Pam Henderson, left, was selected to the University of Missouri Extension’s Leaders Honor Roll. Also pictured are  Debbie Bennett, MU Extension Field Specialist, center, and Randa Doty, Extension Engagement Specialist, right. Mark Staten was also recognized but is not pictured.

Pam Henderson and Mark Staten from Atchison County have been selected for University of Missouri Extension’s Leaders Honor Roll. The Honor Roll recognizes outstanding leaders and volunteers who have helped to advance the work of MU Extension in their communities.

Pam Henderson has been a community champion for MU Extension and Atchison County. She has worked closely with Debbie Bennett, MU Extension Field Specialist in Health and Nutrition. She started taking fall prevention classes that were offered and saw how much they helped her. She took it upon herself to make sure everyone knew about the classes and how much they can benefit each person in the community. Atchison County is truly blessed to have her serving them.

Mark Staten was a member of the Atchison County Extension Council where he served as secretary. He has been instrumental in developing a strong partnership with MU Extension and Tarkio Tech. He has helped connect the community with MU Extension through classes offered by field specialists. Partnerships are essential to the success of MU Extension in the county.

“Our dedicated partners and volunteers are vital to carrying out our mission to improve lives, businesses and communities by focusing on Missouri’s grand challenges around agricultural growth, economic opportunity, educational access, and health and well-being,” said Randa Doty, MU Extension Engagement Specialist. “The Leaders Honor Roll is an opportunity for county extension centers to recognize the many ways volunteers lead and serve at the local and county level. Their efforts are invaluable, and we honor those who are committed to advancing the work of MU Extension.”

Selection for the Honor Roll is based on community leadership efforts supporting MU Extension’s efforts to enhance economic viability, build strong individuals, families and communities, and create and sustain healthy environments. Each fall, extension and engagement specialists work with their county faculty and staff to identify two outstanding individuals or couples for recognition.

Henderson and Staten were recognized March 5, 2024, at the annual meeting of the Atchison County Extension Council.