Catchot gains national recognition
Angus Catchot
A Mississippi State University professor recently won an award from the Entomological Society of America for his professional service to agricultural producers in the Southeast.
Angus Catchot, an Extension Service agronomic crops entomologist, was named the 2013 recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension. Catchot was nominated by the society’s South Eastern Branch because of his noteworthy program creativity, impact, achievement and delivery of services.
“Dr. Catchot is very deserving of this award because of his commitment to agronomic crop entomology, his passion for Extension, and his service to clientele in the state of Mississippi and the Southeastern region,” said Scott Willard, head of MSU’s Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology. “He is selfless in his pursuit of team-oriented, collaborative opportunities that expand the capabilities of others toward solving real-world problems for our producers.”
Catchot joined the MSU Extension Service in 2004. Over the past seven years, he has conducted a nationally recognized Extension entomology program geared towards agronomic crops. Catchot has numerous publications, presentations and media appearances to his credit. He has generated almost $3 million in grant support for his Extension and research program.
“I have been impressed with his knowledge, determination, foresight and expertise as an applied entomologist. We, as all farmers in the state, need applied research, and he has led the charge to ensure that takes place,” said Mississippi Delta grower Mike Sturdivant Jr. in an endorsement letter for Catchot.
Catchot is also noted for his forward-thinking approach to technology. His work to switch a paper newsletter to an online blog resulted in two awards for teamwork and innovation.
“Extension is the perfect fit for Angus Catchot,” said Gary Jackson, director of MSU’s Extension Service. “He has true passion for his role, vision for his profession and commitment to his clients. He is an excellent scientist who understands the scholarship of outreach, which is a part of the mission of a land-grant institution like Mississippi State. Dr. Catchot is very deserving of this national recognition.”
Keri Collins Lewis | MSU Ag Communications
