Rod Youngman receives Alumni Award for Excellence in Extension

Rod Youngman of Blacksburg, Va., professor of entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist, has received Virginia Tech's 2008 Alumni Award for Excellence in Extension.

Sponsored by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, The Alumni Award for Extension Excellence is presented annually to two Virginia Cooperative Extension staff members who have made outstanding contributions outside the classroom. One award is conferred an Extension specialist and one is given to an Extension agent. Each recipient is awarded a $2,000 cash prize.

Youngman was recognized for his contributions in developing and delivering integrated pest management programs for field and forage crops as well as for the commercial turfgrass industry. He works closely with Extension agents to develop tailored educational programs best suited for their clientele.

Youngman has made numerous grower presentations and workshops and provided in-service training for agents and agribusiness professionals. During his nearly 20-year tenure at Virginia Tech, he has authored or co-authored more than 210 Extension publications, given 230 presentations, and garnered nearly $530,000 in funding for his programs.

Youngman earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from California State University Fullerton and his doctorate in entomology from University of California Riverside.