Farmer was honored during UPCEA’s virtual awards ceremony on Oct. 20. 

“I’m so honored to receive UPCEA’s 2021 Instructor of the Year for the South region, and I want to also recognize Jill Thompson, associate director for professional development, who facilitated the delivery of my courses, and Julia Duvall, public communication specialist, who promoted our programs,” said Farmer. “This award is a great example of teamwork making the dream work.” 

Farmer helped Educational Outreach develop a High Impact Leadership program that launched in 2017 and has continued to develop and deliver professional development workshops in managerial and supervisory communication, change communication, and emotional intelligence.  

In nominating her for the award, Thompson wrote: “She is so well liked by participants that she has developed a following – several repeat customers attend her workshops, and many of her trainings have filled to capacity and/or have generated significant registrations. Most recently, Dr. Farmer combined several communication related workshops for women into a Communication Strategies Certificate for Women. Within one month of marketing, it’s drawn more attention than any of the other certificate programs. All the programs Dr. Farmer teaches can be adapted to an online “live” format or hybrid options. This helped our department maintain a steady stream of revenue during the pandemic.” 

“Betty has been and continues to be an asset to WCU and our region,” said Carolyn Callaghan, Executive Director for Educational Outreach.  “We are thrilled that her hard work and dedication to professionals in our region has been recognized, and we look forward to continuing to expand our reach.”  

UPCEA’s South Region consists of 14 states. For more information about UPCEA, visit upcea.edu 

WCU’s Division of Educational Outreach proactively cultivates personal and professional growth through high quality courses, programs and services.