WVU Extension

Outstanding Partner Awards

Betty McCartney—Outstanding Philanthropist

Betty McCartney Dr. Betty McCartney earned her bachelor’s degree from Berea College, her master’s in human development from the University of Maryland, and her doctorate in educational administration from Walden University. She has served as a National 4-H Fellow and dedicated her career to working for Extension. She has established the Dr. Betty Crickard McCartney 4-H Health Initiative Fund. Her support will go directly to counties to provide training for club health officers and other support as needed.

We’d also like to recognize four agents who wrote successful grant applications for Betty’s funds to support innovative health officer training programs: Brent Clark, Harrison County; Becca Fint-Clark, Monongalia County; Jenny Shirey, Taylor County; and Julie Tritz, Wayne County.

Farm Credit of the Virginias—Outstanding Organization

award_Farm-Credit Farm Credit of the Virginias provides more than a billion dollars in financing to more than 9,000 farmers, agribusinesses, and rural homeowners in 96 counties in Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Farm Credit recently funded a mini-grant program that helps West Virginia farmers fix hazards that put their children at risk of injury or death.

Susan Pietrantozzi—Outstanding Partner

Susan Pietrantozzi Susan Pietrantozzi spent many years working for the 4-H program and experienced first- hand the struggle that camps have in finding program money. She expanded her endowment to include 4-H youth scholarships so that more youths can attend camp.

Ronnie Helmondollar—Outstanding Resource Development

Ronnie Helmondollar Ronnie Helmondollar is an assistant professor in Agriculture and Natural Resources in Randolph County. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Ferrum College and a master’s degree in the animal and veterinary sciences from WVU. Ronnie was instrumental in the development of the Randolph County 4-H Foundation Endowment.

Stephanie Nestor—Outstanding Resource Development

Stephanie Nestor Stephanie Nestor was born in Barbour County and raised on her family farm there. She spent her 4-H days raising and showing swine and cattle. She earned her bachelor’s degree in child development and family studies and her master’s degree in public administration; both degrees are from WVU. Stephanie is in her sixth year as an Extension agent in Ritchie County. Stephanie was instrumental in the development of the Ritchie County 4-H Developmental Council Inc. Endowment.

Michele Hale—Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising

Michele Hale Michele Hale is a Jefferson County 4-H club leader and state camp volunteer. She spent her youth as a Cabell County 4-H’er and traveled to Germany as an International 4-H Youth Exchange student. She has served as the chief of the WV 4-H All Stars and chairman of the 4-H Funds Advisory Committee. With her help, we launched the Take A Seat at Our Table campaign in which donors purchase an engraved plaque that will remain in the Mount Vernon Dining Hal.

Shirley and Gerald Eagan—2009-10 Legacy Leaders

Shirley and Gerald Eagan Shirley and Gerald Eagan have made a significant legacy gift through their wills to support 4-H and WVU Jackson’s Mill.

Jerry, a Minnesota native, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. Following one year as a teacher and a stint in the U.S. Army, Jerry began his Extension career as an assistant county agent (4-H) in Bledsoe County, Tenn. He then earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in agricultural economics from the University of Tennessee. He worked as an Extension specialist in agricultural economics at WVU from 1973 until 1988, when he retired. Since retirement, he has been an active Kiwanis volunteer in the Morgantown community.

Shirley has been associated with WVU Extension for most of her life. She was a Kanawha County 4-H’er until attending Marshall University. She was home demonstration agent in Jackson County from 1964 to 1967, when she left to attend graduate school at North Carolina State University. She worked for a short time in the Parkersburg Area before becoming a state Extension specialist in 1969. Her major roles involved program and volunteer leadership development. Shirley served as state adviser to the Extension Homemakers (now CEOS). During this time, she also earned her doctorate at WVU. Since her retirement in 1996, she has remained an active community volunteer and was among the first Extension retirees to work with the 4-H archives project.




View other prior WVU Extension Service Development awards.