[ACEL]: David, why did you select agriculture education as your major?
[Little]: I selected agricultural education because it combined two of my passions: agriculture and helping young people.
Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
OSU was the premier school for agricultural education and I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else. Go Bucks!
How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career?
I felt that the Department of Agricultural Education was one of the best in the country. The agricultural education major gave me the knowledge and confidence to work with young people. My family farming experience proved beneficial to compliment my studies and helped me to become a truly “hands on” vocational agriculture teacher for over three decades.
What were you involved in as an Ohio State Student?
I was involved with the Agricultural Education Society for two years and Navigator Bible Studies.
What classes did you enjoy most at Ohio State?
Agriculture education methods and animal science nutrition were a couple of my favorites. I really enjoyed agricultural education methods with Dr. L. H. Newcomb. He modeled and encouraged many of the traits of a good teacher. The longer I taught the more I could see how important it was to provide opportunities for students to utilize the hands on learning approach.
What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Graduation day was awesome! My twin brother had graduated from Ohio State as well, so it was a special honor for my parents to have two sons with degrees from The Ohio State University. Later, my younger brother also graduated from Ohio State and both of my children received bachelors and graduate degrees from OSU, so the Buckeye legacy is strong in the Little family.
What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I became the vocational agriculture teacher at Eastwood High School in Luckey, Ohio and I had the privilege to spend my entire 35 years teaching agriculture at Eastwood.
During your career, have you received any awards or honors?
I received the District I Young Teacher of the Year Award. I received the Honorary State Degree and Honorary American Degree from the National FFA Organization. I was named to the Wood County Agriculture Hall of Fame and was honored to be named the Grand Marshal of the Wood County Fair. Upon my retirement I also received proclamations from my state representative and my congressional representative.
As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
At my final FFA Awards Banquet the students and parents surprised me with a rock honoring my 35 years at Eastwood. It now sits in my front yard as a reminder of the great years as an agriculture teacher. Having the privilege of touching lives for so many years is the best memory of all.
What advice would you give to a current student?
Enjoy your days at OSU. You can’t get a better degree.
What did ACEL cultivate in you?
The department gave me great opportunities and I am so grateful for my time at OSU.
