Edwin Chavous Honored for Leadership in Agricultural Education

By Blake Jackson

Edwin W. Chavous, coordinator of Kentucky State University's Third Thursday Thing Workshop, has been recognized with the Community Builders Award by the Frankfort/Franklin County NAACP. The honor was presented during the organization's Annual Freedom Fund Celebration on June 26, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Frankfort.

Centered on the theme "Fierce Urgency of Now," the event highlighted equal rights, scholarships, and community outreach initiatives. NAACP President Ramona Griffin presented the award to Chavous in recognition of his dedication to education and community service.

Since assuming leadership of the Third Thursday Thing program in 2024, Chavous has continued to expand one of Kentucky State University's longest-running sustainable agriculture education initiatives.

The program was established in 1997 through support from the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program and was founded by Dr. Marion F. Simon, who directed it until retiring in 2023. Dr. Jessie Lay subsequently guided the workshop before Chavous assumed leadership.

Now entering its 29th year, Third Thursday Thing delivers monthly educational programs that promote sustainable farming practices and provide research-based information to Extension personnel, producers, agency representatives, agricultural professionals, and farm leaders throughout Kentucky and neighboring states.

Held at Kentucky State University's Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, the workshops combine classroom instruction with field demonstrations, giving participants practical opportunities to observe innovative farming techniques and conservation practices.

Under Chavous' direction, the program has broadened its educational offerings by launching the Fourth Wednesday Beef Cattle Program and exploring additional workshop locations throughout Kentucky to increase accessibility.

The initiative also strengthens professional development opportunities for Kentucky State Cooperative Extension agents, helping expand agricultural education across the state.

Program planning is supported by Joni Nelson and Savanna Miller, whose efforts help coordinate training and educational activities.

Over nearly three decades, Third Thursday Thing has covered topics ranging from crop and livestock production to soil health, conservation, pest management, value-added agriculture, marketing, beginning farmer education, and emerging agricultural technologies, while fostering collaboration among universities, agencies, nonprofit organizations, and producers across the region.

Photo Credit: kentucky-state-university