The West Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame (WVAFHOF) Foundation recognized the 2025 class of inductees on Saturday, July 19 during a reception and awards banquet at Jackson’s Mill. Each inductee was selected for this honor for their outstanding contributions to the establishment, development, advancement, and improvement of agriculture, forestry, and family life in West Virginia.
“These nine men and women show us each day what it means to serve others. Whether they’re in their fields or barns, growing food to put on our tables; in the woods managing our forests for the next generation; or working with our youth to mold active, responsible, and successful leaders; they have all made extraordinary contributions to the state of West Virginia. The WVAFHOF banquet is a time to honor them and let them know their contributions have made our state a better place to live,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt.
The 2025 WVAFHOF inductees are:
Paul Lakin Cummings (dec.) – Agriculture (Roane County) Paul grew up on his family’s farm near Walton. He received his degree in Agriculture Education and later a master’s in Vocational Education. He spent most of his career as the Ag-Ed teacher at Walton/Roane County High School. Paul’s passion was production agriculture. His students excelled in their SAE’s, and during his career, his students won 58 state FFA proficiency awards and one national proficiency. In his free time, he ran an active adult farmers program aimed at helping others succeed. Paul retired from teaching in 2006 but continued to farm until his passing in 2019.
Charles Randall “Randy” Dye (dec.) – Forestry (Wood County) Randy was born and raised in Parkersburg and graduated from WVU with a degree in Forestry. He spent two decades as a forester in land management in GA, NC, and VA. In 1999, he returned to West Virginia when he was appointed Director of the Division of Forestry. He was an active member of the National Association of State Foresters and served two consecutive terms as the group’s President. Randy made an effort to spend time in the field with his foresters and was a vocal advocate for best management practices. Randy retired in 2017 after 18 years with the state. He passed away in 2024.
Robert M. Garrison – Forestry (Doddridge County) Robert spent his formative years in Doddridge County and graduated from the WVU School of Forestry in 1973. Early in his career, he worked for Georgia-Pacific and Coastal Lumber Company. In 2011, he decided to open his own consulting company. Robert is known in the industry as an expert in forest management. He was instrumental in the passage of the WV Logging Sediment Control Act of 1992. He is a Past-President of the WV Forestry Association.
James R. Hays – Forestry (Upshur County) Jim grew up in St. Albans and went to WVU, but the Vietnam War cut his studies short. He served in the U.S. Army, receiving a National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars. After his service, he finished his degree and began working for the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF) as a Forestry Aide, Service Forester, State Lands Management Forester, and District 3 Forester. Jim retired from the WV DOF in 2005 and began working as a private consultant for Sentinal Forestry Service. His colleagues say his work ethic and dedication to sustainable forest management are second to none.
William E. & Helen J. (Schmidt) McClain – Family Life (Lewis County) William and Helen were both born and raised in Lewis County. Their parents instilled the importance of community involvement and service to others. The pair met, fell in love, and married in 1970. They own and operate Stoney Meadows, a fourth-generation farm. Helen has been an active member of the Vandalia Community Education Outreach Service (CEOS) for 54 years and has served as a 4-H club leader for more than four decades. Both are active members of the WV Farm Bureau, the WV Cattlemen’s Assoc., and their local Conservation District. Now retired, the Phillips continue to farm and continue to inspire others to be servant leaders.
Dr. Ruthellen Phillips – Family Life (Monongalia County) Ruthellen has dedicated her career to the families, youth, and communities of West Virginia. In her work with WVU Extension, she has tirelessly focused on programs to improve the lives of others. Her greatest legacy is the award-winning Energy Express, the country’s only statewide, reading-focused summer learning program. She has also been a champion in supporting and developing Extension faculty. She has a long list of awards and accolades from local, state and national organizations.
Virgil Wilkins – Agriculture (Wetzel County) For more than a half century, Virgil taught, mentored, and made a difference in the lives of countless young men and women of Wetzel County as an Agriculture Education teacher and FFA advisor at Hundred High School. He emphasized hands-on learning, from the program’s Ham, Bacon and Egg sale to the school’s community garden and greenhouse. His numerous awards include: Southern States Leadership Award (1983), Milken Educator Award (1990), National FFA VIP (2014), and Layle D. Lawrence Lifetime Achievement Award (2024).
David J. Workman – Agriculture (Hardy County) David grew up with a passion for agriculture. He attended WVU and graduated with a degree in Agriculture. He was hired as a 4-H Agent, working with the youth of Hardy County and promoted to Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent where he conducted ground-breaking and award-winning research on heat recovery in broiler houses. He also helped write Best Management Practices (BMP) for the poultry industry. David retired from Extension in 2018 and was elected to the Hardy County Commission where he is currently serving his second term in office.
