Oklahoma State University Extension honored three outstanding staff members at the recent Administrative Support Staff Biennial Conference awards luncheon with the Heart of Extension Award.

This award recognizes up to three individuals who have excelled in demonstrating a heart for OSU Extension throughout their career by providing excellent customer service, creative problem-solving and teamwork. Awardees have also taken the initiative to identify projects on their own and look for ways to work more efficiently.

“Support staff are absolutely vital in having county, district and state offices run smoothly and serving the public well. They are our clients’ first positive impression of OSU Extension, and they model hearts for service,” said Dr. Damona Doye, associate vice president of OSU Extension. “We are pleased to celebrate these individuals for their exemplary contributions.”

Recipients receive a $200 stipend and an engraved crystal cube paperweight to display in their office.

Audra Price, Coal County administrative support specialist

For more than three decades, Audra Price has been the heartbeat of the OSU Extension Coal County office. That consistent work ethic, along with her quality of service, adaptability and commitment to Extension, makes her truly exceptional.

Kelsey Ratcliff, Southeast District area specialist of health disparities, said customer service is at the core of everything Price does.

“She is the face of the office, the person community members trust and the one who handles concerns long before they reach anyone else,” Ratcliff said. “If a problem can be solved, Audra solves it.”

Price’s creative problem-solving skills are legendary. She single-handedly created the office’s filing system, aligning it directly with civil rights procedures and ensuring compliance, clarity and consistency. She continues to take the initiative to learn new computer programs and master them because she knows the office depends on her. Price doesn’t wait to be asked; she sees what needs to be done and does it.

“Audra is, in every sense, the heart of Extension in Coal County,” Ratcliff said. “Her stability, mentorship, kindness and deep institutional knowledge have shaped generations of staff and supported thousands of community members. Her service isn’t only exemplary; it is foundational.”

Selina Wishall, Nowata County administrative support specialist

With just over three years of service in the OSU Extension office in Nowata County, Selina Wishall has made an extraordinary impact on her colleagues not only in the county office, but in the Northeast District, too. She has become the heart of the office as she demonstrates what it means to serve others with compassion, professionalism, integrity and genuine care.

Tara Martin, Nowata County district director and agriculture/4-H Youth Development specialist, said Wishall’s positive attitude, willingness to help, and sincere concern for others have strengthened relationships within the community and elevated the office’s reputation.

“Customer service is where Selina truly shines, Martin said. “She has a remarkable ability to make every individual feel welcomed, respected and valued. Agriculture producers, county officials, OHCE members, fair board members, volunteers and community members know they can depend on her for accurate information and exceptional service.”

Wishall is also known for her ability to identify problems and develop creative solutions. She served on the Extension Finance Task Force during the statewide implementation of the credit card process. She was instrumental in developing processes that shaped the policies and procedures that continue to guide county offices today.

“Selina Wishall demonstrates all of the qualities The Heart of Extension Award recognizes,” Martin said. “Her compassion cannot be taught. Her dedication cannot be measured by a job description. Her impact is reflected in the trust she has built with our clientele, the respect she has earned from her colleagues and the countless ways she quietly makes Extension stronger each day.”

Susan Stepp, Marshall County executive administrative support specialist

In Marshall County, Susan Stepp is the first point of contact in the OSU Extension office. She assures that every person who walks through the door, whether a 4-H member, parent, volunteer or community partner, feels welcomed.

Amanda Lewis, OSU Extension educator in family and consumer sciences for Marshall/Johnston counties, said Stepp continually demonstrates exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills.

“In the face of ongoing staffing challenges, she proactively stepped in to coordinate events, organize logistics and ensure program quality,” Lewis said. “She consistently finds ways to overcome obstacles, whether by reorganizing workflows, identifying alternative solutions or leveraging available resources to meet program needs.”

Throughout her 18-year career, Stepp has been a collaborative and supportive team member who contributes to every aspect of the office’s success. She works seamlessly with educators, volunteers and leadership, stepping in wherever needed without hesitation. Lewis said her dedication to teamwork goes beyond the borders of Marshall County.

“She travels to other counties to train and mentor new support staff, and she’s behind the scenes of area and district events, creating marketing materials, taking registrations and organizing everything from paperwork to people to ensure the events run smoothly,” she said. “Susan continually looks for ways to improve processes, demonstrates initiative and acts without requiring direction. Her impact on our office cannot be overstated. She embodies the spirit of Extension through her reliability, compassion and unwavering work ethic.”