programs - programs that teach students how to recognize, understand, label, express and regulate emotions. Devereaux has worked to develop innovative and highly impactful youth programs and build a set of best practices for positively developing youth in afterschool settings.
"Professor Devereaux embodies the true mission of UT Extension," says Robert Burns, dean of UT Extension. "UT Extension's mission is to deliver educational programs and research-based solutions to the citizens of Tennessee, and Matt does so in an exemplary manner. As an Extension Specialist, his recommendations for educators and parents have transformed the lives of countless students. The economic impact of Devereaux's programs total $84 million since 2005. This figure reflects the positive impact that his Extension programming has had across the state," continues Burns.
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Devereaux's award will be presented at a ceremony on November 10 in San Diego, California, during the annual meeting of the Association of Public Land-grant Universities.
Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu.