WSU’s Wheeler Honored Nationally For Pesticide Work

Driven to tackle challenges affecting vulnerable species while protecting the food supply, Wendy Sue Wheeler has spent more than three decades advancing pesticide stewardship in the state of Washington.  Now, the Washington State University Extension pesticide program director has received the President’s Award from the Pesticide Stewardship Alliance, recognizing her leadership and collaborative work in the field.

Wheeler accepted the honor at the organization’s annual conference in St. Louis, calling the recognition “deeply meaningful” from her professional peers.  TPSA leaders said Wheeler has strengthened the national organization through years of service, including roles as vice president, president, and immediate past president. 

Wheeler Is An Asset To The Industry

“Wendy represents a rare combination of heart and hard work, serving at both the committee level and the leadership level as vice president, president, and immediate past president,” said current TPSA President Nicole Jansen. “She has consistently strengthened TPSA through steady, thoughtful, and practical guidance. Our organization is better because of her.”

Wheeler joined TPSA nearly 15 years ago and has served on its board since 2014.

“TPSA is all about collaboration, bringing the very tough pesticide issues and diverse viewpoints to the table and coming out with a solution that is implemented across the U.S.,” Wheeler said. “We have frank conversations about future challenges.

“I strongly believe that before anyone even purchases a pesticide, they should know everything about that particular product, all the way through proper disposal,” she added. “TPSA members represent every aspect of stewardship, from the chemical companies and the regulators to the educators, end users, and people who recycle the pesticides.”

Wheeler Is A Great Example Of WSU-Extension's Mission

Wheeler also leads a Washington State University program that reviews more than 5,000 pesticide-related publications each year and maintains an online database so Washington residents can easily access pesticide information.

“Wendy’s national recognition is a reflection of her leadership and commitment to pesticide stewardship," said Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, Raj Khosla.  "Her ability to bring people together across sectors to protect both our environment and food systems exemplifies the very best of WSU Extension’s mission. We are incredibly proud of her."

“My involvement with TPSA has been such a key part of my career,” Wheeler said. “As a mentor, I now help people achieve success at TPSA and within their individual organizations.”

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