Karen Ensle, FCHS educator and department head, Union County, speaks during her induction into the 2024 NEAFCS Hall of Fame.
Karen Ensle, Ed.D., educator and department head, Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS), Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, was inducted into the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) Hall of Fame in Tucson, Arizona, on September 19. She was recognized with the 2024 NEAFCS Hall of Fame Award—the most prestigious honor for Extension Family and Consumer Science professionals nationwide.
For nearly 40 years, Ensle has exemplified unparalleled dedication, expertise, and innovation in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), making significant contributions that have positively impacted individuals, families, and communities. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and service embodies the values and mission of NEAFCS, making her a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.
“It was a thrill to be nominated by my FCHS Rutgers colleagues for this award and to receive it at our national NEAFCS meeting in Tucson, Arizona. I have truly enjoyed being an FCHS Extension Educator in Union County, NJ, the last 37 years and have had the pleasure educating local residents on the topics of obesity prevention, healthful meals, physical activity and small steps to health and wealth,” said Ensle.
She noted that the “NEAFCS Strategic Plan aligns with Rutgers Cooperative Extension and supports the education of consumers of all ages to improve the quality of life for individuals and families across the U.S.”
Ensle’s accomplishments are evident through her continued commitment to NEAFCS as a member and leader as well as an FCHS professional, and drew praise from FCHS chair, Sara Elnakib, Ph.D.
“This award is a testament to her unwavering dedication to NEAFCS and her tremendous contributions through educational resources and leadership that have touched lives in her community, across New Jersey, and throughout the country,” said Elnakib.
Karen Ensle (front row, 4th from right) was joined by several Rutgers colleagues during her induction into the 2024 NEAFCH Hall of Fame in Tucson, AZ, on September 19.
Ensle has won more than 20 awards from NEAFCS on the state, regional, and national levels. In addition, she’s served as a reviewer for the Journal of NEAFCS since 2006 and has published articles in the Journal.
She serves selflessly to ensure that both the organization and its members continue to thrive and succeed, which is evident in her service to the organization as a whole and the individual members. She has served as an external reviewer for promotion and tenure packets since 2005, ensuring that NEAFCS continues to attract and foster excellence in its members. Ensle currently serves on the NEAFCS endowment committee and two Public Affairs committees.
Ensle has served on at least 8 different NEAFCS committees dating back to 1991 while holding many affiliate offices. She recently agreed to serve as the affiliate representative for the 90th Anniversary committee.
“From having her local community make a proclamation for Living Well Month to conveying a historical note to new members about NEAFCS, Karen has exemplified what it means to be a dedicated member of her professional association and leader to new and experienced colleagues alike,” said NEAFCS in its announcement.
The NEAFCS Hall of Fame was established in 2019 to recognize an outstanding NEAFCS member/s who has contributed their time, skills, and abilities and/or financial resources to the NEAFCS. The recognition is given to NEAFCS members who have demonstrated their commitment, dedication and effective leadership and involvement in NEAFCS at the state, regional and/or national level.
