DATE:    3/5/01
CONTACT: Dr. Diane Smathers, (864) 656-2414
WRITER:  Giles Singleton, (864) 656-3876

Clemson administrator wins
Family and Consumer Sciences award

     CLEMSON -- Clemson University administrator has been selected 
as the "Outstanding Extension Professional of the Year" by the 
South Carolina affiliate of the American Association of Family 
and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).
     Diane G. Smathers, assistant director of Clemson Extension 
and head of the Department of Family and Youth Development, has been
a member of the professional association for more than 26 years.
     She received the award at the annual meeting of the South 
Carolina Association of Family and Consumer Sciences held in 
Charleston Feb. 14-16.     
     She received her undergraduate and masters degree in Home
Economics from the University of Kentucky and her doctorate in 
Higher Education from the University of Georgia. In addition, she 
is certified in gerontology. 
     Brenda Thames, President of SCAFCS, called Smathers an "out 
of the box thinker" who recognizes the challenges facing young 
people and families. 
     "She works to direct resources --both human and financial - 
to address the critical needs across the Family and Consumer Science
subject matter areas."
     Smathers delivered the AAFCS Commemorative Lecture at the 
national meeting of the association in 1998. She has served in 
several leadership roles in AAFCS, including fund development,
accreditation, ethics, and council of certification. In addition, 
she served as National President of the honorary professional
association, Phi Upsilon Omicron in 1992-1994.
     Carol Webb, director of Extension Field Operations, said, 
"Diane has exhibited visionary leadership and always represents
Clemson University in a professional way."
                            END