Spring Celebration & Awards Night

Jamie Benedict, Department of Nutrition, Marsha Read Outstanding Leadership in Nutrition & Dietetics

Jamie joined the Nutrition Department faculty at the University in 1990 and has had a long and distinguished career dedicated to developing programs to create positive change in the health of Nevadans. Her work has been particularly focused on improving the nutritional health of impoverished households. Jamie was instrumental in developing the first SNAP-Ed program in Nevada in 1999. Her Rethink Your Drink, Nevada Program has received national recognition and transformed how schools throughout Nevada provide access to healthy drink options on campus. Jamie has made a significant impact on the health of many Nevadans.

Kris Stewart, Ninety-Six Ranch, Outstanding Agriculturist

Kris owns and operates the Ninety-Six Ranch, the oldest single-family owned ranch in the state of Nevada, in Paradise Valley. She and her daughter, Patrice, restored their ranching estate after devasting losses from the Martin Fire in 2018. Kris also lobbied in Washington, D.C., for better support for all ranchers after wildfire and was recognized as a "Woman Changing Range" at the Society for Range Management Conference.

Sarah Kulpa, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Outstanding Leadership in Natural Resources & Environmental Science

Sarah is an alumna of the College's Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Science and is currently a restoration ecologist/botanist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Reno Office. Sarah has been a leader in many efforts to improve the management of Great Basin native plants, including efforts to increase the availability and use of genetically appropriate seeds in restoration and science-based approaches to managing Nevada's rare and endemic plants. She has collaborated with multiple faculty in the Department during these projects.

Yutaka Nomura, Extension's Master Gardener Program in Clark County, Outstanding Extension Supporter

Yutaka has been a Master Gardener in Clark County for 17 years. His green thumb and dedication to nurturing plants have made him an invaluable asset to the community. He divides his time between Extension's Botanic Gardens and the Research Center & Demonstration Orchard (a joint project with University of Nevada, Las Vegas), logging over 7,600 hours in 2023. Yutaka can often be found in the garden teaching Master Gardeners and community members how to prune and care for fruit trees. He also teaches more formal classes in area schools, libraries and community gardens.