Nikki Dictson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program specialist III at the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI), received AgriLife Extension’s Superior Service Award in the Extension Program Specialist category during a ceremony Jan. 10 at Texas A&M University.
Dictson was one of 17 individuals as well as eight teams with a total of 79 members across the state who were recognized with Superior Service Awards during the annual Texas A&M AgriLife conference.
AgriLife Extension Director Dr. Doug Steele said the award recognizes AgriLife Extension personnel who provide outstanding performance in education or other outstanding service to the organization and Texans.
“The work of these honorees exemplifies the contribution that AgriLife Extension education makes in meeting society’s challenges,” Steele said. “The impact of such work is proof we are meeting our mission to help Texans better their lives through continuing education that encourages lasting and effective change.”
In charge of leading the Texas Stream and Riparian Ecosystem Education and the Texas Watershed Planning training programs for TWRI, Dictson coordinates a variety of professional and landowner trainings, as well as roundtables, group presentations and conferences across the state. In addition, she manages the educational program websites, listservs and outreach efforts of each program.
Dr. Kevin Wagner, TWRI deputy director, said Dictson is a recognized expert on watershed planning in Texas.
“She understands the complexities of the stakeholder-led planning process in Texas and is able to explain complicated modeling results to sometimes overwhelmed citizens,” Wagner said. “Her diverse and unique skillset, her dedication and commitment to her position, and her ability to work independently and develop new solutions make her an invaluable employee.”
Dictson received her bachelor’s, with a double major in Wildlife Science and Fisheries Science, at New Mexico State University and her master’s in Wildlife and Fisheries Science at Texas A&M University.