North Dakota State University Extension and NDSU Research Extension Center support staff were recognized for their years of service during the biennial support staff conference held April 21-23 in Fargo, North Dakota, according to a May 6 announcement. The event honored employees who reached milestone anniversaries between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026.
The recognition highlights the contributions of individuals serving in various roles across counties and departments. Staff members celebrated included Trisha Berg (Ramsey County), Torie Piehl (LaMoure County), Tiffany Munson (Eddy County), Krista Olson (Human Development and Family Science), Jayla Smith (Benson County), Andrea Evert (Agriculture Budget Office) for five years; Darla Bakko and Shirrell Ott for ten years; Cherie Fischer and Linda Schuster for fifteen years; Dixie Schulz, Jane Hayen, Chris Anderson, Michelle Pulvermacher for twenty years; Diane Herding for twenty-five years; Phil Koapke, Ona Vig, Phyllis Okland, Robbi Hopkins for thirty years; and John Grindahl was recognized for thirty-five years of service.
The conference serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of support staff within the university’s agriculture programs. Photos from the spring conference award ceremony feature honorees alongside Greg Lardy, Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture at NDSU.
North Dakota State University Extension and Ag Research News supports rural communities and promotes sustainable agriculture practices as part of its broader mission according to the official website. The organization functions as part of North Dakota State University with a focus on education, research and extension services that support agriculture in North Dakota. It provides undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, food systems and natural resources while operating across the state in the agriculture and natural resources sector according to the official website.
The biennial recognition reflects both individual dedication among staff members as well as NDSU’s continued investment in supporting agricultural education throughout North Dakota.
