Danny Nusser, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service North Region program leader for agriculture and natural resources in Amarillo, has been recognized with a Superior Service award for leadership by the agency.

The annual Superior Service awards, presented Jan. 9 in Bryan, recognize AgriLife Extension personnel who provide outstanding performance in education or other service to the organization and Texans.

For 33 years, Nusser has been an innovative, effective and dedicated professional for AgriLife Extension, according to his nomination. He took the regional position in 2012 after serving three years as the district administrator. Nusser served as an assistant agent or agent in Hale, Carson, Gray and Randall counties before moving into administration.

"From his entry level position as an assistant county AgriLife Extension agent in Hale County to his current position as a regional program leader, Danny has approached every day to be the best professional he can," said Dr. Angela Burkham, AgriLife Extension state program leader family and community health in Amarillo.

"He engages each day with a can-do attitude; he's not afraid to ask the tough questions nor is he apprehensive about pushing the envelope," Burkham said. "It's this passion and commitment through agency leadership that has resulted in a distinguished career."

The nomination further stated: With his primary goal being to meet the needs of clientele and the agents he serves, Nusser has deemed it a priority to develop quality research-based programs that will effectively address the issues and challenges faced in agriculture.

Nusser plays an important role in coordinating the development and planning of educational activities, providing leadership to the North Region's county agents and regional and campus-based specialists in order to develop high-quality, effective professional trainings, Burkham said.

She said after taking on a leadership role to help build stronger commodity-based emphasis in planning meetings that include industry representation, Nusser developed specific training opportunities for agents, specialists and units to increase their knowledge in key commodity areas.

This past year, Nusser also played a crucial role with the aftermath of the wildfires that devastated the Panhandle by taking charge and leading a significant portion of the disaster recovery.

"Organizing and leading agents in educational response efforts, identifying immediate needs for livestock recovery, disposal and nutritional needs, hosting daily teleconferences and conducting over 30 newspaper, radio and television interviews were just a few of the significant roles he played to help supplement the relief efforts," Burkham said.

A native of Alva, Okla., he earned a master's degree from Texas Tech University and a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University.

Nusser was honored in 2001 with the Texas A&M System Agriculture Program's Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence for his outstanding programming efforts in agriculture and natural resources. In addition, he received AgriLife Extension's highest honor – the Superior Service Award – in 2000.

He was honored again in 2000 by the Texas Association of 4-H Agents with the organization's award in communications. And in 2007, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association.

Nusser is a member of state and national professional Extension organizations, including the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.