Calendar

February 1 – ACT’s Night for Young Professional, 6pm, Ohio 4-H Center
March 11-15 – Spring Break – no classes, offices open
April 16 – ACEL Banquet, 6pm, Ohio 4-H Center
April 22 – Last Day of Classes for Spring Semester
April 24-30 – Final Examinations
May 5 – Spring Commencement

Office of Student Life Calendar

News

On our Website
Check back next week!

On our Blog
Check back next week!

In the News
Pamela Bennett ’00 MS, alum, Why the Future of Floriculture Field Trials Looks Bright , Greenhouse Grower

Ohio State Leadership Awards
Applications for the 2024 Leadership Awards are open NOW and due on January 29. ! The awards are an opportunity to recognize Ohio State community members for their achievements! You can register yourself and/or nominate other individuals and organizations at go.osu.edu/LeadershipAwards! Please visit go.osu.edu/LeadershipAwards for award descriptions and reach out to coyan-mcclure.1@osu.edu for questions! There are individual awards for students and staff, as well as student organization awards.

CFAES Student Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2024 CFAES Student Awards. The categories of awards include: CFAES Student Awards, CFAES Service to Students Awards, and CFAES Student Organization Awards. Nominations are due February 1, 2024. Learn more and submit a nomination at: http://go.osu.edu/cfaesstudentawards.

Research Forum Poster Competition
We’re eager to extend an invitation to all graduate students, post-docs, and research staff in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) to participate in the 2024 Annual Research Forum Poster Competition. This is an opportunity to contribute to the vibrant research community at CFAES!

• Showcase Your Research! This is your opportunity to present your groundbreaking research to a wider audience within the CFAES community and beyond.
• Networking Opportunities Abound. Connect with fellow researchers, faculty, and industry professionals. Build valuable connections that could shape the future of your research endeavors.
• Did Somebody Say Cash Prizes? First, second, and third place winners in each graduate and professional category (Master’s students, Doctoral students, Post-doctoral Scholars, and Research Staff) will receive awards of $500, $300, and $150, respectively.

Poster presentations will take place on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Columbus. Winners will be announced at the CFAES Research Forum Awards Ceremony and luncheon on April 11, 2024, at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center. Transportation will be provided from Wooster to Columbus. Questions: Please contact Dr. Pat Whittington (whittington.6@osu.edu) or Susie Sheller (sheller.1@osu.edu) about the undergraduate competitions. Questions about the graduate and professional competitions can be directed to Kayla Arnold (arnold.1065@osu.edu).

International Agricultural Education Fellowship in Mexico
IAEFP is an opportunity for fellows to create transformative educational experiences for youth. Fellows grow in their leadership, agricultural and professional skills in a new ecological and social context. They will build their cultural and communications competence and expand their vision of how they can be change-makers in this world.
Find more information here.

Register for the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum
The Denman Forum provides an opportunity for graduating student researchers to share their research endeavors with the broader community.  This is our only competitive poster forum in which winners are recognized in each category as determined by faculty, staff, and Denman alumni reviewers.  Students will be reviewed on their ability to communicate their research process and results effectively in both their written poster content and accompanying oral presentation.  During the Denman Forum, we celebrate not only the hard work of these students, but also the dedication of their faculty research mentors.
The application will be live beginning at 5am on January 2, 2024. The application will close at 11:59pm on February 4, 2024.
Click here to Apply for the 2024 Denman forum.

Student Organizations

Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow:
All meetings are held in Ag Admin 211 at 7:00pm

• Feb. 1 (NYP) – 4-H Center
• Feb. 7
• Feb. 21
• March 6
• March 20
• April 3 (elections)
• April 17

Agricultural Education Society 
All meetings are held in Ag Admin 211 at 7:00pm

• January 24, PJ & Board Game Night
• February 14, Palentine’s Day Meeting
• February 28, Professional Development Meeting
• March 6,  Fun Meeting: Mid-term Study Break
• March 22-24, Purdue Exchange
• March 27, Business & Committee Meeting
• April 10, Professional Development Meeting
• April 19, Fun Meeting: Senior Day

Education Abroad

FAES Global Education Updates

• Learn about the CFAES Education Abroad programs 
  • Schedule an appointment with Elizabeth Shuman or Ryan Vonderhaar
  • Keep up with the CFAES Voyagers by following on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
• Australia: Human Impacts on the Natural Environment
  • Recorded Australia Information Session
• New Zealand: Sustainable Tourism & Human Impacts on the Environment
  • Recorded New Zealand Information Session

Graduate Student Information

Texas Tech University – Assistant Professor of Agricultural Communications

Scholarships

Ohio Corn and Wheat
Ohio Soybean Council Foundation
Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars
AgCareers.com Scholarship
Mid America CropLife Association – Young Leader Scholarship Program 2024
National Corn Growers Association Scholarships
Ohio FFA Foundation Scholarships
Agriculture Education Foundation 
Ohio Agricultural Council Scholarship
Young Leader Scholarship Program 
Truman Scholarship
College Aggies Online scholarship competition
Ohio Pork Council

Internship and Career Opportunities

Internship Openings
American Farm Bureau Federation – Studio Broadcasting Internship
Animal Agriculture Alliance – Part-Time Internship
Bane-Welker Equipment – Sales and Marketing Intern
Chrisensen Farms – Communications Internship – Sleepy Eye, MN
Fairfax City Economic Development – Communications Intern
Headfirst Summer Camps – Intern – Digital Marketing, Blogging, & Social Media, Virginia: 2023-2989
Hurricane Junior Golf Tour – Summer 2024 Internship – Digital Marketing
Kentucky Farm Bureau – Regional Support Intern (Campbellsville) 
Kentucky Farm Bureau – Underwriting Administration Intern
Komstu – Social Media Marketing Intern
Ohio Farm Bureau – State Fair Intern
Penn State – Part-Time Communications/News Intern
Phiregroup – Creative Staegist Intern
Phiregroup – Designer Intern
Sacramento Kings Jobs – Ticket Sales and Services Intern
Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative – Marketing & Communications Intern
J Public Relations – PR and Social Media Marketing Internship
United Farmers Cooperative –  Agronomy Sales Internship
University of Louisville Physicians – Intern-Digital Marketing

Are you a college student that has a knack for video creation and photography? Do you have a creative mindset for social media content?Are you looking for a unique opportunity to grow your skills?Farm Science Review needs you!
Apply by sending your resume to fsrinfo@osu.edu

Full-Time Openings
AgHires – LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ANALYST
AgHires – Regional Sales Manager
Ag Jobs –   High School Agricultural Science Teacher
American Angus Association – Communications Specialist
Association of Zoos and Aquariums – Marketing Coordinator
Buckner International – Social Media Marketing Strategist
California State University – Full Time Lecturer in Agricultural Education
Cal Poly – Full Time Lecturer in Agricultural Education
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association – Communications Coordinator
Central State University – Land Grant Information Management Specialist
Columbus Crew – Manager, Human Resources
Corgan – Director of Communications
Cornell Cooperative Extension – Agriculture/Natural Resources Educator
Cosi – Manager of Operational Experiences
Deleware Area Career Center –  Administrative Assistant to Director of Secondary Operations
Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District – Agricultural Programs Specialist
Flying Horse Farms – Non-profit Development Manager
Generation 6 Marketing – Print Project Manager
Guild Holdings Company – Social Media Marketing Specialist
Homage – Marketing Coordinator
Humane Society of Summit County – Volunteer Coordinator
IGT – Global Communications Specialist III
Iowa State University – 4H Youth Development and Extension Program Leader – Adjunct Assistant or Associate Professor
Indianna Farm Bureau Insurance – Customer Service Representative – Bloomfield
Indianna Farm Bureau Insurance – Project Manager
Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio – Director of Development
Kansas State University – Communication and Marketing Specialist
Kansas State University – 4-H Youth Development Agent, Butler County
Kansas State University – 4-H Youth Development, Johnson County
Marriott – Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
MO Electric Cooperatives – Content Creator and Social Media Editor
National FFA – Program Specialist-National Officer Coach
National Young Farmers Coalition – Corporate Engagement Manager
New Mexico State University – CES County Program Assistant
North Dakota Career and Technicall Education – CTE Supervisor – Agricultural Education
Ohio AgriBusiness Association – President and CEO
Ohio Heritage Cooperative –   Custom Applicator
Ohio State ,CFAES – Student Engagement Coordinator
Ohio State – Training & Development Specialist
Ohio State, Extension – Extension Educator, Shelby County
Oklahoma State University – Extension Educator 4H Youth Dev
Penn State University – Agricultural Outreach Specialist, Project Coordinator
Penn State University – Part-Time Web Designer- Agricultural Sciences
Pulse USA – Feed Sales
Purdue University –  Extension Educator – Urban Ag/Horticulture – Allen County
Purdue University –  Extension Educator – Agriculture & Natural Resources – Grant County
Rodale Institute – Markets Coordinator
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science – Communications Specialist -Hybrid
Ross-Hocking Extension Camp Association – Staff Position 
Ross-Hocking Extension Camp Association – 2024 FoodService Staff
South Dakota State University – 4-H Youth Program Advisor (Butte/Lawrence County)
Spotlight Media – Part-Time Remote Digital Advertising Account Manager in the Phoenix Area
State Fair of Texas – Coordinator, Fundraising Events
Stockhands Horses for Healing – Part Time Office / Volunteer Coordinator
Texas Tech University – Assistant Professor of Agricultural Communications
The Greater Nebraska Schools Hiring Consortium –  Agriculture Teacher, Grades 7-12
Tiny Mighty Communications – Account Manager – PR and Corporate Communications
University of Kentucky – Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development– Pike County
University of Kentucky – Production/Marketing Coordinator
University of Georgia – Director of Communications
University of Georgia – Public Relations Specialist
University of Minnesota – Assistant Professor – Extension
University of North Flordia – OPS Social Media/Marketing Assistant, Continuing Education
University of South Florida – Communications and Marketing Officer
U.S Department of Agriculture – USFS Western Wildland Environmental Threat Communications Fellowship

Research Opportunities
Check back next week!

Graduate School Opportunities
Auburn University
California State – Chico
Cal Poly
Clemson University
Kansas State University
Louisiana State University
NC State University
Oklahoma State University
Penn State University
Purdue University
Texas A&M University
The Ohio State University
Oklahoma State University
Oregon State University
University of Georgia
University of Florida
University of Idaho 
University of Minnesota
University of Missouri
University of Wisconsin – River Falls
Virginia Tech

Service Opportunities
Check back next week!

Students of the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education and Leadership (ACEL) spent time studying abroad during Ohio State’s spring and summer breaks. While students participated in programs in multiple countries, they all spent time learning about the unique role agriculture plays in communities across the globe.  

Aubrey Hoying, Kelsie Mannasmith, Koren Truance and Macie Wrachford participated in the England/Scotland: Agricultural and Environmental Communications program which spent about two weeks in May learning about prominent English agricultural issues and the ways through which mass media communicate with and educate the public about these issues. 

Hoying said it was interesting to see how similar, but different, agriculture is around the world. “While I was in the U.K. we visited different agriculture settings and experienced how their agriculture industry works. Each site we visited had a different type of agriculture to present – sheep, dairy, equine, crops, manure management, and more.” 

Students learned how British media both differ from and resemble U.S. media in their coverage of a wide range of social and technical issues associated with food and agriculture, including land use, foot and mouth disease, organic food production, local food systems and dairy cattle diseases. 

Dr. Emily Buck, professor of agricultural communication, and Dr. Annie Specht, associate professor of agricultural communication, led the program. Hoying, Mannasmith and Wrachford are agricultural communication majors. Truance majors in agriscience education. 

Three ACEL students participated in educational abroad programs in Costa Rica during Ohio State’s spring break in March. Lauren Mellott traveled to the Central American country as part of the Sustainable Service-Learning program, while Lindsey Okuley and Rachael Billups were in country with Alpha Zeta Partners for a program that focuses on the impact of leadership and system’s thinking in creating change in agriculture and the environment. 

While in Costa Rica, Mellott learned agriculture is complex in other countries. “This experience was a reminder that the production of agricultural goods isn’t always as simplified or easy for developing countries when compared to the United States.”  

Mellott is a senior studying agriscience education. Okuley and Billups graduated with a B.S. in agricultural communication in May. 

Drs. Mary Rodriguez, associate professor of community leadership, and Jera Niewoehner-Green, assistant professor of community leadership, serve as advisors of Alpha Zeta Partners and led the group on their global program. 

“Our college has always had a robust global education program, and ACEL faculty lead a number of these programs that allow our students to view the variety of culture, landscape, agriculture, leadership and community outside of the United States,” said Dr. Shannon Washburn, professor and chair of ACEL. “While our opportunity for student international travel was halted by the pandemic, these seven students have set an example to their classmates the importance of cross-cultural learning.”  

This was the first summer these global programs have traveled since before the global pandemic begin in 2020. While the England/Scotland program travels in odd years, many programs, including the two programs to Costa Rica, travel annually. The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) offers a variety of global education programs that provide students the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the world. To see all the programs offered, visit go.osu.edu/cfaesglobal. 

ACEL prepares communicators, educators and leaders in the food, agricultural, and environmental sciences to integrate research-based learning, practice and engagement, in ways that will advance positive changes that strengthen individuals, families and communities. For more information on the undergraduate and graduate academic programs and research available in ACEL, please visit acel.osu.edu. 

At the annual American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) conference, Dr. Annie Specht, associate professor of agricultural communication at The Ohio State University, was selected as the 2023 Distinguished Agricultural Communications Educator.  

This award, given to one agricultural communication faculty member each year, recognizes an individual AAAE member for outstanding accomplishments in the agricultural communication profession based on outstanding accomplishments, evidence of excellence and impact in area of award through significant experience and activities, accomplishments, public dissemination of work, leadership, service and engagement related to AAAE, and service to the broader community, college and university.  

In October 2022, Specht was awarded the Distinguished Agricultural Communications Educator Award at the North Central AAAE Conference. The selection of that award qualified her for the national award.  

“Our department, and our students, are thankful to have professors like Dr. Specht,” said Dr. Shannon Washburn, professor and chair of the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL). “Students consistently reference her as a teacher and mentor, which further demonstrates her selection for this award.”  

Since joining ACEL as an assistant professor in 2014, Specht has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses including Exploring ACEL, Publication Design and Production, Agriculture Feature Writing, Advanced Agricultural Communication Technology, Data Visualization and Scientific Storytelling in FAES, Applied Communication Theory and Practice.  

She also has taught classes related to communication to public audiences, media literacy, presentation strategies for agricultural audiences, agricultural media writing, agricultural publication production and television production through her employment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an assistant professor and as a graduate student at Texas A&M University. 

Dr. Specht said “receiving the Agricultural Communications Educator award from AAAE is such an honor, especially given how many talented ag comm faculty there are across the country! I’ve been a member of AAAE since graduate school and being recognized by my longtime peers is really special to me.” 

To Dr. Specht, this award highlights how vital working with a great team is to individual success.  

“I am so lucky to have an amazing group of colleagues who have helped and supported me in my ten years as a faculty member, and I’m excited to work with them to continue to make the agricultural communication program and ACEL the best in the nation.” 

 To students in the ACEL Department, professors are an important part of their success.  

“From the very first day of class I knew Dr. Specht would be a professor I could always count on for advice. She is constantly willing to help her students succeed and is a wonderful mentor,” said Emma Bower, a senior studying agricultural communication from Jenera, Ohio. “I’ve learned so much personally and professionally from Dr. Specht and I appreciate everything she has done for me.” 

As an educator, Specht not only leads classroom instruction, but also plays a role in the development of curriculum and courses and has led program revisions for the agricultural communication major and minor to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare them for careers in the industry upon graduation. 

“What I feel makes her so deserving of this award is her service to agricultural commjunication and the agricultural education professional organizations,” said Dr. Emily Buck, professor of agricultural communication at Ohio State, in her nomination letter. “She has been a rising stay in our field for several yeats and has made a great impact at our university and nationally. From teaching to research to service, she is the epitome of what we need in our colleagues.” 

In addition to her role as an associate professor in ACEL, she is also an alum of our department. Specht holds three degrees from Ohio State, a B.S. in agricultural communication and a B.A. in English that she earned in 2008, and an M.S. in Agricultural and Extension Education in 2010. In 2013 she graduated with a PhD in agricultural communication from Texas A&M University. 

ACEL prepares communicators, educators and leaders in the food, agricultural, and environmental sciences to integrate research-based learning, practice and engagement, in ways that will advance positive changes that strengthen individuals, families and communities. For more information on the academic programs and research available in ACEL, please visit acel.osu.edu.  

Join us in congratulating Julia Knaggs on the successful defense of her master’s thesis “Reaching Gen Z: A Qualitative Study of Chipotle’s Visual Storytelling and Implications for Corporate Reputation Management.” 

Alexis was advised by Dr. Emily Buck, professor of agricultural communication. Dr. Joy Rumble, assistant professor in agricultural communication, served as her committee member.  

Congratulations, Julia! 

The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) has named 12 students to the 2023 class of ACEL Outstanding Seniors. These students were selected by the faculty and staff of the department for their excellence both in and out of the classroom. Alexandra Liskai, an agriscience education major from Woodville, Ohio, was named as one of ACEL’s Outstanding Seniors for 2023.

Read about Alexandra’s Ohio State experience below.

Why did you choose your major?

Ever since I was little, I always knew that I wanted to become an educator in some capacity. So I combined teaching and my love for agriculture and I chose Agriscience Education as my major. I wanted to leave a lasting memory on my students through teaching them about agriculture, food and natural resources. Through these subjects, students are able to learn a variety of skills including science, math, communications, leadership, management and technology. Ag teachers never have the same day twice, from hands on learning to traveling to other cities/states for conventions/conferences, to sharing your passion for agriculture.

Why did you choose to attend Ohio State?

I chose to start my college career at Ohio State ATI in Wooster, Ohio which allowed me to start at a college that was smaller and hands-on. ATI allowed for the transition between high school and college to be almost seamless before transitioning to Columbus.

What classes did you enjoy the most?

My favorite classes had to be those that I experienced at Ohio State ATI, due to their smaller class size, as well as hands on learning experiences. In particular, my Intro to Animal Sciences lecture and lab with Dan Linden were at the top of the list. In addition, to welding where many of us learned how to weld for the first time. Lastly, I would have to say statistics was near the top of the list as well.

What student organizations have you been involved in and what roles did you hold within those organizations?

During my time at Ohio State ATI, I was a member of the Collegiate FFA, and ACELT where I served as the treasurer. Once I transitioned to Columbus, I was a member of the Agricultural Education Society, where I was a member of the education and outreach committee, and the banquet committee. In addition to holding the office of treasurer. Lastly, I was a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success.

How were these organizations beneficial to your collegiate experience?

They were beneficial by allowing me to be engaged with peers who have similar interests and goals. Teaching me about organizing large activities and being financially sound when planning functions. Also it allowed me to network with others in the industry.

What internships did you complete and what were your responsibilities/projects as an intern?

How were they impactful in figuring out your career path? I am currently completing my student teaching at Elmwood High School in Bloomdale, Ohio. I am responsible for creating weekly lesson plans, projects, units and other aspects of teaching. In addition to assisting with FFA related activities such as Career Development Events (CDE’s) and more.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to become a high school agricultural educator and FFA advisor.

What stands out as your best college memory?

I had so many great memories throughout my college career, but forming friendships that will last a lifetime with always be my favorite.

What advice would you give to the freshman version of yourself?

Many have told you that these next four years will be the best years of your life and to experience all that you can before entering the workforce. That is true; but it will also be some of the most trying times of your life. Going away to college and having to adjust to being on your own for the first time in your life, meeting and living with complete strangers, and balancing studying work and fun. remember to be tru e to yourself and have the college experience you So just want.

The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) has named 12 students to the 2023 class of ACEL Outstanding Seniors. These students were selected by the faculty and staff of the department for their excellence both in and out of the classroom. Claire Meyer, an agricultural communication major from Cygnet, Ohio, was named as one of ACEL’s Outstanding Seniors for 2023.

Read about Claire’s Ohio State experience below.

The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) has named 12 students to the 2023 class of ACEL Outstanding Seniors. These students were selected by the faculty and staff of the department for their excellence both in and out of the classroom. Bethany Starlin, an agricultural communication major from Logan, Ohio, was named as one of ACEL’s Outstanding Seniors for 2023.

Read about Bethany’s Ohio State experience below.

Why did you choose your major? 

When choosing my major I appreciated the flexibility I knew a degree in agricultural communication would give me. Communicators are needed everywhere and the opportunity to combine that belief with my interest in the technical side of the agriculture industry will allow me to be a valuable piece to the teams I encompass throughout my career.   

Why did you choose to attend Ohio State? 

Growing up on a small, family farm in southeast Ohio, I knew that my future was focused around the agricultural industry. With two older sisters who graduated from Ohio State and raved about their experiences, it was the only option in my eyes. A world-class education paired with countless on-campus opportunities and real-world experiences that prepare students for life after graduation makes CFAES the obvious answer. I knew that Ohio State would bless me with both personal and professional growth experiences that would carry me far into the next chapter after college. Being a Buckeye is a family tradition and one that I couldn’t be more proud of.  

What classes did you enjoy the most? 

The best thing about my degree program was the opportunity to learn under extremely knowledgeable and caring professors. Dr. Cara Lawson helped hone in my writing skills, Dr. Annie Specht taught me so much about design, and Tom Stewart was a great encourager throughout it all. Although just a few examples, I firmly believe each class was valuable thanks to the individuals who taught it.  

What student organizations have you been involved in and what roles did you hold within those organizations?

In my early years at Ohio State, I was extremely involved in Ohio FFA where I served as both the State Vice President and State President. This involvement opened the door to membership in many professional agriculture-focused organizations like the Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Ag Council, Ohio Farm Bureau, and the American Soybean Association. While on campus, I became involved with several student organizations with primarily involvement in the Agribusiness Club and the Agricultural Systems Management Club. These organizations have served as fantastic networking opportunities and have opened the door for many memorable experiences to take place like meeting with industry professionals and several travel opportunities.  

What internships did you complete and what were your responsibilities/projects as an intern? How were they impactful in figuring out your career path? 

Throughout my time at Ohio State I’ve been fortunate to complete a variety of internship experiences that were vital in understanding what I wanted to do post-graduation. As a research intern with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology through the World Food Prize, I conducted research on the role gender differences play in agricultural extension efforts in rural, western Kenya. As the Ohio FFA News Reporter for Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net, I applied the skills I learned in the classroom to write a monthly news column covering current Ohio FFA events. As a marketing intern with The Ohio State University Leadership Center, I gained understanding of the role social media plays in marketing. As the communications intern with Aimpoint Research, I’ve learned the ins and outs of service-based product marketing and the importance of streamlining communication with clients through social media. Finally, as a product management intern for Trimble Agriculture, I discovered a passion for the precision agriculture side of the industry, ultimately leading me to my full-time placement after graduation. Internships were arguably the most important piece to my college education and I’m thankful for the support Ohio State provided in securing those opportunities.  

What do you plan to do after graduation?  

After graduation I’ll be joining Trimble Agriculture as an Applications Engineer within their Rotational Development Program. I look forward to applying the skills gained during my agricultural communication coursework to my career in precision agriculture.  Combining my passion for advocacy and communication while leveraging my academic accomplishments in both the sciences and mathematics will hopefully afford me the opportunity to pursue effective progres in bettering the precision agriculture technologies available to farmers worldwide.  

What stands out as your best college memory? 

The last four years have been filled with many amazing memories. However, like I’m sure many others will agree, nothing quite compares to the experience of being in the Shoe each Saturday for Buckeye football. Our college experience was disrupted greatly by the pandemic and I will never forget the feeling of returning to the Shoe for the first time in the fall of 2021 — a sign of hope and light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.  

What advice would you give to the freshman version of yourself? 

These will without a doubt be the best four years of your life so far…but the best is still yet to come. Let these four years be filled with memories, new experiences, friendship, and discovery, but also let these four years serve as a foundation for the life ahead of you. This is your opportunity to become exactly who you want to be! 

Anything else you want to add

I couldn’t be prouder to be a soon graduate of this university and college. Ohio State has been my favorite chapter yet and I’m so thankful for the way it has prepared me for what’s next. As always, how firm thy friendship.  

The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) has named 12 students to the 2023 class of ACEL Outstanding Seniors. These students were selected by the faculty and staff of the department for their excellence both in and out of the classroom. Lauren Preston, a community leadership major from Canal Winchester, Ohio, was named as one of ACEL’s Outstanding Seniors for 2023.

Read about Lauren’s Ohio State experience below.

Why did you choose your major? 

I chose my major because I knew I wanted to one day work in the field of agriculture. My experience in 4-H really shaped my career aspirations, specifically my county’s FCS educator Shannon Carter. I was a member of our Fashion and Nutrition Board and Shannon led the club. While I was in the State Healthy Living program Theresa Ferrari and Carol Smathers also made a huge impact on my major decision. These experiences led me to have a passion for nutrition and for educating youth and adults. Through my time at OSU, I learned I could achieve my goals by working for Extensions or with Non-profits which I hope to do one day. 

Why did you choose to attend Ohio State? 

Attending Ohio State was a dream I have had since I was a little girl. My grandfather and mother were both OSU graduates. Growing up my mom worked for ENR as a career counselor so as a family we would always attend different OSU events or football games. In high school, I attended OSU Stone Lab and took aquatic biology and oceanography. I loved those classes and the professors. I knew Ohio State was the school for me. 

What classes did you enjoy the most? 

The classes I took in the ACEL department were definitely my favorite ones. The most memorable class I had was my kinesiology class which I took as part of my youth development minor. I worked at a Nursing home for a couple of weeks and evaluated the residents on their mobility. I also had an opportunity to analyze a youth’s development. This class was super engaging and it was very different than any class I have ever taken.  

What student organizations have you been involved in  and what roles did you hold within those organizations?

During my time at OSU, I was a part of Collegiate 4-H at the Newark branch and in Columbus. It was great to connect with fellow 4-Hers from across the state all at OSU. I really enjoyed doing community service projects with the group. I was also a part of the OSU Club Gymnastics Team.  

What internships did you complete and what were your responsibilities/projects as an intern? How were they impactful in figuring out your career path? 

I worked at OSU LiFEsports at the summer camp as a Chalk Talk Leader and I worked in hiring and recruitment. I gained a lot of experience working with youth in this role and I learned how to complete lesson plans. I also worked for OSU Farm to School. I have worked for OSU Farm to School for about two years and I have helped work on numerous grants and research studies. My favorite research study was during Spring of 2022, where I taught a gardening curriculum to a Head Start Site in Columbus and Circleville. I have loved getting to see the two different sides of extension work through these positions.  

What do you plan to do after graduation? 

I’m not sure yet but I plan to go back for my master’s! 

What stands out as your best college memory? 

My favorite college memory was going to all the football games. Being in and around the stadium was such an amazing feeling.  

What advice would you give to the freshman version of yourself? 

Everything will work out in the end  

The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) has named 12 students to the 2023 class of ACEL Outstanding Seniors. These students were selected by the faculty and staff of the department for their excellence both in and out of the classroom. Leah Winchell, an agriscience education major from Creston, Ohio, was named as one of ACEL’s Outstanding Seniors for 2023.

Read about Leah’s Ohio State experience below.

Why did you choose to attend Ohio State? 

I chose to attend Ohio State because they had a combined degree program, I was able to take agricultural related courses along with my education courses. I also chose to attend Ohio State because I had the opportunity to attend the Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster, close to home, to earn my Associates of Science.  

What classes did you enjoy the most? 

The classes I enjoyed the most were my teaching methods classes. Finally, being able to put all the theory, psychology, and content knowledge into practice was great! Building off of those teaching method courses would be my ASE Internship or student teaching. It is a great feeling to be able to put what I have learned over the past 3.5 years into practice and seeing first-hand how students respond to what I am teaching.  

What student organizations have you been involved in (locally and nationally) and what roles did you hold within those organizations (if applicable)? How were these organizations beneficial to your collegiate experience? 

• ACELT 

• Ag Ed Society-, I was banquet chair. Ag ed. Society allowed me to be engaged with my cohort outside of the classroom and build deeper friendships with them.  
• Delight Ministries- I was surrounded by Godly women who constantly were building each other up and serving His Kingdom. Living on my own in Columbus my junior year, it was a great comfort to have this community of women just a phone call away.  

What internships did you complete and what were your responsibilities/projects as an intern? How were they impactful in figuring out your career path? 

During the summers of my college career, I did my best to find jobs that would expand my content knowledge. I had jobs in greenhouses, mechanics, agronomy, animal nutrition, and on farms. I also would take classes offered by the Wayne County extension office. I attended a beef and dairy artificial insemination class on spring break and a small grains/ crops class last summer. There was always something that I fell in love with in each of these jobs, they helped strengthen my decision to go into agricultural education and teach about all of these topics.  

What do you plan to do after graduation? (If you don’t have anything planned yet, THAT IS TOTALLY OK!!!!!) 

After graduation I plan to teach agriculture in some capacity. My goal is to be an ag teacher and FFA advisor in the classroom in my area. If I’m not able to find a teaching position close to home, I would like to work for extension or an industry job where I will be able to educate the community about agriculture.  

What stands out as your best college memory? 

My best college memory would be in the fall semester of this year. Most of the seniors in ag ed traveled to FFA Camp Muskingum in October for 2 days. On the way there more of us were car sick than not and we couldn’t help but laugh at ourselves once we got there. We stayed in the State Officer Cabin, and for those that don’t know this is a huge deal! State Officers are basically celebrities. While at FFA Camp we taught lessons, played games, and built friendships while engaging with special needs learners. These learners were amazing, hilarious and so much fun to be around! After the teaching was over and we were all back in the cabin, there were some memories made that I will never forget. I definitely got to know my cohort on a deeper level after this trip. The best part was right before we were about to leave. Dr. Filson kept notes about the funny comments we said throughout the trip and when she read them, we had to guess who said them.  

What advice would you give to the freshman version of yourself? 

I would tell freshman Leah that college is harder than high school and it is okay to not be involved in as much. It is okay to call your mom multiple times a day when you are living on your own, even if it is to ask to see your dog. It is okay that you don’t like to party, you will make friends that feel the same way and you will go pet puppies instead.  Go to new places, but always go with a friend. It is okay to outgrow your hometown friends, college is where you grow into who you are meant to be.