Leader Award

Julie Dainty, KS, began her career as a high school Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and is now a technical teacher education professor at Pittsburg State University (PSU), Pittsburg Kansas. Being a teacher was her career goal from the early age of 9 when she began giving demonstrations in 4-H. The seed was planted and nurtured by her high school FACS teacher and involvement in FHA (now FCCLA) at the local and state level. Dr. Dainty began teaching at the college level in the Family and Consumer Sciences department at PSU, her alma mater, and her desire to pass on the inspiration to teach grew. Connections in professional organizations Julie is a member of ACTE, KACTE, AAFCS, KAFCS, NATFACS, KATFACS, and ACTER, which allows wonderful networking and support in career and technical education. Julie enjoys doing anything that brings her family together. 

Karen (Kay) Denniston, KY, is a committed Family and Consumer Sciences professional whose career reflects sustained leadership, professional engagement, and service consistent with the mission of American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences. She is in her eleventh year as an Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, following 30 years as a high school FCS teacher. Her work demonstrates excellence in program development, delivery, and measurable impact on individuals, families, and communities.

As an extension Agent, Kay has received four national awards for educational [programming, including two first-place and two second-place recognitions, highlighting innovation, quality, and effectiveness. Her lifelong dedication to Family and Consumer Sciences began through active involvement in 4-H and FCCLA, where she held leadership offices at the local and regional levels. She continued her professional leadership development in college as a member and officer of Phi Upsilon Omicron, Beta Tau Chapter. Kay currently serves as President of the Bluegrass Area FCS Agents and the Kentucky Affiliate of AAFCS, exemplifying sustained leadership, collaboration, and commitment to advancing the profession. 

Kyle L. Roberson, TX, brings more than two decades of experience in teaching, training, and correctional education. He served 21 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, including 10 years as a Drill Sergeant, and spent 20 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a certified staff trainer and education administrator. In that role, he managed inmate educational and recreational programs, including GED, vocational, and continuing education courses. Currently, Dr. Roberson is an Assistant Professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences Education program at Texas Tech University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses and advises the Omega Chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron. His research focuses on inmate programming, reentry, family literacy, and STEM engagement, reflecting his commitment to improving outcomes for incarcerated individuals and their families.