Moyer Receives Extension's Spirit Award

Michele M. Moyer, program manager, Penn State Dairy Alliance, was recognized with the Cooperative Extension Director's Spirit Award, given to an individual staff member who shows an outstanding commitment to Penn State Cooperative Extension and their community, through their dedication, enthusiasm and quality performance.

The Award specifically recognizes Moyer for exemplifying the spirit and mission of Cooperative Extension by supporting quality educational programs, being of service to the University system and by being a significant program partner. Moyer has been with Dairy Alliance since 2003, and prior to that was public information officer for Penn State DuBois for five years.

Dr. Terry Etherton, Head of the Department of Dairy and Animal Science, said, "I offer heartfelt congratulations to Michele on this recognition for the enormously important contribution she makes to the University and to the dairy producers in Pennsylvania and the United States. Her commitment to Cooperative Extension is exemplary."

Moyer was especially cited for her organization of the Women in Dairy Conferences in 2004 and 2006, when she developed program content with the committee and executing the planning and marketing of the conferences as well as carrying out the successful programs.

In nominating Moyer, Dr. Lisa Holden, associate professor of dairy and animal science, noted, "Every step of the way, her positive attitude, attention to detail, and passion for excellence made all the difference between having good conferences and having great conferences."

She described Moyer's passion for creating a marketing package for the programs of Dairy Alliance that causes clientele to notice and value the programs, saying, "Michele's superb program management skills have provided a lasting positive impact on our customers' views of Dairy Alliance, Cooperative Extension, and Penn State."

She added that through Moyer's efforts the dairy extension education program was transformed from a series of individual brochures to one comprehensive program and speakers guide that the industry and dairy producers use for the full program year. Moyer's work has shifted the program planning timelines to better meet the needs of program sponsors and partners in industry

In accepting the award, Moyer said, "As a member of the fourth generation of a Pennsylvania dairy family, it is very rewarding for me, personally and professionally, to be a part of this dynamic industry. And to serve the industry as an employee of an innovative Penn State Extension initiative like Dairy Alliance is particularly gratifying."

After receiving her B. A. from Penn State, Moyer worked for The Progress Newspaper, a 15,000 circulation paper in Clearfield, PA. She served as display advertising sales representative, as copy editor, and from 1991 to 1998 as editor.

She was previously recognized with the Penn State Commonwealth College Outstanding Staff award, the Penn State DuBois Penn Stater of the Quarter and Penn State DuBois Student Government Association Lion's Pride Award.

Dairy Alliance provides educational programs to Pennsylvania's progressive dairy producers, their employees, and advisers. Programs integrate knowledge from various fields, including business management, human resource management, information management, nutrient management, production management, and workforce development.