After nearly a decade of empowering Florida families through education and outreach, Nelly Nelson’s dedication has earned her one of the highest honors in Extension.

In September, the Family and Consumer Sciences agent with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension, won the Association of Southern Region Extension Directors’ Excellence in Extension award for 2025, a major honor from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU).

“Receiving this award is an incredible honor, and the recognition truly humbles me,” said Nelson, a nine-year agent with UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County. “I never expected to be acknowledged on such a significant level, especially for work that I’ve always viewed not just as a job, but as a true calling.”

Family and Consumer Sciences stands for something larger than delivering knowledge, she said.

“It’s about improving the quality of life for individuals, families and entire communities,” Nelson said. “The work we do addresses real-world issues that families face daily. Whether it’s guiding someone toward healthier eating habits, helping them manage their finances, strengthening their parenting and co-parenting skills or promoting food safety, my goal has always been to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Documentation in the award packet speaks to Nelson’s contributions as an Extension agent.

“Nelly Nelson has embodied the core mission of Extension: translating research into action and doing so through collaboration, innovation and impact,” supporting documentation says. “As a Family and Consumer Sciences agent, she has consistently leveraged the strengths of university colleagues and community partners to bring research-based solutions to Florida residents, particularly those who are most in need.”

In 2024 alone, Nelson’s programming reached more than 30,000 attendees through 1,229 educational programs and 15,965 client consultations – all statewide.

Her leadership in nutrition education, healthy relationships and home environments was paired with integrated programming across departments — ranging from water conservation and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ to youth development and soil testing, the award documentation said.

Her programs are accessible — offered at little or no cost — and supported by 24,671 volunteer hours.

Through the Homeflow Program, Nelson extended her impact into the physical environment of the home and how that impacts personal relationships. She offers insights on air quality, occupant relationships and wellness. As Manatee is one of three pilot counties translating Homeflow programs into Spanish, her leadership advanced inclusive practices across Extension statewide.

She also works on SMART Couples, a five-county initiative that blends social science with personal outreach. The program guides people through communication, parenting, conflict resolution and financial literacy.

Working closely with colleagues, Nelson collected and analyzed five years of SMART Couples data, contributing to the evidence base for healthy relationship education.

Nicole Walker, interim director of the UF/IFAS Extension Southwest District – who supervises agents in Manatee and 10 other counties — sings Nelson’s praises.

“Nelly exemplifies Florida Cooperative Extension’s impact in communities throughout Manatee County and statewide,” Walker said. “More than 30,000 Florida residents are leading healthier lives — physically, relationally, and mentally — through her innovative programming and collaborative leadership. Nelly is leaving a strong legacy, and we are thrilled to see her exceptional work recognized with this prestigious award from APLU.”

Nelson sees the award not just as a personal milestone but as a reflection of partnerships, collaborations and community connections.

“I’m grateful to UF/IFAS Extension, to my colleagues and to the countless individuals and families who have welcomed me into their lives and trusted me as an educator,” she said. “At the end of the day, the greatest reward isn’t the recognition — it’s knowing that the work I do contributes to stronger families and healthier communities.”

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