Seven faculty and staff members at the University of Georgia are being recognized for their contributions to public service and outreach, according to a March 27 announcement. The awards honor individuals who have demonstrated significant achievements in community engagement, program development, mentorship, and scholarship.
The recognition highlights the importance of public service in improving quality of life across Georgia. Recipients represent a range of disciplines, including environmental policy, agriculture, youth leadership development, small business support, and ecological restoration.
Leigh Elkins was named a Walter Barnard Hill Fellow for her leadership in community engagement and natural resource planning at UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Elkins has played a key role in helping communities integrate sustainability with economic progress through participatory planning. She led efforts following the Ocoee Whitewater Center fire by collecting over 7,000 public comments from 38 states to guide redevelopment plans that reflect cultural values. Her projects have secured millions in state funding and private investment for neighborhood revitalization.
The Walter Barnard Hill Award was given to several recipients. Tammy Cheely has advanced agricultural programming as County Extension Coordinator for Warren and Glascock counties since 1994. Her programs have improved beef cattle production through initiatives like the Warren County Calf Network—facilitating sales exceeding $991,000 in additional profits—and mentoring young producers. Karen DeMeester collaborates on research projects that address disaster impacts and workforce readiness; she co-led Project F.R.E.E., which provides relationship education to thousands of families statewide.
Bryan Fluech coordinates extension programs focused on coastal resilience as associate director at Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. He works with commercial fishers on sustainable practices while supporting industry challenges such as workforce shortages; his efforts contributed to an industry generating $51.4 million in sales this year. Lauren Healey leads youth leadership curriculum updates at the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development; her work has reached more than 22,000 students statewide.
Kyle Hensel directs continuing education programs for entrepreneurs through UGA’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), overseeing over 300 programs annually across 18 offices statewide—initiatives that have attracted significant private and federal funding while being replicated nationally.
Jon Calabria received the Engaged Scholar Award for career-spanning contributions integrating academic expertise with community needs in ecological restoration projects throughout Georgia. His studio classes involve students directly with communities on design concepts leading to tangible improvements such as Bradwell Park’s redesign—a project that secured more than $1 million for implementation.
