By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Local couple to be honor at UGA
Placeholder Image

Former Jasper County Extension agent Jean Fowler may have retired in 2011, but she and her husband Rob continue to promote the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

The Fowlers have traveled the globe promoting the college's Distance Diagnostics through Digital Imaging system while supporting the college's domestic and international outreach missions.

"Jean and Rob Fowler have been tireless advocates for our work and invaluable ambassadors of our programs, especially in Central America," said Dean J. Scott Angle, of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Angle will recognize the Fowlers' contributions to the college with the CAES Medallion of Honor at the college's Dec. 14, fall commencement ceremony. The award is given periodically in recognition of service to the college and the agricultural industry in Georgia.

Rob Fowler, a retired president of Main Street Bank in Covington, helped arrange the first endowed 4-H agent's position in UGA history, also believed to be the first endowed agent position in the country. In 2007, he worked with BB&T to create a $1.2 million endowment to continuously fund the 4-H agent's position in Jasper County.

Over the years, the couple has hosted several international students from South America, Central America and Asia at their farm in Newton County. These students have been able to complete graduate work and undergraduate internships with the college while living with the Fowlers.

Apart from their work with young people, the couple was integral in implementing use of UGA's distance diagnostic system in Central America, where it is helping curb pest problems on farms and in exports.