Thomas Monaco
State ESP Friend of Extension Award
Dr. Thomas J. Monaco, has been a friend of Extension throughout his career. First, as researcher who gave freely of his time to make presentations on weed control of horticultural crops at various state and local meetings and field days. Through these efforts he became widely known throughout the state for valuable, grower-oriented information. He also shared his knowledge at many in service training session for county agents. Although he had no formal Extension appointment he served as the vegetable weed expert for our state fielding calls about vegetable weed management for many years . Secondly, since assuming the headship in the Dept. of Hort. Science he has supported the entire Extension faculty in their efforts to educate agents and growers in all aspects of horticulture. He takes an active part guiding his faculties and those of other departments in crafting innovative Extension programs. He knows many of the county agents across the state and has helped various departments’ specialists develop an espirit de corp with agents. Third, he has pioneered multi state meetings and professional assignments for Extension faculty. Finally, as department head he has been actively involved in maintaining and building the viability of various commodity organizations. He has done this by not only encouraging strong educational programs, but also by encouraging strong grower leadership and ownership of these organizations. Also, he has provided this leadership by his presence at nearly all of the 22 commodity organization meetings each year. He knows the growers, he knows their problems and opportunities and he genuinely cares about their welfare. He has used his influence with other department heads and the administration to assure that our Extension activities are on the cutting edge.
Tom Monaco has worked diligently to promote Extension, Extension activities and university outreach in NC and throughout the Southeast. He is truly a friend of Extension.
2001 ESP Awards
Xi Chapter ESP
