Author: Bailee Mazzaro

Alumni Spotlight: Ellen Gilliland ’14

Ellen S. Gilliland graduated in 2014 with a degree in agricultural communication. She now works for Ohio Corn and Wheat as a project manager and stays active in the Ohio State community.

[ACEL]: Hi Ellen! You majored in agricultural communication. Why did you select that major?
[Gilliland]: I choose agricultural communication as my major because I loved agriculture and I loved talking. It seemed so simple and obvious. Little did I know how impactful the classes would be and how much more communication is beyond talking.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I had decided that I wanted to go to Ohio State before I had decided what my major would be. I wanted to stay within Ohio for my education and I wanted to go to an excellent school that had a major allowing me to further my experience within agriculture. Ohio State was the answer to all of my hopes and dreams.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
My decision to Ohio State and my education from there is the whole reason I have a career! Since my first day at Ohio State I was exposed to job opportunities, learning experiences and way to better myself as a student and a professional.

You were really involved on campus outside of the classroom. Share some of the organizations and experiences in which you participated.
I was a very active and involved student, within my classes, major, college and the university. Some of the organizations I was in included: Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (president), National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (Vice President), College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Peer Mentors (transition student lead), Buckeyes Against Hunger (founder, secretary), Saddle & Sirloin (committee chair), CFAES Student Council (president), Beanie Drake student scholarship and endowment board of directors (secretary), Undergraduate Student Government campaigns (grounds game), CFAES Towers Honorary (vice president), Alpha Sigma Upsilon (president). Though this is a long list and to some is nothing but a long list of meetings, agendas, and so on. To me this is a list of memories, accomplishments, learning moments, teaching moments, experiences and impact. Each organization served a specific purpose in shaping my college career. Each organization holds a special place in my heart.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
As a senior at Ohio State I was selected as one of three recipients among all undergraduate students for the Spirit of a Buckeye award. To be selected, you have to be nominated by a faculty or staff member or student. Spirit of a Buckeye recipients are selected based on achievements in both academics and other involvement across the university. This was such an honor, and I think it is really a perfect way to describe my mentality while I was studying there and even now.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
Upon graduation I moved to Omaha, Nebraska and worked for RFD-TV as the marketing manager.

Where has your career taken you since your first job?
I currently work for Ohio Corn & Wheat as the project manager. As the project manager, I oversee several initiatives to represent Ohio grain farmers and provide long-term profitability. My duties include overseeing student member benefits, leadership initiatives, assisting with communication, supervising the internship program, event planning and all meeting coordinating. Previously, I worked as the marketing manager at RFD-TV in Omaha, Nebraska and worked with the Chief Marketing Officer to organize and execute projects such as ads, publications, and commercials with the creative team.

During your career, honors or awards have you been presented?
Though the work I do is not for the recognition, but rather the commitment to being that person to help students like the alumni that helped me as a student, I have been recognized for my time and effort. Just 3.5 years into my alumni status I was both surprised and honored to be named distinguished alumni by three different groups already! Alpha Sigma Upsilon, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and Alpha Zeta Partners have recognized me for contributing to their organizations.

What advice would you give to a current student?
I would suggest to current students to get involved outside of the classroom with student organizations and internships. I would recommend traveling abroad and gaining understanding of a global perspective. I would advise them to have fun and soak up the networking, opportunities and memories that they experiences every day while at Ohio State.

What did ACEL cultivate in you? How?
ACEL cultivated in me an appreciation for all that is available outside of my comfort zone. Everything from international experiences to career opportunities and new ways of thinking to skills that have set me up for success.

Ellen and family following her graduation from Ohio State.

Ellen and some of her best college friends at the CFAES Recognition Program.

Showing a sheep at the 2014 Little International Showmanship Competition.

Working at RFD-TV in Omaha, Nebraska.

Alumni Spotlight: Clarence J. Cunningham ’53, ’58 MS, ’64 PhD

 

Dr. Clarence J. Cunningham graduated in 1953 with his bachelors degree in agricultural education. After teaching, he returned to complete his masters degree in 1958 and a doctoral degree in 1964. He is now retired from The Ohio State University as professor emeritus.

Dr. Cunningham reflects on his decision to attend Ohio State, his time as a student in our department and his professional career.

While high school teachers encouraged me to go to college, the decision to major in agricultural education was influenced most by Dr. Howard Miller, a graduate of the department who was the county extension educator with the 4-H program in Wayne County. My interest in attending Ohio State University was initiated by having been on the campus many times for speech and theatre state programs while I was in high school.  I had an interest in poultry science but really wanted to be an educator in the 4-H field.

My undergraduate program in agricultural education started while a resident in the stadium dorm with 17 other entering freshmen.  By the third quarter there were eight of us left living in the dorm – which means ten were not enrolled at OSU.

Beside academic study, my focus was on involvement in student organizations and working to earn money to stay in college.  My primary student organizations were the University 4-H Club and the Agricultural Education Society.  In later years I was also in an agricultural fraternity, Alpha Gamma Sigma.  My part time work included being a referee at student softball games, selling shoes, analyzing farm account records for the University staff.  My success in finding summer work permitted me to be able to graduate with no debt.

The decision to continue with the MS and PhD degrees at The Ohio State University was influenced Dr. Ralph Bender, my academic adviser, and Dr. Robert McCormick.

They both stressed my need for the advanced degrees and helped me find ways to finance additional education.

My undergraduate study focused on study in agricultural education, dairy science, animal nutrition, and agricultural engineering.  I was pleased with my introduction to the department by having course work with Dr. Wilbur F. Stewart, the first chair of the department and Dr. Ralph E. Bender, the then chair of the department. They were successful in challenging me to be successful and guided my early study.

My favorite memory of my undergraduate study was that I became acquainted with a young lady from a farm who would become my wife and partner for the next almost 40 years.

Initial Employment
At graduation with the BS degree I decided that teaching vocational agriculture would be beneficial, even though my interest in working the OSU Extension Education program continued. Traveling throughout Western and Northwestern  Ohio with other graduates to meet with local school boards resulted in my being hired to teach vocational agriculture at Northwestern in Raymond, Ohio.  It was a successful and wonderful experience.

The U. S. Army then continued my education resulting with an introduction to understanding military intelligence.  An early discharge permitted me to return to OSU to complete my masters degree.

Professional Career 1957 Forward
My professional career from that point forward was with The Ohio State University in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Science.   The first position was as a county extension 4-H educator in Pickaway County where we resided in Circleville.

Two plus years later we accepted an offer to join the OSU campus Extension Service with assignment to the 4-H staff.   About three years later with encouragement I was moved to complete my PhD degree while continuing part time work in the Department of Agricultural Education and the Extension rducation.

After completion of the PhD degree I was assigned 30% time to Agricultural Education and 70% time to the Extension education.

ACEL 1960-1979
I taught the introductory course for two years while also starting my work with teaching graduate courses in program development, evaluation, and research methods.

During the 1960s and 1970s my focus was on graduate education. No records show the how many students I had in classes. My records do show my having served as academic adviser to degree completion the following number of students:

Masters Degree 45
PhD Degree  21

Extension Education-1957-1980
During this period of time my responsibilities changed several times but included a focus on planning noncredit education, directing orientation programs for new employees, directing the evaluation of the Ohio Extension Education programs, and planning educational experiences for international visitors.

Taught formal courses for one to three weeks on other campuses –course content generally dealt with program development and evaluation, but modified to meet current need of current employees.   Courses were taught at the following universities:

Central State University at Cedarville, Ohio –one year
University of Guelph at Guelph, Ontario. Canada –two years
Colorado State University at Ft, Collins, Colorado-two years
University of Minnesota at Duluth. Minnesota –two years
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada –one year

Taught at several Regional and National Extension Workshops and in-state workshops at the University of Illinois and University of Kentucky

Severed on several national committees including:  planning evaluation for new food and nutritional program, designing new evaluation system for Extension Service, designing no needed program directions in the country, fiscal management in Extension.

Extension Education in the 1980’s
In the early 1980’s my responsibilities became full time employment with the Ohio State University Extension.  My responsibilities focused on personnel and financial issues of the organization.

Volunteer Work in Retirement

  • Hilliard Kiwanis- Volunteer and Past President
  • Served on steering committee to raise $16.5 million to build the
  • Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center
  • Serve on the Board of Wesley Communities(3) and Past Chairman
  • Serve on the Ohio 4-H Foundation Board member and Nominating Chair

Honors and Awards

  • Served as National President of Epsilon Sigma Phi, 1988-1990
  • Distinguished Alumni Award, College of FAES
  • Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame, 2005
  • Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame, 2004
  • Laureate in National 4-H Hall of Fame, 2015


With my former advisor, enjoying our retirement in Florida.

At my grandson’s wedding.

Alumni Spotlight: Louis Damschroder ’76, ’78 MS

Louis Damschroder graduated with his bachelors in agricultural education in 1976, and in 1978 he completed a masters degree, also in agricultural education. Damschroder retired as the agricultural science teacher from Oak Harbor High School, a satellite program of Penta Career Center, and is currently working as an assistant for Crosser Funeral Home, also in Oak Harbor.

[ACEL]: Hi Louis! Why did you select to major in agricultural education, and also elect to get a master’s degree?
[Damschroder]: I started as an agricultural engineering major, but switched to agricultural education early in my college career.  I followed a dual major program in undergraduate school with agricultural education and animal sciences, graduating in 1976.  I enrolled in graduate school and received my master’s degree in agricultural education in 1978.

Why did you choose to attend Ohio State University?
Ohio State was the only school to offer the agricultural engineering and agricultural education degree programs in Ohio.  I applied to Ohio State after I learned I was in the top ten list to be drafted and sent to Vietnam, unless accepted in a college program. I received a Class H deferment until I finished my degree program, and by then the war had ended.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career and your career path?
I was hired the first day after receiving BS degree in 1976 by Oak Harbor High School as the production agriculture teacher.  I was a second teacher in the program with my mentor being Larry Heintz. We worked together for 17 years and it was a great working relationship. I continued to work in this program for 18 more years with other teaching partners including: Dan Schroer, Keith Thorbahn, Joe Miller, Mark Starkey, Noah Neiderhouse, and Krysteena Brown Lawrence, and was also honored to serve as mentor to nine student teachers sent from Ohio State.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was a member of the Agricultural Education Society, but very limited in activities.  I was a very active member of Delta Theta Sigma fraternity, being an officer for three years and participated in many campus and off campus activities. I worked in the Meat Lab on campus for one quarter, while a student in Animal Science 453 class.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I really enjoyed teaching methods and student teaching.  My student teaching experience at Lakota High School changed my outlook on life. The students were very receptive and respectful to me and was the first time in my life that I really felt that I made a difference.  I also enjoyed animal nutrition with Drs. Cline and Tyznik, Agricultural Education 100 with Dr. LH Newcomb, and Meat Lab Animal Science 453 with Ned Parrett.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education/career?
I really enjoyed Dr. LH Newcomb, Dr. Leon Boucher, Dr. Lowell Hedges, Dick Hummel- supervisor, Dr. Vern Cahill, and countless others all believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself.  The agricultural college was like a family, which took care of each other. I know I was a handful as an undergraduate student and after receiving my bachelor degree in 1976, was told that the ag program at Oak Harbor would fold within 3 years with my attitude.  What a GREAT inspiration!

What is my favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Best memories are of my DTS fraternity brothers. I loved the time spent with them and continue to be in contact with them today. I also fondly remember helping with the Little Internationals, Rose Bowl Trips in 1975 and 1976, all ag playoffs between all the fraternities in football, basketball and softball.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I started as production agriculture teacher on July 1, 1976 at Oak Harbor High School and retired from that position on June 1, 2011 – a 35 year career, which I enjoyed immensely! I would start over again in a heartbeat.

What positions have you held throughout your career, both professionally and in your profession and community?

Oak Harbor FFA & YF Advisor – 1976-2011

Honorary State FFA Degree winner – 1992 & 2011

Honorary American FFA Degree winner – 1992

Guest lecturer at Ohio State about grief counseling students – 1999-2001

Oak Harbor Education Association officer – 6 years

NW Ohio Education Association Leadership seminars – 3 years

National Education Association member – 1976-2011

OVATA District officer 12 years, (Chairman, Vice, Sec. Treasurer)

OVATA State Officer – Secretary, 1991

OVATA Outstanding program award – 1987

OAAE Outstanding Adult program – 2009

OAE Pacesetter award winner – 1991 & 2009

Ohio YF State Tour host – 2007

Deltha Theta Sigma Board of Directors- 3 years

St. John Lutheran Church – member, Sunday School Teacher, dirtball, officer, council-1991-present

Oak Harbor Girls Softball Association President – 6 years

Ottawa County OSU Alumni member, officer, fundraiser committee-1991-present

Ohio Hunter Education and Trapper Certification instructor – 25 years.

Ohio State Buckeye Club Donor – 1991 – present

BCS Education Foundation committee – 6 years

Ottawa Soil Water Conservation Teacher of Year – 2010

Oak Harbor Lions Teacher of Year – 2011

Oak Harbor Community Service “Dorothy Heiks” award winner – 2011

Grand Marshall of Apple Festival Parade – Oak Harbor – 2011

Quality Assurance instructor for Ottawa County – 2005-2012

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight? 

First – witness to students receiving awards that they worked hard to achieve.

Second – witness the work of student teachers to excel in classroom and with FFA Activities while working with the students at Oak Harbor High School.

Third – spending a week each summer at FFA Camp Muskingum with 10-25 students.

Fourth – witness to student achievements during Ottawa County Fair week.

What advice would you give a current student?

  1. Never close any doors of opportunity
  2. Be serious in class and work like your life depends upon your results
  3. Be open to the point of view of others, that you respect
  4. Participate in as many activities as possible

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
The agriculture college was its own little campus.  All staff looked out for us, whether or not deserving of attention. The College gave us best opportunities to excel in various activities.  I loved my time on campus and the people that were there in the place of role models and staff. THANK YOU for giving me a chance to live a very production and comfortable adult life.

One of the future ag teachers, Laura Stacklin Ringler, Damschroder mentored during her student teaching at Oak Harbor.

Alumni Spotlight: Brent Stammen ’14

Brent Stammen is from North Star, Ohio and graduated with his bachelors degree in agricultural communication in 2014. He is now a marketing manager for Cintas, living in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Why did you select your major?
Because of my family’s farm implement business, I always had a strong connection to the agricultural industry and knew I wanted to choose a major that utilized the experiences I had in the industry. In high school, I also had a growing passion for design and video production, so when it came time to choose a major, agricultural communication seemed to be the right choice for my experiences and passions.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I chose to attend Ohio State because it offered the best agricultural program for my career interests and goals.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
As an agricultural communication major, the courses I was able to enroll in helped further develop my passion for video production and design. I was able to expand my skill set and learn more about these areas of marketing communications.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was involved in FarmHouse Fraternity, the CFAES Ambassador program, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Campus Crusade for Christ, CFAES Banquet Committee and Scarlet and Gray Ag Day.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I really enjoyed the design courses as well as the AgriNaturalist capstone class. However, my favorite class was Tom Stewart’s public relations course. The class provided real-life hands on experience in providing marketing solutions for a select client. I loved being able to utilize all the skills we gained in our coursework to develop and execute a marketing plan.

Did a professor or faculty member leave an impact on your education or future career?
Throughout my time at Ohio State, I had a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow from many staff members. My advisor, Dr. Emily Buck, was the first faculty member who help guide me during my time at Ohio State. She was an incredible advisor, mentor and professor. I always appreciated her encouragement and the opportunities she provided that helped me pursue my career interests.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
My favorite memory from my time at Ohio State was my involvement in FarmHouse Fraternity. Winning CFAES AgLympics, participating in float build and Mirror Lake jump were some my most memorable experiences as a member of the fraternity. 

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first job after Ohio State was with AGCO Corporation as a Marketing Representative.

 

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
The highlight of my short career has been being able to develop and lead the video content strategy at AGCO. I have not only had the opportunity to edit and produce videos but also manage the production of videos with our external agency.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Your college career is what you make it. It’s one of the best opportunities you have to learn, grow and discover who you are. No other time in your life gives you access to countless friends, incredible experiences or an opportunity to learn from your peers and professors.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
ACEL cultivated in me a desire to be curious, try something new and never be afraid to ask questions.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Rosemarie Rossetti ’75, ’79 MS

Rosemarie crowned Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2004

Dr. Rosemarie Rossetti is from Columbus and completed her bachelor, master and doctoral degrees at Ohio State. She is currently self-employed as the president of Rossetti Enterprises Inc.

Why did you select your major or graduate program?
I selected a dual major in agricultural education and horticulture for my undergraduate program. I had always enjoyed school as a student and wanted to become a teacher. In high school I took a horticulture class my senior year and knew that I wanted to learn more about plants and focus on this subject in college

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I choose Ohio State because it was close to my home so I could live at home and commute. Ohio State had the majors I was interested in and was affordable.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
I attended Ohio State for my B.S. (1975), M.S. (1979) and Ph.D. (1982) degrees. I chose agricultural education for all my degrees. My first job when I graduated was teaching horticulture at the Delaware Career Center. After three years of teaching, I returned to Ohio State for my graduate education. In 1986, I was hired on the faculty in the Department of Agricultural Education and continued teaching there until 1997.

What campus activities were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
As a graduate student I was the president of the Graduate Student Association in the Department of Agricultural Education for a year. I was hired by the Department as a graduate teaching assistant and research assistant.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
The classes I enjoyed the most were the teaching methods classes taught by Dr. L.H. Newcomb. I found these classes to be totally relevant since my career path was to be a teacher. Newcomb made the classes lively, interesting, and interactive. He was a master teacher showing how people learned and how to teach.

What faculty member played an important role to you during your education?
Dr. L.H. Newcomb. He was a graduate teaching assistant when I enrolled in my first agricultural education class as an undergraduate student. He was a wonderful instructor and taught me what I needed to do in order to teach. He encouraged me to take my first job teaching horticulture.

When I enrolled in the department as a graduate student, he was my faculty advisor and taught the teaching methods class. He was also the leading faculty member for my dissertation. Again I learned from him. He was a role model to me. I was fascinated in how clearly he communicated. As a speaker he was eloquent and chose his words wisely.

In 1986, when there was an opening for a new faculty member to be hired in the department, I interviewed with Newcomb and many others. Newcomb called me at home to invite me to start working at the Department. He became my boss. I continued to learn from him.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Being a part of the Department as a graduate student was an exciting time for me. I became friends with many fellow students and the faculty. I enjoyed being a teaching assistant for the communications and teaching methods classes. The other graduate students who had offices in the Department were my best friends. They took the same classes as me and we studied together. Social events were always a fun break including being on the water polo team with them. 

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first job when I graduated was teaching horticulture at the Delaware Career Center.

Share the positions you have held throughout your career.

Rossetti Enterprises Inc., Columbus, OH
Speaker, consultant, author
President, January 1997 – Present

Fortuna Press, Columbus, OH
Publisher and author of “Take Back Your Life! Regaining your footing after life throws you a curve”
President, April 2003 – Present

Rosewell Publishing Inc., Columbus, OH
Publisher and co-author of “The Healthy Indoor Plant”
President, October 1991 – September 2000

The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Assistant Professor, July 1990-January 1997
Vocational Education Consultant, October 1987-June 1990
Instructor, September 1986-September 1987
Graduate Teaching Associate, September 1978-June 1982

Stanford Interior Gardens, Inc., Columbus, OH
Vice President of Sales and Marketing, July 1978 – September 1986

Delaware Career Center,  Delaware, OH
Horticulture Instructor, August 1975 – July 1978

During your career, honors or awards have you been presented?

Instructor of the Year – Columbus Realtors – April 2016
Tourism Partner of the Year – Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau – March 2016
Proclamation from the Ohio Senate – December 2014
Unsung Hero Humanitarian Award – People of Distinction Foundation – October 2014
Twenty Outstanding Women You Should Know – 2008
National “Roll Model” Discovery Through Design – 2005
Wheelchair Ohio – 2004
Winter Olympic Torchbearer – 2002
Remarkable Women Award – 2002
National Speakers Association, Ohio Chapter Award – 2002
Woman Business Entrepreneur of the Year- 1999
Women in New Growth Stages – Women Honoree Award – 1999
Franklin Park Conservatory – Recognition of Service Award – Board of Trustees – 1999
The Ohio State University College of Agriculture Teaching Award – 1995

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
I am most proud of working with my husband, Mark Leder as we led a national design team, served as the general contractors, and built our home, the Universal Design Living Laboratory.

This is a national demonstration home and garden that showcases universal design, accessible design, and green building practices. Because of my spinal cord injury on June 13, 1998, I needed a home that would provide me independence since I use a wheelchair. This home project spanned a 10 year journey for Mark and me. Much of my current speaking, writing and consulting are centered on our home. 

What advice would you give to a current student?
You were attracted to your major because of many experiences in your life and a vision for what you want to do and who you want to become. Realize that learning is a lifelong process. Continue to pursue advanced degrees, new areas of study, and seek out certifications in your field of study.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
The ACEL Department cultivated friendships with the faculty, students and staff in the Department, in other Departments, and in the College. When I think back on the decades that I have spent in the Department, I think of the people I worked for, worked with, and had as students in my classes. I cherish and continue to nurture these life-long friendships.

Rosemarie and her husband, Mark Leder, in their home the Universal Design Living Laboratory

Rosemarie speaking at her client’s Leaders Conference.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Ryan J. Schmiesing ’95, ’98 MS, ’02 PhD

Ryan J. Schmiesing is a three time graduate of our department, completing his BS, MS and PhD degrees in agricultural education in 1995, 1998 and 2002, respectively. Following graduation, he served as an extension agent for 4-H Youth Development in Darke County, Ohio. Schmiesing currently serves as the vice provost for strategic planning and implementation at the Office of Academic Affairs at the Ohio State University.

Why did you chose to major in agricultural education for your undergraduate and graduate degrees?
I found, after some searching, the agricultural education provided me the greatest opportunity to explore my interests and passions.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
The breath of what Ohio State offers provides for so many options; that was especially important for someone who did not know exactly what he wanted to pursue at that time.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
Pursuing a degree in agricultural education with an emphasis in extension education provided me with a strong foundation that I was able to immediately put to work. As I progressed in my undergraduate degree program and then on to my graduate degrees, I knew that I wanted to remain engaged in community and higher education. I have always felt that we have a responsibility, in higher education, to further engage our communities and individuals.

As a student, how were you involved on campus?
I was a member of the Agricultural Education Society; member of Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity where I served as president; member of the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) where I served as chief justice; and served as chair of the Agricultural Recognition Banquet in 1995.

What class did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
As an undergraduate, I enjoyed methods of teaching agriculture with Dr. Jamie Cano; I think it was the first time that I felt I could really apply what I was learning.  In graduate school, I most enjoyed the research series taught in the department – it was there that I had the great fortune of learning from some of the very best faculty!

Name a faculty member who impacted your education and/or career.
Dale Safrit had a very significant impact on my education and career.  While I only had one course as an undergraduate student with Dale, he pushed me in that course and then subsequently was involved in my masters and PhD program very significantly.  Always pushing and encouraging me to do the unexpected!

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
There are too many!  My favorite memories are around different activities or events…trips to National FFA Convention, preparing for the Ag Recognition Banquet, and fraternity functions.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development in Darke County Ohio.

For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career and what were your responsibilities in those positions?
Ohio State University (1996-2007)
Extension Agent, Program Coordinator, Program Director, Extension Specialist, Interim Regional Director, and Co-Interim State 4-H Leader.

United State Department of Agriculture (2007-2009)
National Program Leader, 4-H Mission Mandates

Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism (2009-2011)
Director of Programs, AmeriCorps State

Ohio State University (2011- current)
Director, Marketing and Communications; Assistant Dean; and currently Vice Provost

During your career, honors or awards have you been presented?
I have received the Achievement in Service Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of 4-H Youth Development.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
My leadership role in the design, construction, and opening of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, the universities first LEED certified building.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Get to know the faculty that teach your courses. And, take advantage of opportunities the university offers, but don’t over commit yourself!

What did ACEL cultivate in you? How?
In the classroom and in student organizations, I gained self-confidence to clearly articulate a position, share information or represent an idea or concept.  These skills have been invaluable to me as I progress in my career.

 

 

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Annie Specht ’08, ’10 MS

 Dr. Annie Specht graduated in 2008 with her bachelors degree in agricultural communication. She went onto complete a master’s degree in agricultural and extension education, while working as a graduate teaching assistant, in 2010. Specht is now an assistant professor of agricultural communication in the our department

[ACEL]: Hello Dr. Specht! Why did you choose to major in agricultural communication?
[Specht]: As a kid, I’d always loved words, and I dreamed of being a writer or journalist. I was editor of my high school magazine and discovered a passion for feature writing and graphic design. At the same time, I was helping my parents on our small dairy farm, taking part in 4-H, and traveling around the country on the Ohio 4-H dairy judging team. I wanted to find a college major that combined my interest in writing and design with my background in agriculture, and I found it in the agricultural communication program at Ohio State!

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
Though my parents will tell you otherwise, I really didn’t have a choice of where to go to college. The Ohio State University is a family tradition: I’m a fourth-generation OSU graduate on my mother’s side, and a third-generation Buckeye on my father’s. My parents met in the dairy science program. My sister and brother both have degrees from Ohio State. I grew up going to football games at the ‘Shoe. By the time my older sister was a student, I knew exactly where I wanted to go to school.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
My undergraduate education helped me learn a lot about what I wanted to do professionally. My news writing classes taught me that I was never meant to be a hard-news reporter, and my design classes taught me that graphic design was both a potential career path and a creative outlet I enjoyed. I was an Honors student, so I had to complete a research project, which led to my interest in research and, eventually, graduate school at Ohio State and Texas A&M University.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was a member of Buckeye Dairy Club, Student-Alumni Council, the Ohio State Makio yearbook staff, and Ohio State University Ambassadors. I competed as a member of the Ohio State Dairy Judging Team. I was also linked into the 101st class of Sphinx Senior Class Honorary and studied abroad through the English department.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
My favorite classes were always the design courses, or other classes where I got to flex my creative muscles. The AGRCOMM capstone, the AgriNaturalist course, was probably my very favorite, because you got to create something from scratch and see and hold the finished product at the end.

What professor had an impact on your education?
Dr. Emily Buck joined the ACEL faculty during my junior year of college, and she was assigned as my Honors research advisor. She encouraged me to continue my education – I completed a master of science degree at Ohio State with Dr. Buck as my advisor – and to eventually join the academic profession. We now work together in the AGRCOMM program, and she has been a continual support and source of inspiration in my career in higher education.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
I stuck around for an extra two years of graduate school, so it’s hard to choose among six years’ worth of memories! I’d have to say my favorite memory was Linking Day for Sphinx. My sister was in Columbus to defend her graduate thesis, and she took me out for coffee that Friday morning before I reported for a campus tour. I was ambushed by a group of students in caps and gowns, who read a list of my accomplishments in Starbucks while my sister laughed at me. My linking year was also the centennial year for Sphinx, so my class was treated to a black-tie celebration attended by tried Links and campus luminaries. It was an amazing weekend!

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State and what other positions have you held throughout your career??
After I graduated with my B.S. and B.A. from Ohio State, I enrolled as a Master’s program in ACEL and worked as a graduate teaching assistant. I taught recitations for what is now AGRCOMM 2367.

After leaving Ohio State, I completed a Ph.D. program at Texas A&M University, where I was a graduate teaching and research assistant. I taught and TA’d courses from graphic design and feature writing to public relations and television production. I then worked for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an assistant professor, where I taught courses in public speaking and PR, before returning to Ohio State. Now I teach several of our print production courses, including the AGRCOMM capstone; advise undergraduate and graduate students; and serve as the undergraduate program coordinator for our major.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
The highlight of my teaching career came in my second year at Ohio State, when one of our graduating seniors invited me to the CFAES Recognition Banquet as her mentor. My favorite part of my job is helping students achieve their dreams, and being recognized as someone who helped do just that meant the world to me.

What advice would you give to a current student?
My advice to current students is to try something that makes you a little bit afraid. If you’ve never traveled before, study abroad. Take (a few!) classes that don’t have anything to do with your major, just to learn something new. Join a campus organization that doesn’t cater specifically to CFAES students. College is one of the few times in life that we get to test ourselves in a safe environment, and I think students should take advantage of the opportunities Ohio State offers.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
ACEL cultivated in me a passion for teaching and research, two things I never anticipated doing as a career.

Annie (center) with her family at her PhD graduation at Texas A&M University.

 

Graduation day in 2008 with college friends.

 

Dr. Specht with Dr. Buck at an ACT outreach event on the Ohio State campus.

 

Dr. Specht listening to students present on digital visualization of research.

Alumni Spotlight: Brooke Rieke Schanowski ’16

Brooke Rieke Schanowski joined the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership from her hometown of Winfield, Illinois in 2014. Just three years later, Rieke Schanowski graduated with her bachelors degree in agricultural communication in 2016 and became the the on-air meteorologist and reporter at WMBD/WYZZ TV in her home state of Illinois.

[ACEL]: Hi Brooke! Why did you chose to major in agricultural communication at Ohio State?
[Rieke Schanowski]: Going to college, I knew I wanted a program that was going to best prepare me to be a meteorologist. When most people hear that I studied agricultural communication, they’re often confused. Honestly, I could not have picked a better program. Not only did I learn how weather impacts agriculture, but I also learned how to communicate complex topics in normal conversation. I fell in love with the Buckeye spirit when I visited. The atmosphere of the campus was infections. Everyone was friendly and happy to be a part of a long-running tradition.

How did your education at Ohio State prepare you for your career?
It helped me learn that I did want to be a meteorologist. With having two internship experiences (one at ABC 7 Chicago and one at NBC 4 Columbus) I learned exactly what happens on a daily basis at a news station. And the classes I took not only helped me learn certain information, but it made me apply it to real-life situations.

In addition to internships and classes, how did you stay busy on campus?
I was a CFAES Ambassador, Buckeye Book Community Selection Committee, Media, Marketing, and Communications (MMC) Scholars Program, Real Life, and a CFAES office assistant.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
My all-time favorite class was photography with Dr. Buck. First and foremost, I learned A LOT! I loved working on my homework assignments, getting out of my comfort zones and taking pictures of different subjects. But I think my favorite part of the class was the underlying lesson; looking at the world from a different vantage point. Taking pictures, I truly was able to appreciate the beauty of the material. And that’s why to this day I can never pass up taking a picture of a sunset over a cornfield or a forest frosted with the year’s first fresh snow. I also enjoyed Nicole Kraft’s journalism class and Tom Stewart’s public speaking class.

What professor had an impact on your education?
Dr. Buck had the biggest impact on me. She was just a down-to-earth individual that was truly passionate about what she does. The number one thing I learned was that if you’re passionate about something, nothing will get in your way of reaching for the stars.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
I probably didn’t know it at the time, but my favorite memory was when the CFAES Ambassador Team went on enrichment trips. The amount I learned on those trips to California and Arizona regarding the variety of agricultural practices throughout our country; it was incredible. And being placed in an environment that was completely different than the Midwest, it was very interesting to learn all about it. And from those trips, I know not to take anything for granted. Because every place in the world has its challenges, but it’s how you experience it that makes all the difference.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first job (which is also my current job) was an on-air meteorologist/reporter for WMBD/WYZZ TV in Peoria, Illinois.

How are you involved in the community outside of your career?
For me, it’s important to be involved in the community so that I know the faces of those who watch my broadcasts. My main one is that I volunteer with Goodwill and I am a Goodwill GoodGuide. Every Monday, I meet with a group of students and talk to them about how their week went. We go over important lessons that are pertinent to their lives. Whether it’s job skills, self-confidence or dealing with a difficult situation, we talk about these life events in order to grow as a group.

During your career, honors or awards have you been presented?
I have received Employee of the Month… woo!

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
Oof… that’s a doozy. There are a few that stand out. But seeing that I am a Chicago Cubs fan, it has to be around our World Series coverage. Fortunately, since we’re an Illinois TV station, we got to do coverage of the World Series for our channel. The day after the World Series win, I got to do a story with a woman who has a special Cubs chair in memory of her late husband. And just talking to her about what that win meant to her, was very special.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Do something you love. I’m sure you hear that all the time, but seriously, do something you love. Even if you’re passionate about something that you don’t think you can make into your career, try to incorporate it into some aspect of your life. Because I am truly blessed that I get to go to work, and I love (almost) every minute of it.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
It may be silly to say, but ACEL has cultivated the Buckeye spirit in me. And for someone who didn’t go to Ohio State, they wouldn’t understand what that means. Let me elaborate. That Buckeye spirit has shown me to work hard for your passion. It has taught me to have a friendly personality and contagious energy. And most importantly, it has shown me how to be proud of what you have accomplished, and what you continue to strive for.

 

Brooke and fellow CFAES ambassadors pose for a picture during an Enrichment Trip to California’s Yosemite National Park.

News coverage doesn’t stop for the weather.

Following a segment with Disney on Ice.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Tracy Kitchel ’98, ’99 MS

Dr. Tracy Kitchel graduated from Ohio State with his undergraduate degree in agricultural education in 1998 and his masters in agricultural education in 1999. Shortly after graduation, he became an agricultural educator and FFA advisor for Archbold High School in Fulton County. These days, Kitchel is a professor and chair for the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education and Leadership (ACEL) at the Ohio State University.

[ACEL]: Why did you select your major or graduate program?
[Kitchel]: I started my undergraduate career as an agricultural communication major. I was drawn to that work because I had recently been elected as the State FFA Reporter, which, at the time, meant I was working with our magazine, Ohio FFA News. Throughout the year, however, I was drawn to working with FFA members and found it rewarding. The decision to change my major was solidified when I worked at the past state FFA officer session at Ohio FFA Camp; I knew I wanted to work with students.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I’m not certain I thought of any other place. I knew I wanted to be in agriculture and I felt attending Ohio State was the clear choice. Even though I had been on campus for various reasons, I didn’t even do an official campus visit (something I don’t recommend, but it worked out for me).

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
I wouldn’t be on this path had it not been for Ohio State. In particular, it was with my advisor, Dr. Jamie Cano, who insisted I do a literature review as an undergraduate, which would lead to my master’s thesis the following year. He planted the seeds that I needed to get my Ph.D. and be a professor. He assigned a student teacher for me to serve as cooperating teacher because he felt that experience would be invaluable as a teacher educator (and it was). He connected me with one of his former Ph.D. students, Dr. Bryan Garton, which led to me studying at the University of Missouri for my Ph.D.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student (student organizations, honoraries, campus jobs, Greek life, etc.):
I was president, secretary and banquet co-chair of Agricultural Education Society, a member of Alpha Tau Zeta (now FarmHouse) fraternity, president of Phalanx (the college student organization that soon-after morphed into the CFAES Ambassadors), and served as co-chair and narrator of the College Recognition Banquet.  On campus, I worked as a Night Assistant in the Scott/Norton House Dorms and worked for the Ag Safety program in what is now FABE department. Off campus, I was an Ohio FFA intern, worked at Ohio FFA Camp two summers, and served as an office page for the Ohio Senate. I did my early field experience and student teaching both at Versailles High School with Dena Wuebker.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State? What was your favorite and why?
My favorite courses were my ag comm and ag ed classes. I still use what I learned from Dr. Paulson’s AGRCOMM 200 and 300 courses today.  My teacher preparation courses were great. I felt prepared as a teacher because of them. For the most part, there was a cohort of us that progressed through to student teaching. We laughed a great deal over the years. Our teaching labs were particularly comical, yet did a great job preparing us for the realities of teaching.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education?
As I shared before, Dr. Jamie Cano had the most impact on my career. I also appreciate the patience Dr. Jan Henderson afforded me, even when I didn’t always deserve said patience. It’s that kind of grace I’ve attempted to share with my own students even when said grace is not easy to give. I also appreciated how deeply intentional Dr. Hedges was in his teaching. That intentionality is something I always strive toward in my own teaching.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
I have so many great memories. I developed a great group of friends (time and change has surely shown…). We all bonded over football games – I still get emotional when I go to the games.  Again, we had great times as a student teaching cohort. I really enjoyed student organizations and be a part of campus.  I could go on and on.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
After graduating with my B.S. in ag ed, I started my M.S. in ag ed and was a graduate associate for AGRCOMM 390 (now 3130). After that, my first “out of college” job was as agriculture teacher and FFA advisor for Archbold High School in Fulton County (Ohio).

What positions have you held since graduating and where have you worked?
I moved around a bit over my 18 years after leaving Ohio State.  After being an ag teacher at Archbold High School. I was a graduate assistant and Ph.D. student at the University of Missouri. After graduating, my first faculty position was as an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky (UK).  I left UK after 5 years and became associate professor and director of graduate studies for the Department of Agricultural Education and Leadership at the University of Missouri (MU). At the end of my time at MU, I served as assistant vice provost for graduate and postdoctoral affairs where I served as the secondary leader for the Office of Graduate Studies (other places called the Graduate School). In particular, l was in charge of areas and programs such as campus fellowships, student-faculty issues, the campus TA training and development of our directors of graduate studies. In August 2016, I returned to Ohio State to be Professor and Chair of ACEL.

I’ve spent most of my career in higher education and in those professor roles, have taught courses from teaching methods, research methods and introduction to leadership. I’ve conducted research on pre-service and early career agriculture teachers. Finally, I provide service in working related to agricultural education, agriculture teachers and FFA.

Share any awards or honors you have received over the years
Some of my more meaningful awards include the USDA Excellence in Teaching Award (Early Career Award), North Central AAAE Distinguished Teacher and Distinguished Researcher Awards, Gold Chalk Award (University of Missouri) for excellence in graduate teaching, Joe T. Davis Outstanding Advisor (University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture), OAAE Outstanding Young Ag Teacher Award, Honorary American FFA Degree and CFAES Alumni Young Professional Award.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
In a truly authentic way, my favorite career highlight was the opportunity to return to my home department and serve as its chair.  Up there on the list, in a far less serious way, is having presided over the master’s degree ceremonies at the University of Missouri when I was Assistant Vice Provost. I have to admit – that was cool. (At Ohio State, we have one ceremony per term and the university president presides over all those ceremonies throughout the year – that’s not typical, by the way).

What advice would you give to a current student?
Don’t wait to be invited – find ways to take charge of your own career by getting involved and meeting people different than you.  Find ways to really become self-aware of who you are. I credit my experiences at Ohio State in helping me do that and it wasn’t always easy. Balance your out-of-class learning with your in-class learning (both are valuable). And study abroad – I really have only one major regret and that was it. I had to wait years into my career to travel internationally.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
My engagement with ACEL has cultivated so much in me and continues to do so now that I’ve returned home. The overarching theme is that ACEL cultivated my potential, even when I didn’t think I could do any better.  The surprising thing is that even as chair, I still feel like the department continues to push and invest in me even when I feel it’s my job to do that for others.

Kitchel’s family, following wife Laura’s graduation with her PhD from the University of Missouri.

 

Kitchel (second from right) at the CFAES Recognition Program in 1998 with other “Top 10 Seniors”.

 

Kitchel with advisor Dr. Jamie Cano.

Speaking at a CFAES event as chair of ACEL.

Alumni Spotlight: Sam Custer ’81, ’84 MS

Sam Custer graduated from Ohio State with his undergraduate degree in agricultural education in 1981 and his masters in agricultural education in 1984. Shortly after graduation, he became a teacher of agricultural education at Versailles Exempted Village Schools. These days, Custer is an agriculture and natural resources educator for Ohio State Extension in Darke County.

[ACEL]: Hi Sam! You majored in agricultural communication. What influenced you to choose that major?
[Custer]: I chose agricultural education because of my two high school ag teachers.  The late Bill Hershberger and Bill Klepinger.  They have been a huge influence on my life.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
Bill Klepinger took me to Ohio State’s campus and we met with Dr. Jim Knight.  There was not really any other thoughts about any other place.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
The plan was to always get my ag teaching license and to teach agriculture.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was in Agricultural Education Society, but was not as active as I should have been.  I spent a lot of time working for Connie Rice and others in the Department of Agricultural Education office as a work study student and also participated in intramurals.

What were some of your favorite classes?
I really enjoyed all of my agricultural education classes but also got a lot out of the ag economics classes.

What faculty or staff members had an impact on your education?
There were many and it would not be fair to single any one person out.  Dr. L.H. Newcomb, Dr. McCracken, Dr. Starling, Connie Rice and all of the Ph.D. candidates back in their office, especially Stacy Gartin.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Dr. Newcomb and Dr. Plimpton’s classes.  Master teachers in action.

Throughout your career, what positions have you held?
Ohio State University Extension
August 2012 to present – Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Darke County
July 15 to March 31, 2018 – Nutrient Stewardship for Cleaner Water Signature Program Leader

Miami Valley Career Technology Center
July 1998 to March 31, 2012 – Director of Personnel / Asst. Superintendent
Summer 2000 and 2005-06 – Interim Business Manager
August 1997 to June 1998 – South Building Director/Principal
July 1994 to August 1997 – Agricultural Education Supervisor / VEPD Liaison
April 1996 – Interim West Building Principal

The Ohio State University
July 1987 to 1997 – Adjunct Instructor in Agricultural Education

Versailles Exempted Village Schools
July 1981 to June 1994 – Teacher of Agricultural Education

Please share any careers or honors you have received throughout your career.
Ohio Agriculture Teach of the Year
National Ag Teacher of the Year
Honorary State and National FFA degrees
Ohio Agriculture and Natural Resources Achievement

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
Making a difference in a person’s life, no matter if they are 16 of 61.

What advice would you give to a current student studying agriscience education or extension education?
Make the most of your college experience.  Take advantage of the people you interact with to learn from them.

What did ACEL cultivate in you? How?
The confidence to share the experiences I have had.