Kansas

A Kansas State University Research and Extension agent in Pottawatomie County--Angela Abts--has been selected to receive a $1,000 professional development scholarship.

K-State's College of Human Ecology chose Abts for the award.

Abts, who is working toward a master's degree in youth development at K-State, also serves in the dual role of K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) family and consumer sciences and 4-H agent in Pottawatomie County.

"The additional education will help me add value to my work," said Abts, who explained that opportunities to work with children and families attracted her to Extension.

"I enjoy working with children because I love their energy, ideas," she said.

Abts earned a bachelor's degree in human resources and family sciences at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and worked as a family and consumer sciences teacher in Nebraska before joining KSRE in Sheridan County. She moved to Pottawatomie County earlier this year.

In trading the classroom for the county Extension office, Abts said: "Some of the most valuable educational experiences occur out of the classroom."

Abts' scholarship was established to reward Extension agents who are enrolled in master's degree programs at K-State. The scholarship program is credited to Emily Mark, longtime Extension family and consumer sciences agent and area specialist in northeast Kansas, who recognized the value of continuing education for Extension agents.

For more information on educational Extension programs, interested persons can contact any county or district K-State Research and Extension office.

Date: 7/21/05