Grant County Extension Program Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent, Judy O’Loughlin, attended the National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences annual meeting in San Antonio, TX, September 24 – 28.

O’Loughlin was presented the “Distinguished Service Award” from the NM State Affiliate at the awards banquet. The award states: “For Dynamic Leadership and Creative Implementation of Extension Programs and for Personal and Professional Growth.”

Signature programs that she has implemented in Grant County include the ever popular and ongoing, “Strong Women Strong Bones” free weights program, the annual “Kitchen Creations Diabetes Cooking School,” “Chronic Pain Management” series, “Healthy You” lifestyle series, Food Preservation, the first “Master Gardener’s Program,” as well as her work with 4-H youths.

All extension programming is research and evidence based, critical in today’s fast-paced, internet world.

O’Loughlin began her tenure with the NMSU Extension Service fall of 2006. The best thing about this job, says O’Loughlin, is that “it doesn’t feel like a job most days and the opportunity to make differences in people’s lives is so rewarding.” The other great thing is “I’m always learning and that is probably the most remarkable job benefit.”