Author: David McIntosh, Department of Plant Sciences
Strategic Communications- Tennessee Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta (GSD), the Honor Society of Agriculture, recognized outstanding achievements in academics, research, teaching, extension, and service during its Fall Awards Banquet and Initiation Ceremony on November 21, 2025.

Chapter president Renata Nave‑Oakes opened the program by reaffirming GSD’s mission to promote excellence in scholarship and high standards in the practice of agriculture and related sciences. Several members of the UTIA leadership team attended, including senior administrators, department heads, and special guests. Guests enjoyed a meal sponsored by UT AgResearch and catered by Dead End BBQ. Our keynote address was delivered by Dr. Neal Schrick, Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Science. He shared an inspiring message about the importance of hard work and discovering your unique strengths. Dr. Schrick emphasized that while academic success matters, qualities such as initiative and dedication are what truly shape a successful future.

Awards Ceremony

Alumni Award – Commissioner Andy Holt
Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt exemplifies Gamma Sigma Delta’s mission through a career devoted to agricultural leadership and public service. A UT alumnus and first‑generation farmer, Holt operates a diversified livestock and agritourism farm in Weakley County and previously served a decade in the Tennessee General Assembly advocating for rural communities and the agricultural sector. His lifelong commitment to policy, stewardship, and farmer-centered solutions reflects GSD’s values of service and advancement of agriculture.

Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award – Dr. John Jared
Dr. John Jared has strengthened grassroots advocacy, youth engagement, and community programs that keep agriculture front and center in East Tennessee. Under his leadership, he has always been able to delivers practical education for farm families. His continued and lifelong work that aligns with GSD’s focus on connecting scholarship to service and elevating agricultural leadership at the local level.

Research Award – Dr. Edward Yu
Dr. Edward Yu, professor and director of graduate studies in Agricultural and Resource Economics, advances research at the bioenergy, agriculture, and the environment interface, including biomass logistics and agricultural trade analysis. His recent national appointments and editorial leadership underscore the impact of his work in addressing complex, real‑world challenges. Yu’s scholarship directly supports GSD’s mission to promote scientific inquiry and innovation that benefit society and natural resources.

Extension Award – Dr. Katie Mason
Dr. Katie Mason, assistant professor and Extension beef cattle nutrition specialist, leads statewide outreach that helps producers optimize forage systems, animal nutrition, and herd health. Through field days, workshops, and applied research, she translates science into practical recommendations embodying GSD’s commitment to advancing knowledge for the service of society and responsible stewardship on Tennessee farms.

Teaching Award – Dr. Cheryl Kojima
Dr. Cheryl Kojima, associate professor and undergraduate coordinator in Animal Science, is celebrated for excellence in classroom instruction, mentorship, and experiential learning in genetics and swine management. Her record of teaching awards and student-centered programming aligns with GSD’s dedication to academic achievement and the development of ethical, effective leaders in agriculture.

Team Award – 2025 UTIA Flood Recovery Initiative Team
Formed in response to catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene in 2024, the UTIA Flood Recovery Initiative Team united specialists across disciplines to restore fields, stabilize riparian zones, and accelerate recovery with innovations in planting and soil health amendments. Their collaborative, science‑driven work embodies GSD’s pillars of research excellence, service, and stewardship. Team members are: Aaron Smith, Andrea Ludwig, Annette Engel, Annette Wszelaki, Brad Wilson, Bruno Pedreira, David McIntosh, Emine Fidan, Forbes Walker, Haochen Li, Lew Strickland, Malerie Fancher, Shawn Hawkins, Shelli Rampold, and Wesley Wright

Initiation Ceremony for Our New Members

The Tennessee Chapter proudly welcomed 47 new members into Gamma Sigma Delta, including 5 faculty and staff, 26 undergraduates, 16 students from the College of Veterinary Medicine, and one transfer member. These initiates represent excellence across multiple departments within the Institute of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Initiation into Gamma Sigma Delta is both an honor and a lifelong responsibility. Members are recognized for exceptional academic achievement and professional contributions in agriculture and related sciences. With initiation comes a pledge to uphold the highest ethical and moral standards, advance agricultural knowledge, and serve society through leadership and stewardship of natural resources. Membership signifies a commitment to excellence and to promoting the values that sustain food, agriculture, and communities worldwide.

Faculty and Staff Initiates:
Xiang Li and Yanqiu Yang (Animal Science); Emine Fidan (Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science); Malerie Fancher (Plant Sciences); Lindsay Stephenson (UT Extension), and Dave Close (UT Extension)

Student Initiates:

• Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications: Suzan Nowak, Michelle Sadler, Delaney Turner, Whitney Whittaker
• Agricultural and Resource Economics: Luke Altman, Sean Creager, Amy Harrison, Sawyer Stephens
• Animal Science: Amber Boettcher, Maya Dye, Julia Fanning, Gabrielle Guglielmo, Holly Hamilton, Emily Howe, Karley Lech, Brianna McLerran, Caitlynn Turner, George Wilson, Peyton Winter
• Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science: Jessica Barks, Emily Ellis, Sheshu Mutyalu
• Food Science: Bingqi Chen, Zachary Feldman, Sloan Hoesel
• Plant Sciences: Abigail Love, Lamara Stuart, Lauren Valk
• School of Natural Resources: Kaylie Hawthorne, Jeffrey Janson, Riley Ripley, Banya Roy
• College of Veterinary Medicine: Swarnendu Basak, Erin Boyle‑Levy, Ellie Jones, Jennifer McCullough, Durga Neupane, Avni Patel, Yasmeen Patnaik, Ryann Piperno, Jordan Tesar, Titus Yeng

The Fall 2025 Awards Banquet and Initiation Ceremony not only celebrated individual and team achievements but also reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing agriculture through scholarship, leadership, and service. As new members join the ranks of Gamma Sigma Delta, they carry forward a tradition of excellence that strengthens the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and the communities it serves.