Author: Bailee Mazzaro

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Barbara Kirby ’76, ’81 MS

Barbara Malpiedi Kirby is from Shadyside, Ohio and currently lives in Garner, North Carolina. She graduated with her bachelors degree in Environmental Education and her masters degree in Agricultural Education. She is currently at North Carolina State University, Professor of Agricultural and Extension Education.

[ACEL]: Hello Dr. Kirby! Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
[Kirby]: My father, aunt and one cousin graduated from The Ohio State University. My dad had season football tickets. Needless to say, my brother and I started at a very young age cheering the Buckeyes in the Shoe for many years. Everything about the university and Columbus intrigued me. I could not imagine going to school at any other university. Only three students from my high school graduating class began college careers at Ohio State. The university felt like home to me even though it was so big.

Why did you select your major or graduate program?
I grew up in a small town in southeastern Ohio, Shadyside, OH. My grandfather had a small family farm and loved hunting and fishing. He inspired my passion for agriculture and natural resources. While the livelihood of family members and friends depended on the success of the coal mines, steel mills and power plants along the Ohio River, the degradation of the environment saddened me. I attended The Ohio State University and majored in natural resources for my B.S. degree. My internship at Oglebay Park Nature Center in Wheeling, WV was a turning point for me. I loved teaching all age groups at the Center and decided to obtain my natural resources teaching license through agricultural education. The agricultural education faculty members were passionate educators and motivated me to complete my master’s degree while I was teaching.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
When I came to Ohio State, teaching was not one of my career aspirations. Drs. Newcomb, Knight and Barrick taught the intro course, teaching methods and agricultural education program courses Dr. Jim Knight, with his ton of positive vibes, supervised my student teaching. Their enthusiasm and passion for teaching was contagious and launched me into a teaching career. After graduation, I taught high school natural resources/environmental sciences at the Ashland County – West Holmes JVS in Ashland, Ohio. My greatest joy was managing our 80-acre teaching land laboratory. Although I loved teaching high school students and managing the land laboratory, my real passion was mentoring student teachers. I still remember the conversation with Kirby Barrick about the possibility of pursuing a doctorate.  My career path turned to higher education.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
Since my participation in the agricultural education program was late into my undergraduate program, I did not have much time to be involved as an undergraduate in ag student organizations. I was a member of the Student Ag Council and the Agricultural Education Society. The Fall Fest was a big event for us.  I was also a member of Zeta Tau Alpha National Fraternity and served in several officer positions, including president and was a member of the Panhellenic Association Presidents’ Council.  As a graduate student, I was inducted into Gamma Sigma Delta.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
My favorite classes were the environmental education and agricultural education major courses. I enjoyed the park and recreation planning and programming courses. The projects were a lot of fun and enabled me to use my creativity. Jim Knight taught my Intro to Agricultural Education class. Witnessing the personal interest Dr. Knight took in each of his students has resonated with me throughout my career. I have always tried to acknowledge the uniqueness and importance of each student, especially as part of a large university. My ag ed courses prepared me to teach. I was not in a high school vocational ag program or a member of the FFA. Drs. Newcomb, Barrick and Hedges engaged us in the classes and afforded opportunities to apply and practice the competencies essential for classroom and laboratory success. Dr. Joe Gleim’s ag mechanics class was on of my favorite graduate classes. Relieved that I survived Dr. Larry Miller’s research course, the project driven ag mechanics course was a nice way to spend a summer. L.H can tell the rest of the story about the notorious patio our class built that summer.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education? 
I shared early how many of the faculty members impacted my education and career. However, Dr. L.H. Newcomb was probably the most influential. I appreciated his candor, patience and humor. L.H. assisted me with my licensure program and served as my graduate advisor. He along with many others provided much need guidance for an undergraduate who was not always on track and motivation for a grad student managing a full-time teaching job and evening graduate classes. I am also grateful that Dr. Newcomb decided to take a yearlong administrative internship in the dean’s office. Dr. Warmbrod invited me to join the staff that year as a post-doc lecturer. The experience solidified my goal of pursuing a permanent faculty position in higher education. 

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
I have so many wonderful memories. I made great friends in the College of Agriculture and developed lifelong friendships through Zeta Tau Alpha. The memories are special because of the friends who were there in the 70’s still sustain me today.  We are loyal, fanatic Buckeye fans. We loved the football games and now the opportunity to get together. As undergrads, it didn’t matter if we had to sit in Block O or in the rain or snow. A trip to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA -was more than a girl from Shadyside could fathom. We had a great time. “How firm thy friendship, O-HI-O.”

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
Teaching students enrolled in the Natural Resources and Environmental Science program at Ashland County-West Holmes JVS in Ashland, OH was my first teaching position. Our FFA included the students in Ag Mechanic classes. I enjoyed teaching in a two-teacher department.

For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career and what were your responsibilities in those positions?
Following my teaching position at ACWH JVS, I was a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech where I earned my doctorate degree. I taught undergraduate ag ed courses and supervised student teachers. After graduate school, I worked as a lecturer with the Department of Agricultural Education faculty at The Ohio State University. What a thrill to be part of this extraordinary program and a member of its faculty. My first tenure track faculty position was at NC State University in 1985. As an assistant professor, I taught several different courses: computer/instructional technology, introduction to teaching, history and philosophy (Foundations), and mentoring. I advised undergraduates and graduate students.

After moving through the ranks and achieving the rank of full professor, I moved to college administration. As the assistant/ associate director of academic programs, my worked involved student recruitment, new student program, directing the honors program and working with faculty on various college programs like the outstanding teacher program and Educational and Technology Funding. In 2009, I became the director of the Agricultural Institute, a two year associate degree program. Directing the Institute was a wonderful experience. The students valued ”hands on learning” so that they were prepared to return to their farms and agribusiness jobs. Several continued their education and completed BS degrees.

My last administrative position at NC State was associate vice provost for academic programs and services, a newly organized unit in the University Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA) at NC State University. DASA was a unique organization that integrated curricular and co- curricular components to improve the academic performance of our students and the quality of academic and non-academic experiences at NC State University. Major responsibilities included: 
Leadership and specific administrative oversight for the overall University processing of courses and curricula and the General Education Program; Oversight of the First Year Inquiry program courses and faculty development; administrative management of the Environmental Science interdisciplinary degree program and the EcoVillage, Living and Learning Community.

After 18 years in administration, I returned to the faculty to resume my faculty role as a full professor.  I am now teaching, advising, and conducting research in the newly formed Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences.

During your career, what honors or awards have you been presented?
Some of my most meaningful awards included the Honorary State and National FFA Degrees; Outstanding Teacher of the College of Education and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; induction into the NC State University Academy of Outstanding Teachers; Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education, NCSU Division of Undergraduate Academic Programs Award; NACTA Teacher Fellow; Food Systems Leadership Institute (FSLI) Fellow; and Senior Fellow in the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE). I also received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE), in the Southern Region. During graduate school, I was inducted into the following: Alpha Tau Alpha (National Honorary in Agricultural Education); Phi Delta Kappa (National Education Honorary); and Omicron Tau Theta (National Honorary in Vocational Education),

I was very honored to return to Virginia Tech to receive Virginia Tech’s Recognition of Generations of Women Teachers: Leader, Achiever, and Outstanding Alumna.

During my early career at NC State, I worked with the National Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity and local alumnae in the construction of a local ZTA chapter house near the campus. I was presented the North Carolina Alumnae Themis Award for contributions to a collegiate chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha and National Certificate of Merit for contributions to a collegiate chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
Wow. There are many. My teaching and administrative career spanned multiple levels of education: high school teacher, two-year associate degree program director, faculty member in a major land grant university engaged in undergraduate and graduate education and administration at the college and university levels. Certainly, earning my doctorate degree was a highlight. The experience humbled me and opened the door for a career in higher education spanning 33+ years. My education and training positioned me to help others. When I can mentor or help a Jr. faculty member or administrative colleague, that resonates with me as a career highlight. Any time I can help a student especially those who find themselves in challenging situations, that is a career highlight. I probably experienced several of those situations myself. Certainly, becoming an associate vice provost is a career highlight. More importantly, in that role, I was able to help a graduate student from Nigeria navigate the red tape and bureaucracy in order to resolve his admission issues and complete a master’s degree in agricultural and extension education. Celebrating his success at graduation with his family (who flew from Nigeria) and all who had been part of his NC State experience was certainly a career highlight.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Don’t ever under estimate yourself. Listen to the advice of your faculty. Make the most of every collegiate experience. That includes curricular and co-curricular experiences. In particular, study abroad, engage in service learning, seek challenging internships, network and build friendships. Everything you do positions you for the next level. Enjoy your time at the university and take charge of fulfilling your dreams.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
Being part of ACEL cultivated in me a passion for teaching, determination, perseverance, dedication and compassion. While I would attribute my acquiring many of these attributes to my upbringing, the faculty and fellow students in ACEL nurtured my desire to be a successful educator. Many people along the way have continued to cultivate and support even my craziest of idea and dreams.

 

Alumni Spotlight: Norman Stanley ’67, ’71 M.S., ’73 Ph.D.

 

Norman M. Stanley, West Liberty, Ohio received all three of his degrees from Ohio State’s Department of Agricultural Education. He retired as the assistant director of institutional services and personnel at Ohio State ATI in 2001.

Why did you select your major or graduate program?
I selected agricultural education as my major because of the influence of my vocational agriculture teacher Doc Heminger at Zanesfield- Monroe high school. His approach to teaching and his love for agriculture instilled within me a desire to make that my profession.

Dr. Ralph Bender, chairman of the Department of Agricultural Education was most influential in my desire to attend graduate school. His insight to future agricultural needs and his organized approach to teaching and administration set before me an example, which I chose to emulate.

Also John Morgan, state supervisor of vocational education, encouraged me to go beyond the master’s degree and complete the PhD.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I chose Ohio State because they had the best agricultural education department in the US with an excellent faculty reputation. It also was just an hour from home.

How did your education at OSU influence your choice of a career?
The opportunity to explore a number of departmental offerings through what were called “exploratory meetings” helped me settle on agricultural education. In addition, the departmental faculty advisors and courses helped me gain assurance that ag ed was for me. The exploratory meetings, particularly the forestry department enthused me to apply for Federal Fire Crew jobs in the western US. As a result I spent two summers during college fighting forest fires in the Northwestern US on district and regional fire crews.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was a member of the Agricultural Education Society and served as Secretary and vice-president during my undergraduate years.

During my graduate program, I was inducted into The Honor Society of Agriculture- Gamma Sigma Delta and Phi Delta Kappa, a professional education fraternity.

One of my most rewarding experiences at OSU was working three years in food service at Neil Hall, a female medical and transfer student dormitory. It was there I met my future wife, a transfer student from Radford College in Virginia, and mother of our two Ohio State graduates and grandmother to our 8 grandchildren.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
The classes offered by Drs. Ralph Bender, Willard Wolf, Leon Boucher, and Clarence Cunningham on teaching methods were especially helpful and enjoyable. In my graduate program, courses I enjoyed most were Dr. Robert Warmbrod’s research methods and Dr. William Moore’s classes in higher education administration.

Did a faculty or staff member have an impact on your Ohio State experience?
It is very hard to limit this to one person, so I will list a few individuals who were impactful to my development over the 38 years associated with Ohio State and the Department.

Certainly Dr. Ralph Bender as teacher, chair of the Department, my dissertation committee chair, and mentor guided me throughout my journey in agricultural education.

Dr. Roy Kottman, VP & Dean of the College, set for me the example of being decisive as an administrator. Dr. Harold Bauman, financial officer for the College, was a true mentor and friend who lead me through many experiences with the OSU administration, as ATI grew in size and stature. He was a man with great wisdom and a great sense of humor. For example one time when a proposal to the OSU treasurer’s office was rejected, Harold said “Stanley you need to eat a pound of raw sausage and go back in there and get mean”!

Dr. Jerry Halterman, first Director and visionary of ATI, was a father like figure and mentor who showed me how important it was to enjoy the job regardless of how difficult it becomes….. a true man of integrity and faith!

Two staff members of the College who helped me immensely were Sue Hayes and Connie Rice, both enjoyable to work with.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at  Ohio State?
I believe I enjoyed most the interaction between my classmates and the faculty during my agricultural education classes. I now realize that many fine teachers and leaders came from these classes. These individuals have made a serious impact on the development of agriculture in our state and across the nation.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I taught vocational agriculture at Fredericktown High School in Knox County (home of the FFA jacket). I taught in a two person department and had excellent cooperation and support from the principal, superintendent and school board.

Tell us about the jobs you held throughout your career.
Graduate Research Assistant to the OSU ATI Director Designate 1971-72

  • Developed course and admissions materials, class room schedules, recruited the first year students

Graduate Teaching Associate- Department of Ag Ed

  • Supervised student teachers of Vocational Agriculture-1972-73

Vo Ag teacher at Fredericktown High School-1967-71

  • Taught grades 9 & 11; coordinated young ad adult farmer programs; lead the FFA chapter and various judging teams

Served as the Administrative Assistant to the Director at OSU ATI Wooster-1973-76

  • Taught Ag Ed courses on Campus; responsible for business, purchasing and campus facilities

Served as Assistant Director of Institutional Services and Personnel OSU ATI Wooster 1976-2001

  • Was responsible for business office, personnel, farm and campus facilities, and the capital improvements.

What honors and awards have you been presented?

  • Honorary Chapter Farmer-Fredericktown FFA
  • Outstanding Support of Employment For Ohioans With Handicaps-1988
  • Wooster Kiwanis- Lay Person of the Year-1996
  • OSUATI Outstanding Staff Award-1998
  • Outstanding Service to the American Red Cross, Wooster -1999
  • Charles Cairnie Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to The Nick Amster Workshop, Wooster-2000
  • OSU Distinguished Staff Award-2000
  • OSU Distinguished Alumni Award-2002
  • OSU Distinguished Service Award-2003
  • Establishment of The Norman M Stanley Scholarship Fund by friends at my retirement in 2001

What is your favorite career highlight?
The opportunity to have been a part of a pioneer effort for OSU ATI and to have seen the growth, development, and quality of students and alumni over the last 46 years. “ATI is a jewel in the OSU Crown”.

Also because of my education and career experiences through Ohio State and the College, I have had many opportunities for international travel and consulting. I continue volunteering for mission travel to SE Asia.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Study and work hard! Seek out faculty who can help you mature. Enjoy your interactions on campus…It should be one of the best times of your life!

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
The Department of Agricultural Education was like “a family away from home” in the 1960’s. It was a place you went for guidance, encouragement, and mentorship. I am sure ACEL continues that tradition today!

Alumni Spotlight: Keith Stimpert ’83 MS

 Keith Stimpert graduated with a master’s of science in agricultural education in 1983. He currently serves as the senior vice president at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

[ACEL]: Why did you choose to pursue a master’s degree in agricultural education?
[Stimpert]: A graduate or professional degree was always a part of my educational plan and choosing a master’s program that was centered in agriculture and focused on leadership seemed like a natural fit for my career path.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
Probably several reasons including the fact that my dad had graduated from this same department in the 1950’s—so there was a sentimental connection. But maybe more to the point—someone kicked me in the pants!  I had graduated from Miami University and had started as an organization director with the Ohio Farm Bureau. One day I mentioned to Glenn Pirtle, a Farm Bureau vice president, that I had always wanted to get my master’s degree. Before I could turn around, I was sitting in Dr. Bob Warmbrod’s office and learning about what a course of study might look like. I probably would still be talking about getting a degree had it not been for their guidance and encouragement.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
The engagement with the college and a variety of mentors has had a very positive impact on my career.  It’s probably hard to gauge exactly how the additional education has played a part professionally but I am confident it has.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
With a full-time job and taking many courses in the evening, I was at a different place in my life at the time and missed out on those excellent opportunities.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
My course of study was focused on being a better administrator and leader. In that regard, I was fortunate to take Paul Wright’s agriculture law class and to gather some history and perspective on Ohio’s vocational school movement from Byrl Shoemaker, who taught a special course on the subject. The information I gathered from these courses helped with my understanding of the legal challenges businesses face and the leadership needed to develop a statewide educational program.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education/career?
Clearly, Dr. Bob Warmbrod who made connecting to the college and completion of my degree a very positive experience. His research and quantitative analysis course series was challenging but I took a great deal from that work. We are all better off for the faculty and administrators that guide ACEL and CFAES, both yesterday and today.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Conducting survey research on the demographic characteristics of county Farm Bureau board members. A similar study had been conducted several years before and so there was a great deal to compare. The information gathered and the trends identified helped us with training programs for our developing leaders. 

Throughout your career, what positions have you held?
I have been fortunate to be a part of the Ohio Farm Bureau for 40 years now. From organization director to managing editor and from commodity program director to lobbyist there are only a handful of jobs I haven’t had in this organization. I am thankful for the opportunities and challenges that have been presented to me. Everyday is a new adventure!

During your career, honors or awards have you been presented?
Most of my “awards” have come from being a part of a team working to help our farmers and make our communities stronger, but I was recently honored to receive the 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Ohio Soybean Council.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
Working with leading Ohio’s soybean farmers to establish the Ohio Soybean Council.  It was very satisfying to see the farmer leadership and management of this board–now over 25 years old–become nationally recognized for their work in soybean new uses and profitability.

What advice would you give to a current student?
William Swank, former OFBF Executive Vice President, used to regularly share “words to live by.” He credited John W. Bricker, former Ohio governor and US senator, with this advice for anyone—”Get it done, do it right, and keep the promises that you make.” I think it’s just that simple.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
My degree cultivated a sense of connection to the university, the college and our agricultural community.

 

Alumni Spotlight: Larry Seibel ’80, ’83 MS

 
Larry Seibel graduated with a dual bachelor’s degree in agricultural mechanization and systems and agricultural education in 1980 and completed a master’s degree in 1983 in agricultural education.

[ACEL]: Hi Larry! Why did you decide to major in agricultural education?
[Seibel]: I selected my major as agricultural and mechanization and systems because I grew up farming and had studied ag mechanics for two years at a career center. Once at The Ohio State University, I found I had enough room in my schedule for many electives. Rather than just take bunch of random courses, I decided to dual major in agricultural education – you could do that back then! I wanted to be a regional representative for an agricultural company but jobs in teaching were available and as they say, the rest is history!

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I choose Ohio State because my high school teachers had gone there and they said it was a great university. They were right!

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career?
Wanting to use my time fully and fate in the job market put me in agricultural education, which I have done for 38 years and thoroughly enjoy.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was in the Agricultural Education Society, where I eventually served as the President, and was chosen the “Outstanding Senior Student”. I worked for Dr. Joe Gleam in the Department of Agricultural Engineering in Ives Hall. I was a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma, an agricultural fraternity. I did my graduate work at Ohio State as well, majoring in agricultural education and was in the honor society Gamma Sigma Delta.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I enjoyed my mechanics classes because I had a passion in that field. I also loved the animal sciences classes I took as electives. My favorite was a small engines course because I really knew the material. I was bored at first, but my professor saw that I was acing the class and asked me to run the lab portion. That was cool, getting college credit and teaching the hands on part!

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education?
Many! Dr. Gleam because I worked for him and took classes from him. A very positive personality! Dr. McCracken, served as my advisor later and always had a smile! Dr. L.H. Newcomb, in my leadership of Ag Ed Society, he was always pushing me to be better!

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
There were so many! Taking my pickup with a load of die hard OSU fans to the game up north! Playing intramural sports, showing cattle in the Little International, walking campus in the snow during the blizzard of 1978, looking up and down High Street and seeing no traffic! Digging down to find the benches at Mirror Lake to sit in the snow and just enjoy the time. School closed for 2 or 3 days, that never happened!

But my favorite memory is probably when Dr. Gleam sent me downtown on an errand run. I usually took the university truck but I went out and it was gone. He reached in his pocket and pitched me the keys to his corvette!!! How many poor 19-20 year olds don’t love the young ladies staring at them as they drive through campus in a Vette!! Honestly, it was because I couldn’t believe he trusted me enough to let me drive it!

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first job was teaching diesel mechanics at Upper Valley Joint Vocational School.

Tell us about the positions you have held throughout your career.
I stayed at Upper Valley for eight years. I went to Montgomery County JVS and taught production agriculture for 14 years. I then became the Ag supervisor for all programs on campus and eight home school programs in a four county area. I was responsible for expanding and continuing the quality of agricultural education for those students in that four county area. I have been back to teaching diesel power technologies for the past eight years at the same school, new name, Miami Valley CTC.

During your career, honors or awards have you been presented?
Outstanding Agricultural Education Senior, Honorary Chapter FFA degree from five FFA chapters, Honorary State FFA Degree, Outstanding Service Award from the Montgomery County SWCD, Honored Educator in the National Technical Society numerous times, Ohio Association of Agricultural Teachers Outstanding Teacher in District 5,  distinguished Board Member for years of service on the Tri-County North Local School District Board of Education. Enough!

My best honor is a fantastic wife and family, and my many successful students!

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
My favorite career highlight is being selected by my students to be honored! That’s why I do what I do, to help them down a path to success. The other highlights are great but they are the result of what I do for students and them recognizing me is the best highlight of a career.

What advice would you give to a current student?
I tell my students to open as many doors as they can during their education so they can choose which one to walk through, rather than having to settle for someone else telling them which one they “have” to go through!

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
ACEL cultivated personal responsibility and leadership in me. It also built my confidence which allowed me to advance my life! The coursework taught me the knowledge, but the real reason I was successful at The Ohio State University and throughout my career is because of the many professors at OSU that did more than teach material (as Dr. Newcomb used to say “cats cover material, teachers teach!”). Ohio State cared about me as a person and I have never forgotten that and practice it in my own career.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Kamiar Kouzekanani, ’83 Ph.D.

Kamiar Kouzekanani, Ph.D., is a native of Tehran, Iran and a professor of quantitative methods in the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). He has doctoral degrees from both The Ohio State University (Agricultural Education, 1983) and University of Miami (Educational Research, 1988).

His areas of expertise are applied statistics and quantitative research methods.  He has authored and co-authored a large number of peer-reviewed, theory-driven, and data-based journal articles (56, as of July 2017), book chapters (three, as of July 2017), abstracts (three, as of July 2017) and conference papers (27, as of July 2017) and posters (44, as of July 2017) in topics related to educational leadership, reading and language arts, adult education, teacher education, diabetes education, substance abuse, and body composition.

Dr. Kouzekanani was research assistant professor at the University of Miami (1988–1992), School of Nursing’s coordinator of evaluation and research at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (1992–1999), and a member of two research teams at the University of Texas at Austin (1999–2004) prior to joining the TAMU-CC faculty in January 2005.

Between 1988 and 2004, he served as the quantitative methodologist in multi-year studies funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Nursing Research, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention at US Department of Health and Human Services, US Army Medical Research and Material Command, and US Department of Education.

At TAMU-CC, in addition to serving on doctoral dissertation committees as either the chair (46, as of July 2017) or the methodologist (52, as of July 2017) and providing the College of Education and Human Development faculty with consultation in the areas of research design and data analysis, Dr. Kouzekanani teaches graduate level courses in applied statistics, quantitative research methods, and dissertation research.  He was the recipient of the 2015 Outstanding Doctoral Mentor at TAMU-CC.

Dr. Kouzekanani is an avid long-distance runner and has run marathons in all 50 states.  At Ohio State, he was mentored by Dr. Larry Miller, whom he still considers as his role model.  He is a longtime member of The Ohio State University Alumni Organization.

Alumni Spotlight: Joe Harper ’83 PhD

Dr. Joe Harper, originally of Luray, Virginia, graduated with a doctoral degree in agricultural education in 1983. Following more than 33 years as a college professor of agricultural education, Harper recently retired from the University of Illinois.

[ACEL]:Why did you select your major or graduate program?
[Harper]: All my life, education and professional experiences have been in agriculture. I have dedicated my entire professional career to education about agriculture.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
The dedication of the program towards teaching, research, and service towards teaching and learning for agriculture.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
My graduate program inspired me to pursue a career in college teaching.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was fortunate to have a graduate teaching assistantship with Dr. Gliem in the Agricultural Engineering department.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
All of the classes that were related to research methods and analysis because of the aspects and applications of critical thinking and problem-solving.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education/career?
I cannot name just one, Drs. Gliem, McCracken, Newcomb, Warmbrod and Barrick for their guidance, leadership, mentoring and professionalism

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Attending the department’s social activities with the faculty, staff and other students, such as pregame tailgates.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I was employed as an instructor at ATI the Agricultural Technical institute in Wooster, Ohio for about a year and half.

For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career and what were your responsibilities in those positions?
These are the positions and institutions I have had throughout my career

  • 1973-78 Agriculture Teacher, Loudoun Valley High School, Purcellville, Virginia
  • 1978-80 Graduate Teaching Assistant, Penn State University.
  • 1980-83 Graduate Teaching Assistant, Ohio State University.
  • 1983-84 Instructor, Agricultural Technical Institute, Wooster, Ohio
  • 1984-90 Assistant Professor, University of Nevada-Reno
  • 1990-1998 Associate Professor, Clemson University
  • 1998-2017 Professor, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

During your career, honors or awards have you been presented?
I have been recognized on several occasions, the most significant for me was to be honored by undergraduate students for my teaching and advising.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
For the later part of my career I was the program coordinator for the Technical Systems Management degree program.  The undergraduate program grew to more than 200 majors and had the highest employment placement rates and starting salaries the college. During that period we were able to develop and implement a new graduate program with a graduate program option in Professional Sciences.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Your degree program is a means to a career, not an end in itself, work towards a career that you has value to you, focus, and work with dedication.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
Fostering critical thinking, with a foundation in problem-solving, and the perspective that it is not what you know, but what you are able to do.

 

 

 

Dr. Charles W. Lifer: ’61, ’66 MS, ’69 PhD

Dr. Charles W. Lifer graduated from Ohio State in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a master’s degree in agricultural education in 1966. Now retired, Dr. Lifer splits his time between Ohio and Florida.

[ACEL]: Hello Dr. Lifer. Why did you select your major or graduate program?
[Lifer]: Dr. Richard Wilson, professor in agricultural education and my undergraduate advisor, encouraged me to major in agricultural education because it provided the best employment opportunities in teaching and extension.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
My high school vocational agriculture teacher encouraged me to go to college and attend Ohio State.

 How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career?
My degree in agricultural education and extension education opened many doors beginning with employment as a county 4-H extension agent all the way to State 4-H Leader and professor in agriculture education.

As a student, how were you involved?
I was involved in Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity, Townsend Agricultural Education Society, and part time employment Ohio State University Cancer Research Lab.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
Dr. Warmbrod’s agricultural education research methods, Dr. Miller’s agricultural engineering drawing, and Dr. Powell’s Business Administration. Dr. Warmbrod’s agricultural education research methods, because he made a difficult subject interesting and understandable.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on our education/career?
Dr. Clarence Cunningham and Dr. Robert McCormick, who encouraged me to pursue a career in Extension and get a PhD.  This advice opened up career opportunities at the state level requiring a doctorate.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
As State 4-H leader and professor in agricultural education, I proposed the establishment of a State 4-H Center on the OSU Campus and followed through in getting it done.  This required University approval, site location, fund raising and personal gifting.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
County 4-H Agent in Monroe County, Ohio and the first 4-H Agent to be hired as County 4-H Agent and Chair.  Previously all county chairs were agricultural agents.

For what companies have you worked throughout your career?
All of my employment following graduation was with Ohio State in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and Ohio State Extension. This included County 4-H Agent, Monroe County; Area 4-H Agent, McConnelsville; Area Community Development Agent, Dover; State Leader Extension Studies and Evaluation, Columbus; Professor and State 4-H Leader, Columbus; and Director of Legislative Affairs, Columbus.  Most of these positions included administrative responsibilities.

Can you share any awards or honors you have received?
Many including Honorary State FFA Degree, Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame, National 4-H Hall of Fame, Regional Epsilon Sigma Phi Distinguished Service Award, Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame, and Ohio State Distinguished Service Award.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
Getting the $16 million dollar 4-H Center on the Ohio State Campus and as Area Community Development Agent in Dover, building the Outdoor Historical Drama amphitheater (Trumpet in the Land) and hiring recognized Author, Paul Green.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Choose an area of interest where there are great employment opportunities after graduation.  There is nothing worse than graduating with a college degree and no jobs available.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
Through the agricultural education student teaching and extension field experience it helped to have real world job experience.  The teachers and extension trainer agents were great mentors in preparing for my career after graduation.

Lifer as a high school senior.

ACEL Spotlight: Dr. Jan Henderson ’74, ’80 MS

Jan Henderson is from Bay Village, Ohio and currently lives in Westlake where she works for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, as a Senior Capacity Development Specialist.

Why did you select your major of agricultural education?
I wanted to combine my love of horticulture and my love for people; majoring in agricultural education was a natural choice. My original intent was to pursue a career in horticulture therapy; I completed my “student teaching” experience at Harding Hospital (a non-profit psychiatric facility in Worthington, Ohio) before returning to campus to fulfill course requirements for my teaching certificate.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
Ohio State was far enough away, but not too far from my home town; the university was affordable and had an excellent School of Social Work which was my initial career interest. I had no previous contact with or knowledge of the University or Columbus before enrolling in fall quarter 1970.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your career path?
My bachelor’s and master’s degrees provided me with the foundation and credentials to pursue not only careers in teaching at the secondary and university levels, but also expanded opportunities to work internationally with non-profit organizations.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I loved all of my horticulture classes, even the dreaded Plant ID course with Dr. D.C. “Kip” Kiplinger. However, as the only female (and usually the only non-farm student) in my undergraduate agricultural education and ag science classes I did not always feel welcomed. What a wonderful change has occurred as more women have enrolled in the department and have joined the faculty.

Did a faculty member have a particular impact on your education and/or career?
Dr. Leon Boucher provided much needed reassurance and support during my first year of teaching. I was substituting for a teacher who had suffered a heart attack and those initial visits from Dr. Boucher kept me focused, encouraged, and determined not to give up; he was my biggest cheerleader. As I began teaching I was at somewhat of a disadvantage by not having taken vocational agriculture in high school and being unfamiliar with the FFA. John Davis and Odell Miller, from the State Department of Education, became my patient “teachers” spending many hours gladly answering my questions during our times together at FFA Camp.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
A favorite memory is participating in the Little International Livestock Show when I was a sophomore; for a “city girl” with no farm background handling my Charolais heifer was quite an experience!

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first job was teaching 11th grade horticulture at Penta County Joint Vocational School in Rossford, Ohio in March 1975.

For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career and what were your responsibilities in those positions?

Horticulture Instructor at Penta County Joint Vocational School, Tri-Rivers Joint Vocational School, and Upper Valley Joint Vocational School

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Agricultural and Extension Education, Mississippi State University

Visiting Assistant Professor, Agricultural Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Associate Professor, Agricultural Education, The Ohio State University

Planning, Evaluation, and Training Coordinator, Heifer International

Senior Capacity Development Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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

Outstanding Leadership Award, Association for International Agricultural and Extension  Education, 2000

Outstanding Advisor, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, 1998

Rodney Plimpton Outstanding Teacher Award, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 1995

Outstanding Young Scholar, University Council for Vocational Education, 1987

Outstanding Young Teacher, Ohio Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, District 6, 1978

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
My favorite career highlights are the times I have spent with students: taking my high school students to FFA Camp and the National FFA Convention; listening to my undergraduate advisees consider their career options; visiting and encouraging our student teachers and first-year teachers; collecting data with my doctoral students in their home countries; and finding ways to make statistics more enjoyable and understandable for my graduate students.

What advice would you give to a current student?
I would encourage students to consider enrolling in a study abroad program. Studying in a foreign country exposes students to different ways of being and knowing, to a better understanding of themselves and other cultures, and to new interests, languages, and lifelong friendships.  I understand that not every student can afford to study abroad due to financial, work, or family constraints; therefore I would encourage all students to take advantage of any opportunity to encounter and engage with diverse settings and cultures in the U.S.; diversity is all around us if we open our eyes and hearts.

 What did ACEL cultivate in you?
ACEL cultivated a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service through the faculty and staff who nurtured and supported my education; who had a genuine interest in my well-being and future. I have strived to emulate these role models during my own career journey.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. M. Susie Whittington ’82, ’88 MS, ’91 PhD

Dr. Susie Whittington is a three-time graduate of our department. She currently serves as the director for the University’s Second-Year Transformational Experience program and is a professor of agriscience education.

She graduated from Ohio State in 1982 with her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and went on to receive her master’s and PhD in agricultural education in 1988 and 1991, respectively.

[ACEL]: Why did you choose to major in agricultural education?
[Whittington]: I came to Ohio State knowing I was planning to be a high school agricultural science teacher. At that time, all students entered Ohio State through UVC (University College), and were not to enroll in a major for several quarters. To enter a major, students had to meet with the undergraduate coordinator in the major; for agricultural education, that was Dr. L.H. Newcomb. I nervously met with him my first quarter, received the typical “drilling” about why I wanted to become an agricultural science teacher, was enrolled in the major that day, and was hired by him that day to be a work-study student for Dr. Jim Knight.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
For a rural Ohio kid at that time, there was no other place to consider! However, I never planned to go to college. As a high school agricultural science student, one of my agricultural science teachers brought me to campus. He told me I needed to be a high school agricultural science teacher and I needed to go to Ohio State. As a first-generation college student, my agricultural science teacher was a pseudo-parent in the college conversation. He showed me how to navigate the necessary college entry processes.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
My education at The Ohio State University prepared me to have the confidence I needed to be a 23 year old, accepting the opportunity to re-open a high school agricultural science program that had been closed.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
As an Ohio State student, I embraced everything the college and department had to offer! I worked for the department as a work-study student for three years and I worked for Extension my senior year both before and after student teaching. I was fortunate to serve as president of the Agricultural Education Society, secretary of the CFAES Student Council (CAHENR at the time!), Little I Queen in Saddle and Sirloin Club, and a Little Sis in Alpha Zeta Fraternity (now FarmHouse).

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I enjoyed the entire curriculum that was required to complete an agricultural education degree and to acquire an Ohio teaching license.  From my educational psychology classes to my animal nutrition class, I appreciated the knowledge the classes were providing in preparation for my career objective. I most loved, however, EVERY class in the Department of Agricultural Education and the professors who taught them: Dr. Newcomb, Dr. Knight, Dr. Hedges, Dr. Henderson, Dr. Starling, Dr. Boucher, Dr. Rossetti and Dr. Ray Miller were highly influential. In addition, during my MS and PhD courses in the department, I was influenced by Dr. Warmbrod, Dr. Barrick, Dr. Blannie Bowen, Dr. Budke, Dr. McCracken, Dr. Larry Miller, Dr. Paulson, Dr. VanTilburg-Norland, Dr. Agunga, Dr. Gliem and Dr. McCaslin. The graduate assistants, at that time, and forever in this department, play a significant role in the preparation of our students…that was very true for me.  Of course, given that my favorite class I teach today is Methods of Teaching, it is no surprise that my all-time favorite class was Methods of Teaching with Dr. Newcomb.

Did a faculty member have a specific impact on your time at Ohio State?
As stated in a previous question, I am professionally a genetic make-up of every professor, graduate assistant, and staff member in this department from 1978 to today. However, I believe that most of us who have earned a PhD might say that our major professor influenced our thinking for a life-time; my major professor was Dr. Newcomb.

What is your favorite Ohio State memory?
Outside of room 246 Ag Admin, Dr. Knight introduced me to Pat Whittington. The rest is history!

What was your first job following your undergraduate education?
I was the high school agricultural science teacher at Wellington High School in Loraine County.

For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career and what were your responsibilities in those positions?

Wellington High School
The University of Idaho
The Pennsylvania State University
The Ohio State University.

Share the honors and awards you have been presented during your career.

National Award for Excellence in College and University Teaching in the Food and Agricultural Sciences, from The United States Department of Agriculture, and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities

Teaching Excellence Award, from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture

Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award, from The Ohio Union and The Office of Student Affairs, The Ohio State University

Josephine Sitterle Failer Award, for outstanding service to Ohio State students, from The Ohio State University Alumni Association

Academy of Fellows, from the American Association for Agricultural Education

Teacher Fellow, from the North American Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture

Distinguished Researcher Award, from the American Association for Agricultural Education

Author of the Year Award, from the Journal of Agricultural Education

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
It is hard to write into words the capstone of emotions that are felt each time I experience the incredible opportunity to hood a new PhD at The Ohio State University commencement ceremonies.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Embrace engagement in at least one opportunity in each of the following: your department, your college, your university, and the City of Columbus.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
ACEL cultivated in me a passion for assisting students in achieving their career objective.

Agricultural Education Society with John Mount and University President E. Gordon Gee during the 125th anniversary of the organization.

Dr. Whittington with Dr. LH Newcomb.

Dr. Whittington’s office in the former 208 suite of Agricultural Administration.

The Whittington Family and Archie Griffin.

Alumni Spotlight: Thomas Kremer ’69, ’75 MS

 

Thomas Kremer is from Versailles, Ohio and received his bachelor’s degree in 1969 and his master’s degree in 1975, both in agricultural education. He is now a retired high school agriculture teacher living in Anna, Ohio.

[ACEL]: Hi Tom! Why did you select the agricultural education major? [Kremer]: I decided as a sophomore in high school that I wanted to be an agriculture teacher.  My decision was greatly influenced by my high school agriculture teacher, Mr. Ron Vogel.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I chose Ohio State because in 1965 it was the only in state university with an agriculture college.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice or your career path?
Already knowing what I wanted to do, I declared my major as a second quarter freshman.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was a member of the Agricultural Education Society and a member of Delta Theta Sigma agriculture fraternity.

Coming from a small rural community and being the first and only member of my family to attend a four year college, the educational and social growth opportunities at OSU were vital for my personal maturity and professional preparation.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I enjoyed the animal science classes the most as they prepared me for my teaching career.  Even though Dr. Jack Cline’s livestock nutrition class was very challenging it gave me a great foundation in animal nutrition and science.

Did a faculty or staff member have an impact on your time at Ohio State?
Dr. John Starling, my graduate school academic advisor, had a great impact on my career. He directed me into classes that best prepared me for my profession. But the person most responsible for my success as an agriculture teacher was Odell Miller. Mr. Miller was my cooperating teacher during my student teaching and has remained a lifelong mentor.  He prepared and inspired me toward a successful career.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
My favorite memory of life at Ohio State would have to be the brothers of Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity and the Buckeye football games.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first job after graduation from Ohio State was the agriculture teacher at Fr. Recovery High School in Ft. Recovery, Ohio.

Share the different positions you have held throughout your career.
I was the agriculture teacher at Ft. Recovery for two years.  I became the Farm Management teacher at the Montgomery Joint Vocational School for four years.  I completed my teaching career as the agriculture science teacher at Anna Local School for twenty-five years.  Following my teaching career I owned and operated Kremer Equipment and Supply for seventeen years. During those years I provided tools, supplies and equipment for agriculture teachers throughout Ohio.

During your career, honors or awards have you been presented?
I was honored to serve as President of the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE).  I was a member and served as Secretary of the National Council for Agriculture Education.  I was a member of the American Vocational Association/Association of Career and Technical Educators (AVA/ACTE) policy committee.  I served on the National FFA Board of Trustees and also served as a consultant for the National FFA Board of Directors. I was also honored to serve as vice president, president elect, president and past president of the Ohio Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association.  I served on the Board of Directors for the Ag Ed Magazine.  I was honored to be chosen as the Ohio Association for Career & Technical Education (OVATA) Vocational Educator of the year and the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) Region I Vocational Educator of the Year.  I was nominated for the Disney Foundation Teacher of the Year.  I received my Honorary State and American FFA Degrees.  I received the OVATA Outstanding Teacher Award twice.  I was recently nominated and honored to receive the NAAE Lifetime Achievement Award.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
I have three career highlights that are my favorites.  The first was when my student, Bruce Kettler, was elected Ohio State FFA President and then went on to serve as a National FFA officer and is currently serving as the Indiana Director of Agriculture.  The second was when I was elected President of NAAE and served on the board for five years.  The third is that I have been blessed with having seven former students become agriculture teachers.

What advice would you give to a current student?
My advice to a current student is to find a job or career that you really love and you will never dread having to go to work every day.

What did ACEL cultivate in you? How?

The Ohio State Department of Agricultural Education (now ACEL) offered me the means and opportunities to prepare for a successful career in my profession as a “life toucher”.