WVU Extension Service

2009 Development Awards

Outstanding Philanthropist
W. Chandler Swope


W. Chandler Swope Swope Construction Co., owned by Chandler Swope, committed $30,000 to WVU Safety & Health Extension to create the West Virginia Safety Alliance, a program to assist construction companies with improving their safety programs. With proper safety training, Swope hopes to change a West Virginia industry plagued with one of the highest rates of injuries and fatalities in the nation. Swope started his general contracting company in Bluefield, W.Va. Today he has approximately 90 employees building hospitals and schools primarily in West Virginia and Virginia.


Outstanding Organization
XTO Energy Inc.


XTO Energy XTO Energy Inc., with an office in the Jane Lew Industrial Park, is partnering with WVU Fire Service Extension to deliver quality fire suppression training to help keep those working in the natural gas industry safer. The new program is an extension of XTO’s quality safety and training programs that are offered within the company. XTO Energy Inc. is a Texas-headquartered domestic natural gas producer engaged in the acquisition, exploitation, and development of quality, long-lived oil and natural gas properties in the United States.

Outstanding Partner
James D. Dean, XTO


James D. Dean James D. Dean may be employed by XTO Energy Inc., but his hard work and dedication to help start a new natural gas fire suppression program at the WVU Extension Service State Fire Training Academy has made him our most outstanding partner for the year. Dean began his career in the oilfield services in 1973 as a wire line completions engineer and has gained extensive experience in all aspects of the oil and gas industry. He is a native of Buckhannon and a WVU alumnus. He currently serves as the Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator for XTO Energy.


Outstanding Resource Development
Brent Clark


Brent Clark Brent Clark, Harrison County Extension agent, worked with the Harrison County Leaders Association to help the county 4-H program develop an endowment with the WVU Foundation, an effort that will create a financial legacy for the agents who come to the county after him.

Clark has served as the WVU Harrison County 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent since March 1, 2005. His 4-H background started as a member, teen leader, and volunteer in the Mercer County 4-H program.

Outstanding Volunteer Fund Raiser
James E. Grantham


James E. Grantham James E. Grantham coordinates the WVU Extension “Outspoken for 4-H” Bicycle Ride with energy, passion, and enthusiasm. Outspoken has celebrated its sixth year with growing interest, participants, and financial impact on the state 4-H camping program, raising a little over $10,000 this year alone. Grantham was raised on the family farm in Jefferson County. He was born into 4-H and continues to dedicate his organizational abilities to the goal of empowering young people.




2008-09 Legacy Leaders
Dr. Creel & Cheryl Cornwell


Cheryl and Creel Cornwell Dr. Creel and Mrs. Cheryl Cornwell have left a legacy gift to the West Virginia 4-H program through their wills, allowing their dedication to the program to remain long after their time on this earth. Both grew up in Harrison County and joined 4-H at young ages. Cheryl earned her law degree from WVU in 1974 and then her two master’s degrees in child development and counseling in 1991 and 1992, respectively. She now works as a therapist at United Summit Center in Clarksburg. Creel is an accomplished doctor in cardiology and internal medicine. In 1973 he opened his own practice in Clarksburg. Creel started the coronary care unit at Stonewall Hospital in Weston. In 1978, he began the first hospital-based cardiac rehab program in West Virginia.