By:
Carole L. Jaworski
GAINESVILLE — Ashley Wood, deputy director of Communication Services at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, was recently honored with the Agricultural Communicators in Education’s highest award – the Professional Award.
The award, recognizing excellence, professionalism and achievement in communication over an extended period, was presented to Wood during the ACE international meeting in Cleveland in mid-July.
Founded in 1913, ACE is the oldest professional organization of its type based in the United States. The nonprofit, educational organization offers local, regional, national and international programs for improving communications skills in agriculture, home economics, natural resources and related fields. Its members come from every U.S. state and from every continent except Antarctica.
In 1990, Wood helped bring the international headquarters of ACE to the University of Florida. He served as ACE coordinator for six years, promoting a responsive, member-driven organization. During that time, he oversaw the organization’s conversion to computerized databases, electronic communication and e-mail.
Wood has been an active member of ACE since 1983. In 1988, he was honored with the ACE Award of Excellence; in 1991, the Outstanding Professional Skill Award in Graphic Design; and in 1995, the Golden ARC Award in Publications from the Agricultural Relations Council.
In 1994-95, he served as editor of the ACE Journal of Applied Communications and is currently a member of the journal’s editorial team. He has also served on the ACE technology, development and strategic planning committees; on the board of trustees for the development fund; and as chair of the graphic design special interest group.
He is a member of the Executive Committee of the University of Florida Communications Network and currently chairs the Alachua County Historical Commission.
Wood came to the UF in 1969. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in adult education from UF.
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