Jerry Williams named Friend of Extension

A longtime local Extension supporter and former 4-H educator, Jerry Williams receives the Friend of Extension-Putnam County award from Ami Pennington during the annual meeting of Purdue Extension-Putnam County.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

Upon being presented the 2023 Friend of Extension award Thursday night, Jerry Williams really didn’t have much to say about himself.

“I’m shocked,” was his only initial response.

For most others in the room for the annual meetings of both Purdue Extension-Putnam County and the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District, it wasn’t exactly a shock.

Williams has been a presence in local Purdue Extension activities for about as long as anyone in attendance could remember.

“The 2023 Friend of Extension has helped all areas within Purdue Extension for many years,” Extension Board member Ami Pennington said in presenting the award. “This year’s Friend of Extension is a person who truly is a local face with countless connections. This individual has met so many in the community and just about tie our story or connection to anyone locally.

“While serving on the Purdue Council for Agricultural Resource and Extension Advocacy group, the Purdue Club of Putnam County, being a 4-H parent and grandparent and adviser to many, this person shows true heart and passion for Extension,” Pennington added. “This individual has been instrumental in all areas of Extension with input for HSS educators, agricultural connections and support for 4-H youth development.”

Furthermore, Williams has not always been an Extension volunteer and supporter, but was actually the local 4-H youth educator “a long time ago,” in the presenter’s words. Specifically, Williams served from 1965-69.

In fact, he is the first of four 4-H educators who have served Putnam County for nearly 60 years and still reside here. That list also includes Darrel Thomas (1971-2000), Lauralee Baugh (2001-2008) and Mark Evans (2008-present).

Upon gathering his thoughts, Williams shared some memories, though his awe remained.

“This is a real shock to get this. I have been involved, I guess, for a long time,” he opened.

He then remembered being part of the team that brought another Extension agent to town, one who now represents this area of Indiana in Congress.

“I remember I was chairman of the Extension committee when we had Jim Baird come,” Williams said. “Some of us had to go to Purdue to convince them that was who we wanted. I knew how they operated, and they tried to send some people down I knew we didn’t want. We had a very strong board.

“It has been a real honor to get this after serving Purdue in a lot of different ways,” he added. “Thank you for this honor.”

The Friend of Extension-Putnam County has been presented each year since 2003.