By:
Chuck Woods (352) 392-1773 x 281Source(s):
Jimmy Cheek jgcheek@ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 392-1971
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Jimmy Cheek, University of Florida senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, has been recognized by two national organizations for his professional accomplishments as a professor and administrator.
He received the Distinguished Educator Award June 17 from North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) during the organization’s annual meeting in Wooster, Ohio, and he was named a Fellow of the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) May 27 at its national meeting in San Antonio.
The NACTA and AAAE honors are based on Cheek’s outstanding teaching and research accomplishments and other contributions in agricultural education over many years of service to UF as a faculty member and administrator.
In January 2005, UF President Bernard Machen appointed Cheek as senior vice president to lead the statewide teaching, research and extension programs of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. IFAS encompasses five major units: the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station; the Florida Cooperative Extension Service; the School of Forest Resources and Conservation and elements of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Cheek previously served as dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, beginning in 1999. He joined the UF faculty in 1975 as an assistant professor and rose to the rank of full professor in agricultural education and communication in 1985. He was named assistant dean for academic programs of the college in 1992.
Cheek received his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural education from Texas A&M University in 1969 and 1975, respectively. He received his master’s degree from Lamar University in 1972. Prior to coming to UF, Cheek served as a graduate fellow and instructor at Texas A&M.
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