Epsilon Sigma Phi Application Form
To be filled out for all Recognition Awards
*Items must be filled in
*Applicant’s Name: Donna Patterson
*Address: 200 S Lynn Riggs Blvd
*City, State, Zip: Claremore, OK 74017
*Applicant’s Phone number: 918-923-4958
*Applicant’s Email:
Region: Southern
*Have your dues been paid for the previous and current year? XYes No
Year Initiated into ESP: 2010
Select the Recognition Award you are applying for:
National and ChapterDistinguished Service
Friend of Extension
Administrative Leadership
Multi-Cultural/ Diversity Individual and team
Mid-Career service
Early-Career service
International Service
Team Awards
Continued Excellence / Chapter only
Meritorious Support Service
Retiree Service
Tenure Recognition
Visionary Leadership
*Describe Your Education (150 Words Maximum)
I graduated in 1999 with my BS in Animal Science my area of study was biotechnology. After graduation, I decided to pursue my Masters in Equine Nutrition. I completed my MS in 2001. My area of study was phytase and phosphorus digestibility. While studying for my masters I served as a graduate assistant for the OSU Equestrian Team and a teaching assistant in the Animal Science Department. Since starting with Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) I have attended numerous in-service trainings in the areas of 4-H and youth development and agriculture
*Enter Your Employment History (150 Words Maximum)
After graduation in 2001 I moved to NE Oklahoma and started working as an adjunct instructor for Rogers State University. I taught all their equine classes including equine reproduction, nutrition, and management. While teaching I also worked at Farm Bureau selling insurance. As a customer service rep I was responsible for a $1.8 million book of business. In 2004, I accepted my first position in OCES as a 4-H & Youth Development Educator. In 2012 I moved into the Agriculture Educator and County Extension Director position. As you can see I have always been in a position to teach or help people. I have coached over 20 horse judging teams and served as the NE District and Tulsa State Fair Horse Show superintendent.
*Enter Your ESP Membership and Involvement (150 Words Maximum)
I have been an active member of ESP since 2010. I have also served three terms as Northeast District Representative. I have actively recruited extension educators for Epsilon Sigma Phi from my district. I have been involved in the awards ceremony and reviewing the new website.
*Enter Your Professional Accomplishments (150 Words Maximum)
I am or have been an active member in other professional organizations. While I was a 4-H educator I earned the Achievement in Service Award, the Distinguished Service Award and several other awards within that association. In 2011, some NE District Educators and I received the OCES Outstanding Group Award for our program Leadership ROCKS. As an Agriculture Educator I have served as OAEAA district director. I was part of the 2015 Class of Leadership Rogers County. As part of this group I was elected as co-leader and was in charge of the major fundraiser and class project. Our class project was purchasing new beds for the youth shelter in the county.
*Enter Your Program Accomplishments (400 Words Maximum)
During my 11 years in Extension I believe I have made an impact in two program areas. When I started as a 4-H Educator, I saw there was a void in capturing pre-teens and teaching strong fundamental leadership skills. Therefore with two other counties Leadership ROCKS was born. This program evolved to include all of NE District and taught Leadership, Roles of 4-H members in their club and had a strong citizenship component. We were able to develop strong youth adult partnerships and utilize district officers, state 4-H reps, and ambassadors in teaching many of the workshops. In my county, I helped foster strong leadership skills through summer programs. As a result, I have had 2 state officers, 3 state council reps, 3 state ambassadors, 4 state project award winners and 1 state Hall of Fame recipient. I have taught numerous youth workshops that have focused on leadership and strong project work.
The one I am most proud of and still focus on as an Ag Educator is the horse project. I have coach to date over 20 teams. I have had State Champions and Reserve AQHYA World Champions. I have also hosted and coordinated the annual Will Rogers Classic Horse Judging Contest that has close to 200 participants each year. I have had six youth earn judging scholarships and competed on Jr and Sr college teams. I have served as chairperson for the NE District Horseshow for 10 years and Tulsa State Fair Superintendent for five years. I coordinate and manage each show that includes on average 120 youth, 140 horses, and over 800 entries.
An important piece of extension is outreach. One of my more successful programs was my SOD program, Seeds Of Discovery. I partnered with the Rogers County Community Garden Coordinator and Claremont Elementary. This was a 5 week program that stretched over the spring semester. We taught plant science, vermi-composting, water conservation, insects, and planted a school garden. This program reached all 1st through 5th graders in that elementary. This program stretched over two years reaching almost 700 students.
As an Ag Educator, I have coordinated a Women in Ag Conference, Ag Lender’s Conference, Poultry Waste Management Classes, Annie’s Project, and 2015 Cow Calf Bootcamp. I also support a large and active Cattlemen’s group with approximately 60 members. I have worked with area specialist in providing education and preforming demonstration plots on honey locust control.
*Summary Statement for Award Presentation (75 Word Maximum)
Donna Patterson has served as an Extension Educator in Rogers County for 11 years. She is currently serving as the Ag Educator and CED. She is known for her expertise in the equine area and has served as a leader in that program area. Donna has provided educational programs at the local, district, and state levels. Donna says the most rewarding part of working for extension is being able to help people.
*Chapter Recognition Contact: Joyce Sherrer
*Chapter Recognition Email:
Please email a copy of this application to Joyce Sherrer at