4-H

Alumni Spotlight: Ralph Stonerock, ’69

 

[ACEL]: Hi Ralph! You majored in agricultural education at Ohio State. What made you choose that major?
[Stonerock]: Because I really didn’t know what I wanted! However, I had a great vo-ag teacher in Don Mercer, great 4-H advisors, great experiences.  Additionally, everything surrounding agricultural education was fascinating and allowed me to expand personally.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I had no financial support from my parents, nor did I expect any. I scored very low on ACT and was expected to fail the first quarter. Ohio State had to accept me.  The challenge, the experiences, and the adventure to leave the security of hometown was something I couldn’t ignore.  If I were to fail, it would be at Ohio’s largest university and most taxing.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
Exposure to the world of knowledge became addictive. Each course, each instructor, each graduate student assistant, each classroom experience was adding to my choices, yet proving to be directional.  I worked in the Poultry Science Department and became more impressed with faculty and staff.  I saw curiosity take hold in exploring unknowns. Both Poultry Science and Agriculture Education departments became a home and a stabilizing asset when I lost a sister and my mother in the same year.  My life at Ohio State opened a lot of doors toward opportunities. Even the elective courses were broadening. One in particular on photography where I expected an A since mid-term and finals were aced.  However, a B was given.  I elected to visit the professor, he admitted that I knew the mechanics and technical theory, but did not display artistic use.  Then he kindly showed me other students work. That was an epiphany moment. The experience opened me to greater possibility thinking. I retold that experience to many of my students in Peace Corps, as an agriculture teacher, employees, and most recently in Africa to farmers.  It benefited me and serves to guide others.

Another experience was setting up a poultry genetic study I misunderstood the sexing separation for Dr. Japp and nearly ruined the trial.  Ivan Cottril and Dr. Japp corrected me and opened me to seeing research as observation, a functional tool.  Those experiences combined with learning communication brought success and encouragement to others.

How were you involved in student life at Ohio State?
Campus 4-H, an Agricultural Education Society officer, Poultry Science Club, Poultry JudgingTeam , initiated and served as president of the International Society,  Towers Honorary.  I was also employed at the Poultry Science Laboratory and off campus.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
Biology, math, chemistry, all agriculture classes.  In particular Agricultural Engineering because of its practical application. Dr. Marsh’s poultry diseases class because it taught me to explore causes after seeing symptoms.  International Economics and Agriculture Economics since it explained how people reacted and affected by markets.  Animal nutrition taught by Dr. Cline because it opened more potential exploration questions that at the time were not known.

Which faculty or had the most impact on your time at Ohio State?
Dr. Bender and Dr. Boucher guided my course selections. Doctors Marsh, Japp, Cook, Cline because their accomplishments were inspirational. Dr. Japp was recognized by the French government while I worked for him and his graduate students. He should have been nominated for a Nobel as the first to discover the function of Bursa. It took the medical researchers nearly 10 years later to find bursa functional cells in humans. He also impressed me with his dedication to discovery.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?  Sports, dedication, meeting people that later became connections and vital to my success. Participation in celebrating a Rose Bowl victory and going to the Union to watch Neil Armstrong on the moon. Graduating with graduate students that were my instructors receiving their PhD’s.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
Peace Corps in the South Pacific teaching agriculture at two schools and managing a UN funded breeding project for swine improvement and chickens.  Upon returning I taught vocational agriculture at Gallipolis, Ohio, before entering graduate school at University of Florida.

For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career?
I managed a egg layer complex and a broiler complex on Grand Bahama Island. I have been the production superintendent for Vigortone Feeds.  Production and marketing supervisor for Kuder Farms in Florida.  Marketed Hisex Egg layers in Indiana and Ohio.  Marketed products produced by Carl Akey, later as a poultry nutritionist and researcher.  Biomin Poultry Director worldwide before retiring.  I do some poultry consulting and volunteer assignments with USAID.  Additionally, I farm, research/explore use of Beauveria bassiana for row crops.

During your career, have you received any awards or honors? If so, what are those?
Numerous times I have stood at the podium while peers praised my work.  But the awards I favor most are those by clients saying thank you.  I was first to publish studies in crop function by cropectomy, first to publish a non-fast molting nutritional profile for laying hens that became a world standard, first to outline a nutritional profile on phase feeding laying hens which was later adopted by commercial breeders. Co-founder of the Poultry Health Management School, now a successful 16 year history. Chaired five different committees for Poultry Science and president of Southern Poultry Science.  Chosen by producers to serve president for Ohio Poultry Association two years.  Finally, to be recognized by my home town high school for accomplishments.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
Invited speaker on gut nutrition in Queensland for World Poultry Science and to speak at the Austral-Asian Poultry Researchers in Bussan, Korea. Addressing a group of Russian veterinarians on poultry nutrition just 200 kilometers from the North Pole. Seeing their excitement as I spoke. Having traveled six continents and having made friends in all locations. Discovering the symbiotic relationship of Beauveria bassiana in row crops when applied to seed (found in Union county).

What advice would you give to a current student?
Take every class seriously. Learn to admire with awe the sacrifices others have made on your behalf. Enjoy meeting people. You will likely encounter them again.

What did ACEL cultivate in you? How?
It started in my home community with Ohio State graduates that taught school or volunteered.  They gave a sense of purpose and encouragement. Agricultural education and communication refined the skills for helping others find their path. I am pleased for the involvement.

Alumni Spotlight: Tom Archer, ’70

Tom Archer came to Ohio State to major in agricultural education and has spent his career educating others about agriculture and working with youth. Tom currently works for Ohio State University Extension as the assistant director for 4-H Youth Development.

 

[ACEL]: Hi Tom! As an Ohio State student, you majored in agricultural education. Why did you chose that major?
[Archer]: I selected agricultural education as a major because I was not sure what I wanted my career to be, and that major provided the opportunity for flexibility in selecting a wide variety courses.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I selected The Ohio State University for two reasons: (1) I had much contact with Extension and 4-H in my formative years, which were closely aligned with OSU, e.g. I was delegate to the Ohio 4-H Congress on campus in the Fall of 1965; and (2) My high school basketball coach was a native of my home county and a recent graduate and enthusiastic supporter of Ohio State.

Where you involved in any student organizations while a student?
I am a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.  Also, I was a member of the Agricultural Education Society (vice-president my senior year) and a member of Towers Agricultural Honorary (president my senior year).

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State? What was your favorite and why?
I enjoyed math and the classes that related to educational research. However, probably the most memorable class that I took when I was a senior was a graduate level ruminant nutrition class taught by Dr. Bill Tyznik. The final in Dr. Tyznik’s class was a three hour, group, oral exam in the basement of his house!  Another memorable class was Classics 222 – Greek Mythology. I cannot remember the name of the professor, but he made each class a “story time”, with engaging and entertaining lectures.

Did you have a faculty member or professor who was influential to your time at Ohio State and beyond?
Two professor had an influence on my education. Dr. Leon Boucher was always interested in students and he shared so many practical approaches to teaching.  Also, I greatly admire Dr. Robert Warmbrod. I was in the Honors Program Research/ Evaluation class that Dr. Warmbrod and Dr. Boucher taught, plus at least three other related classes taught by Dr. Warmbrod (one at Iowa State when Dr. Warmbrod was a visiting professor). Dr. Warmbrod was a very effective teacher who explained concepts very well in a quiet and purposeful manner. Other professors that were memorable were Gilbert Guiler, Carlton Johnson and David Jenkins.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Meeting and becoming friends and colleagues with many outstanding people are the best general memories of my time as an undergraduate at Ohio State.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first employment was as a vocational agriculture high school teacher at Olentangy High School in Delaware County.

For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career?

  • Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development (State 4-H Leader), Ohio State University Extension, September 2008 to present
  • Associate Professor, The Ohio State University, Leader, Program Development & Evaluation, Ohio State University Extension, October 2000 to September 2008
  • Associate Professor and Analyst, Long Range Planning, Ohio Cooperative Extension Service, Interim Appointment March through September, 1987
  • Associate Professor, The Ohio State University, County Extension Agent, Chairman and 4-H, Shelby County, Ohio, July 1985 through September 2000
  • Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University, County Extension Agent, Chairman and 4-H, Shelby County, Ohio,  December 1976 through June 1985
  • Organizational Director – Auglaize-Mercer-Shelby Counties, Ohio, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, July through November 1976
  • Graduate Research Associate, Iowa State University, July 1974 through May 1976
  • Vocational Agriculture Instructor, Olentangy and Delaware Hayes High Schools, July 1970 through June 1974

What awards and honors have you received during your career?

  • 1990, Excellence in 4-H, Ohio State University Extension
  • 1992, Diamond Anniversary Award, Department of Agricultural Education, The Ohio State University
  • 1999, Past President Award, Board of Directors, Journal of Extension
  • 2001, Ohio County Extension Agents’’ Association, 25 Year Service Award
  • 2004, Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) Team Teaching Award: “Focus Group Interviews”
  • 2006, Roberta O’Keefe Award for outstanding service to the organization, Ohio Program Evaluators’ Group (OPEG)
  • 2007, Team Teaching Award – First Place, Multi-Disciplinary Team – 5 or More Members, Epsilon Sigma Phi, Extension Service Honorary
  • 2007, State Extension Achievement Award – Faculty & Staff, Over Ten Years of Service, Ohio Association of Extension Professionals
  • 2016 Fairlawn High School Hall of Honor Inductee
  • 2016 Shelby County 4-H Hall of Fame Inductee

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
The best thing that happens as a result of my career is when a former student who was in my classes or youth who was in one of the 4-H teen leadership groups that I advised contacts me and tells me that I provided them a skill that has helped them succeed in their life endeavors.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Advice that I would give to current college students has five dimensions:

  1. Follow through on commitments – if you say you are going to do something, follow-through and do it
  2. Take advantage of every opportunity afforded to you; do as much as you can when you have the opportunities, in school, in work, and in the community – do not waste time and potential
  3. Positively contribute to improvement where every you can – do not criticize without providing a viable alternative to improve
  4. Give credit where credit is due – do not take credit for someone else’s work
  5. Do not forget to recognize those who help make your life better; you cannot say “thank you” too much

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
Probably the best thing that the Department instilled in me was the basics of the teaching-learning process. My career has been education, and that foundation was necessary.

Alumni Spotlight: Lucinda Miller, ’74, ’77 MS, ’09 PhD

Lucinda Berry Miller joined our department for her master and doctoral degrees in agricultural education, which she completed in 1977 and 2009, respectively. Originally from Ashland, Ohio, Lucinda now resides in Mt. Vernon, Ohio and works for The Ohio State University Extension as an extension specialist with 4-H Youth Development livestock, companion and small animal programs.

[ACEL]: Hello Lucinda! You completed your undergraduate degree in animal science at Ohio State and then completed a master’s degree in agricultural education. Why did you choose our graduate program?
[Miller]: I wanted to do something related to agriculture and follow my love of 4-H.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University for all three of your degrees?
Is there any other? Seriously though, I chose Ohio State to get the education I needed to either teach vocational agriculture or become an Extension professional.

Did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career?
Actually it was my professors who influenced my career path.

What professor was that for you?
Dr. Joe Gliem had the biggest impact as he constantly urged me to think critically and problem solve. He never gave up on me and always encouraged me.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State? Did you have a favorite?
I enjoyed the animal production classes the most. Horse Production was my favorite, because of my love of horses and Dr. Charlie Hutton as my professor.

Outside of the classroom, in what activities did you participate?
I was involved in Saddle and Sirloin Club. I also worked as a student employee at the OSU horse barns for 3.5 years as an undergrad.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
I really enjoyed working at the OSU Horse Facilities and learning from Dr. Hutton and Chuck Smith.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I taught a Small Animal Care unit at Live Oaks Career Center as a vocational agriculture instructor. I actually did my student teaching during my first fall of teaching!

Over the course of your career, what positions have you held?
I have worked at Live Oaks Career Center, OSU Extension in Pike and Scioto counties and for the State 4-H Office.

You’ve been recognized by a number of organizations for your dedication to 4-H. What are some of those awards? I don’t remember all, but some include Excellence in 4-H, National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Distinguished Service Award and Meritorious Service Award and I was inducted into the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame.

We know your career isn’t completed yet, so as of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
I think my favorite and most rewarding is seeing former 4-H members, such as yourself*, be successful as adults; hopefully a lot of that success was instilled in them as 4-H members.

We have several students interested in Extension and positions like you have held. What advice would you give them?
My advice is for students to follow their dreams, find a vocation they love and that doesn’t seem like a job, and take advantage of job opportunities that come along to fulfill those dreams. (Good study habits never hurt, either!)

Our last question, what did ACEL cultivate in you?
I think ACEL taught me how to engage students to take risks and explore the many avenues of learning. Dr. L.H. Newcomb and Dr. Joe Gliem taught me how to be a successful teacher.

Thanks Lucinda!

*Miller refers to Emily Wickham, who conducted this interview. Wickham was a 13 year 4-H member in Pike County while Miller served as the 4-H agent/educator.

4-H Changed My Life

By: Alison Scott
Canton, Massachusetts
Agricultural Communication
Senior

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As a horse crazy kid, I lived and breathed all things equine. So in fourth grade, I joined my local 4-H horse club, not knowing that I was about to embark on a journey that made me into the person I am today.

When I joined 4-H, I was painfully shy and quiet- the idea of public speaking or being seen as a leader in any capacity was enough to make me want to hide myself in my favorite horse’s stall and never come out! I never could have foreseen how the next nine years in the organization would change my life.

By the time I aged out of the program at 18, I had served as a leader in my club for several years, gave countless presentations and competed at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup twice.

Though I did join FFA in high school, I really found my place in 4-H. 4-H allowed me to do my favorite thing- learn about horses- in an environment that made me into the person I am today. I will never forget the days and nights studying for the National Horse Judging and Hippology competitions, chilly days spent riding my project horse and countless memories made with some of the best friends I have ever had.

Even though I am no longer active in 4-H (something I hope to change in the future!), I fondly remember those years and know that they played a huge role in turning me into the articulate and confident individual I am today and set me up for my successful four years at Ohio State.

Alison and her favorite horse, Chloe

Alison and her favorite horse, Chloe

 

2010 Massachusetts National Team

2010 Massachusetts National Team

 

Another successful end of year 4-H Banquet (for county awards)

Another successful end of year 4-H Banquet (for county awards)

My 4-H Camp Experience

By: Kat Sharp
Amanda, Ohio
Agricultural Communication
Sophomore

At about this same time last year, I was filling out my application to work as a permanent camp staff member for the summer at Tar Hollow 4-H Camp. My dad, who had worked at camp when he was in college, had always told me all of these really great stories about his times at camp, so I was pretty excited. I had been both a camper and a counselor at camp before, and had always had good experiences, so I thought that working on camp staff would be a good fit for me.

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By the time June rolled around, I couldn’t wait to meet the other staff members that I would be living with at camp, and get moved into our cabin! We were at camp from June 7 to July 14, and during that time there would be nine camps from five counties in and out of camp. That is a lot of camps! Basically, counselors and county staff would move in one afternoon, the campers would arrive the next day and stay for a couple days before moving back out in the morning. The counselors and county staff would leave after all of the campers were gone, and then the counselors and county staff from the next camp would come in that afternoon. It was a whirlwind of a summer, but I loved every minute of it!

 

I had been hired as the craft director, and let me tell you, my organizational skills were put to the test! So were my energy levels, for that matter. I like to think that I am a pretty bubbly person, but at camp you have to be 110 percent energy and excitement at all times. It was so great! I got to spend my summer in an atmosphere that had lots of energy, lots of excitement, great staff members, and a whole lot of awesome campers and counselors. There were so many fun and unique traditions that the different counties brought to camp, there was never a dull moment. I also got to help campers have a great few days at camp, and got to make a lot of great memories myself. Whether it was getting up in the middle of the night to make sure the campers’ crafts would be ready for the next day, or coming up with fun skits and songs for campfire, or the times we [the staff] listened to Disney music the whole day while we squeegeed the lodge in our bare feet between camps, or helping the campers with their crafts, or teaching a line dance, or even trying to get everyone moved into camp in the pouring rain, I was always busy doing something fun.

That’s the thing about camp; it is supposed to be fun. Of course there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to help make it so, but I enjoy planning and cleaning and working with other people, so I enjoyed this part of camp too. It helped that everyone I worked with was just as enthusiastic to be at camp as I was. The memories that I gained at 4-H camp were definitely some of the best, and I can’t wait to go back this summer. After all, how many people get to say that they get payed to have fun in a healthy environment that they love?

A Different Perspective

By: Mariah Stollar
Marietta, Ohio
Community Leadership, Community and Extension Education
Sophomore

I have known ever since I was a little girl that I wanted to help people. Growing up, I helped my mom take care of my little sisters, helped build my family’s agritourism business and helped “make the best better” by completing community service through my county’s 4-H program.

When I was a teenager, I realized that I wanted to carry my passion for helping others into a career that would directly impact the community.  Being a part of the 4-H program made me realize what an impact that extension educators can have on youth, and prompted me to pursue a career in extension.

As part of my studies in Community and Extension Education, I completed my 2 week Early Field Experience in Hardin County Extension office.

Before starting my Early Field Experience in Hardin County, I had only experienced what happens in my local office, Washington County.  Even though I knew Washington County’s programs relatively well, I had not been aware of all the things that educators do behind the scenes.  I also learned that a collaborative effort is important among all extension program areas, including 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences and Community Development, to ensure a strong county extension program.

Mariah Stollar, photo 1

Mark Light, the 4-H Educator, made arrangements for me to work with the ANR and FCS educators, as well as himself and the 4-H Program Assistant.  I learned that a lot more goes into extension than planning camp, pre-fair judging and the county fair. Our educators work so hard to improve our communities, and I am now more grateful for them than I ever have been before.  I cannot wait to use what I learned in my future extension career!

A day in the shoes of an Extension Educator

Written by: Blake Campbell
Waterford, Ohio
Community Leadership, Community and Extension Education
Sophomore

I have spent the last few weeks experiencing new and exciting opportunities in my home county, Washington County. Over the course of four weeks I have been working at The Ohio State University Extension Office of Washington County completing my Early Field Experience. My EFE is a part of my major at Ohio State as I am majoring in community leadership with a specialization in community and extension education. These past few weeks have been so much fun as I have gotten to develop skills that will help me in the future.

I am working with Alison Baker the extension educator specializing in 4-H Youth Development. I grew up in Washington County with a huge passion for the fair and 4-H. This same passion led me to go to college and make a career of it. I am so very excited to start this journey in Extension.

Blake assists youth with leadership activities.

Blake assists youth with leadership activities.

I have learned multiple aspects of youth development and education while doing my EFE with Washington County. From attending a horse evaluation to writing a cloverbud connection for the quarterly newsletter, I have expanded my horizon to new and exciting levels. Before starting my EFE I knew little about extension and how they worked with fairs and  4-H, but now I have a better understanding of how extension works. I am very excited to start this fun and exciting career in community and extension education!

Learning about Extension

Written by: Haley Kocher
Bucyrus, Ohio
Community Leadership, Community and Extension Education Specialization
Junior

With a major in community leadership and a specialization in community and extension education, my early field experience took place at the Marion County Extension Office. The Marion County Fair takes place the last week in June into July. Last minute details were in full swing as the office prepared for the fair activities. I helped the extension educator plan activities for clover bud day and 4-H camp, as weak as prepare mailings sent to advisors, parents, and members.

Photo submitted by Haley Kocher

Haley talks with youth about extension programs.

The part I enjoyed most was attending the meetings for the Jr. Fair Board, camp counselors, cloverbuds, and dog trainings. Being able to interact with the youth and volunteers in the 4-H program was a highlight for me. I also had the opportunity to lead a team building activity with the camp counselors, seeing them work together and accomplish the task as a team was a neat experience.

One thing I will take away from this experience is the new appreciation for our county educators. I am a ten year 4-H member and this experience gave me a new point of view. Our 4-H educators put in many hours and effort into making sure the fair is successful each year. Obstacles will and do occur but it is how you deal with it and what you take away from the experience that means the most. I enjoyed the time I had in the Marion County Extension Office. It helped me see the role that the extension educators play in each county. 4-H is a great organization for youth and their families and I am excited to one day be a part of our growing agricultural industry.