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National organization looks to Oklahoma Extension professionals for leadership
STILLWATER, Okla. – Phil Pratt and Dirk Webb, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension county educators from Tulsa and Washita counties, are stepping into prominent leadership roles with the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.
Pratt was elected to serve as NACAA vice president during the recent NACAA Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich. He is the first Oklahoman to serve as vice president in the organization’s 92-year history.
“Phil has been active in NACAA for many years, and is well-known, well-liked and respected by Extension agents across the United States,” said David Nowlin, Caddo County Extension director. “Dirk has been in Extension a long time, and is as knowledgeable as any Extension educator anywhere.”
Webb was named to serve a two-year stint as director of the NACAA Southern Region. He is only the fifth Oklahoman to serve as director of the region. Pratt served as regional director 13 years ago.
“Dirk is a leader,” Pratt said. “He will make sure everything possible is done by NACAA to continue to benefit its membership.”
Webb joined the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service in 1979. He served as Roger Mills County Extension director and agricultural agent for 10 years. Webb moved to Washita County in 1989, serving first as agricultural educator before eventually taking on the additional duties of director in 1990.
“Taking part in NACAA gives Extension educators the opportunity to share experiences and knowledge, to think outside the box in creating research-based programs that help local clientele improve the quality of their lives,” Webb said.
What is the best thing about being in Extension?
“People,” Webb said. “Those of us in it and those we serve.”
Pratt joined the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service in 1975. He spent 28 years as an area plant pathology specialist, headquartered out of Muskogee. Pratt became director of the Tulsa County Extension Office in 2003.
Nowlin said the timing of Pratt's election could not have worked out better. Pratt will be serving as NACAA president in 2010 when Oklahoma hosts the organization’s national meeting, an event that brings a significant amount of money into a host state.
NACAA serves as a professional improvement association for its 3,500 members, who represent land-grant universities from across the United States.
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REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Donald Stotts
News and Media Relations Manager
Agricultural Communications Services
143 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State
University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4079
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: donald.stotts@okstate.edu
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