Longtime Calhoun County Extension Director Honored for Decades of Environmental and Community Leadership
CALHOUN COUNTY, AL — Dr. David West, County Extension Director for Calhoun County, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists (AACAA), the highest honor bestowed upon members of AACAA and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA).
With a 31-year career in Extension, West has built a legacy of community service, environmental education, and volunteer development. He launched the Calhoun County Master Gardener program and established the Tree Amigos Nursery program at Coosa Valley Youth Services under the National Tree Trust. The nursery initiative has now thrived for three decades, providing youth with hands-on horticultural experience and fostering environmental stewardship.
West’s impact extends statewide. He has served as president of both the Alabama Urban Forestry Association and Legacy Partners in Environmental Education. For 27 years, he has coordinated Arbor Day activities on behalf of AUFA, helping to promote tree planting and conservation efforts throughout Alabama.
Calhoun County Commission Chairman Terry Howell offered high praise for West’s contributions: “I remember meeting Dr. David West in 2022 when I was first elected as commissioner. You could tell he was a walking knowledge bank in his field. I remember him sharing information about the Master Gardener program along with the Arbor Day event each year. I have to say my favorite program has to be the beautification award he’s involved in each year. ‘Distinguished service’ describes him well. He’s always willing to help with any project. Congratulations, Dr. David West.”
In accepting the award, West expressed his gratitude: “Being a County Extension Agent continues to be a satisfying and rewarding career. I am thankful to my colleagues for recognizing me with the Distinguished Service Award, and I am grateful to the students, volunteers, co-workers, sponsors, partners, teachers, officials and my family for the huge part they’ve all played in this achievement.”
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional leadership, educational contributions, and commitment to community advancement through Extension service.
