AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Extension Master Gardener program, with a presence in all 50 states, Canada and South Korea, named Kerry Smith of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System winner of its 2024 Distinguished Coordinator award.

Smith received the award at the program’s annual conference Aug. 27 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

“It has been a tremendous honor to work on the Home Grounds team,” Smith said. “These agents are the most dedicated folks I know, and I lack words to fully thank them for this nomination.”

Smith has been a leader in home horticulture with Alabama Extension for more than 20 years. She has guided the development and successful launch of three noteworthy statewide programs. These include the Alabama Smart Yards series, the Harvest for Health Study and the Grow More, Give More project.

“Working with the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program has given me many rewarding experiences,” Smith said. “In addition to three impactful research projects, collectively Harvest for Health, it’s been gratifying to watch this program evolve from a mini-horticulture training into full-fledged team of agents and volunteers who teach Alabamians about home horticulture.”

Advancing Home Horticulture

Smith receiving the Distinguished Master Gardener Coordinator award at a ceremony Aug. 27.

Smith has also been proactive in collaborating with regional and national partners to deliver innovative programming. She contributed to developing the first Advanced Master Gardener certification in Water Smart Landscape Design by engaging with her counterparts at Clemson University and North Carolina State University. In 2010, she was a leader in this multistate team of specialists and agents. Collectively, the team delivered advanced training to volunteers in Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina.

“Kerry’s contributions go well beyond Alabama Extension,” said Mike Phillips, director of Alabama Extension. “She serves on committees of the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture, among others, and the impact of her work is felt in communities across the country. Her impactful work demonstrates her commitment to advancing horticulture on a national scale.”

At Auburn University, Smith has made a difference over the years as a leader of the Home Grounds team.

“Kerry is very deserving of this honor,” said Becky Barlow, Alabama Extension assistant director for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources programs. “Her dedication, innovation and leadership have significantly advanced our programs and positively impacted the communities we serve.”

Since 2020, Smith has initiated and executed the Strategic Assessment of the Alabama Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, conducting numerous focus groups and surveys. This effort culminated in a comprehensive five-year strategic plan. Finalized in late 2023, this plan updated the mission, vision, guiding principles and objectives of the program.