Through their dedicated service, leadership and expertise, staff drive the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s mission forward. The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture’s Staff Advisory Committee confers two awards each year to celebrate agronomy and horticulture staff who go above and beyond their usual job duties in a way that greatly benefits the department and/or the university.
Collin Eaton, plant science research manager, and Gianna Butcher, office associate, each received a SAC Special Contribution Award in December and April, respectively.
As a research farm manager, Eaton manages both the East Campus Turfgrass Research Center and the Husker Produce Farm. He also works on forest ecology projects as part of the Forest Global Earth Observatory in Nebraska and abroad.
Eaton coordinates with the Nebraska Turfgrass Science team and the Husker Produce Farm advisory team. He works on projects that test new technologies, support urban agriculture and increase sustainability in specialty crop production. Both programs have an outreach component, so he stays busy with field days and volunteers who come to learn and participate in activities on the farm and research sites.
Collin Eaton is honored with the SAC Special Contribution Award at the Agronomy and Horticulture Staff Appreciation Luncheon in December 2025.
“Collin provides after-hours support for students who need to collect data or harvest produce in a timely way,” said Sam Wortman, a professor of agronomy and horticulture. “He works hard to harvest produce for research trials and takes significant extra effort to be sure that all of the produce is donated to the department or local food banks.”
Eaton grew up in Columbus, Nebraska, and earned a bachelor’s degree in plant biology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2021 and is taking graduate courses in remote sensing.
Butcher has served as the department front desk receptionist in 202 Keim Hall for two years. She works with the Office Professionals Team, including Tamara “Toma” Sukhova, office associate, and Tracy Pickering, office supervisor. In addition to assisting department personnel with purchasing, travel and scheduling, she helps with events, designs flyers and email announcements and provides technical support for Zoom meetings.
Gianna Butcher receives the SAC Special Contribution Award at the 2026 Agronomy and Horticulture Spring Banquet in April.
“As the welcoming face of the department, Gianna embodies the spirit of service, creativity and professionalism that strengthens our community,” said Martha Mamo, professor and department head. “She is often the first person students, faculty and visitors meet — and she ensures that every interaction is warm, personal and uplifting. Her growth mindset shows in everything she does, from improving processes to finding new and better ways to serve others.”
Butcher was born in California, but considers Lincoln, Nebraska, her hometown. Trained in classical teaching, Butcher is currently working on a bachelor’s degree and a copy-editing certificate.
SAC was formed in 2012 to give staff members a voice in the department’s actions and direction. The committee meets four times each year to discuss matters affecting staff members and to find solutions.
Twice a year, SAC bestows Special Contributions Awards. SAC is currently calling for nominations. Nominations can be submitted until Oct. 14 and will be automatically sent to the SAC Chair, Aldi Airori.
