At the Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards (NACEB) annual meeting in February, Allen Blezek received the organization’s statewide Outstanding Volunteer award for significant contributions to Nebraska Extension. Allen was nominated by Karen Wobig, extension educator and unit leader of Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, for being a key volunteer and strong advocate for Extension and NACEB.
A long-time supporter of Extension, Allen began his volunteer service on the Lancaster County Extension Board in January of 2014, serving as Vice President in 2018 and as President in 2019. He served two terms, which spans the maximum of six years.
Allen has volunteered countless hours to NACEB. He initiated numerous meetings with the NACEB District Director, Extension administration and others, to look at ways to enhance NACEB’s mission as well as the roles of its membership. Lancaster County NACEB Director Wes Daberkow says, “Allen Blezek has selflessly empowered others to impact lives and communities across Nebraska.”
Allen graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, initially teaching Vocational Agriculture. After earning master’s and doctorate degrees, he joined UNL faculty. A highlight of Allen’s career was to serve as director of the Nebraska LEAD Program (the nation’s premier agricultural leadership development program) for nearly 25 years.