History
The AACES organization began when state specialists began encourage peers to come together to share ideas, concerns, and a vision in their role of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
AACES began in 1977 when specialists recognized the need for an organization of this type to which all Extension professionals can belong. AACES was primarily formed as a social organization, an avenue to allow the Extension professionals an opportunity to get together with spouses and family outside working hours. However, it soon became concerned with providing a means for professional improvement for its specialists.
The charter meeting took place in the home of John Philpot with five people attending. The first official meeting of AACES was the annual meeting in April, 1977. AACES continues today with the purpose of "promoting professional improvement, standards, and performance of its members" and "to support and strengthen the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service and its programs."
The first Board of Directors included an Executive Committee of John Philpot, Jeanette Roberts, Don Adams and Clarence Freeman. Board Members included Carl Farler, Fann Woodward, Mike Hedges, Willie Booker, Charles Walden, and Mike Moss.
The first Annual Meeting was held February 27 – 28, 1978 at the Sheraton in Little Rock. Topics of discussion at the first meeting included "Role of the Specialist", "Office Management Policies", and "Professionalism."
Initial dues were $5.00. Dues were raised to $10.00 in 1983 to "finance a first rate organization."
Officers for the 1978 AACES Organization: President : John Philpot; Vice - President : Jeanette Roberts; Secretary : Don Adams; Treasurer : Clarence Freeman
AACES 2nd Annual Meeting was held April 3 – 4, 1979 at the Farm Bureau Building in Little Rock.
AACES 3rd Annual Meeting was held April 8 – 9, 1980 at the Farm Bureau Building in Little Rock. Presiding officers included Jeanette Roberts, President; Karen Mosher, Secretary; Ford Baldwin, Treasurer. The Awards Committee was chaired by Eleanor Walls, and committee members included Don Adams, Curtis Mason, Jeanette Pollard and Charles Walden. Forty AACES members attended the meeting. Total membership at this time included 70 specialists out of a potential of 117.
AACES 4th Annual Meeting was held April 13 – 14, 1981 at the 4-H Center. Officers included Ford Baldwin, President; Claude Bonner, Secretary; and Stan Chapman, Treasurer.
AACES 5th Annual Meeting was held April 19 - 20, 1982 at the Arkansas 4-H Center. Officers included Ford Baldwin, President; Eleanor Walls, President-Elect; Charlotte Gorman, Secretary; and Joe Waldrum, Treasurer.
Awards were presented at the meeting to
Mr. Ruel Nester (Outstanding Specialist of the Year),
Dr. Fred Collins (Outstanding Researcher), and
Dr. Stan Chapman (Specialist Performance Award).
© 2007
Last Date Modified
01/09/2007