ACEL at 100

Alumni Spotlight: Whitney Beck Short ’07, ’09 MS

[ACEL]: Hi Whitney! Why did you choose to major in agricultural education?
When I first went to college, I majored in animal sciences with the intention of pursuing a veterinary degree. Soon after I began classes, I realized vet school was not in my future, but I still enjoyed the livestock industry. During my first year at OSU, I also served as an Ohio FFA officer. This experience led to an interest in teaching at the high school level. After this year of service, I added the Agricultural Education major and am so grateful that I did!

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I chose OSU because of its outstanding College of Food, Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree and career in agriculture, and this was a natural fit in Ohio.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
My professors were instrumental in developing my passion for agricultural education. Their personal relationships with their students are impressive, and I was fortunate to have great professional relationships with the ACEL professors. They pushed me to be my best, while also helping me to find where I am most talented.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?:
I was involved in a variety of student organizations such as Saddle & Sirloin, Ag Ed Society, Towers Agricultural Honorary, and Buckeye Dairy Club. I was a CFAES Ambassador, and was a co-chair for the CFAES Banquet. I worked for Dr. Eastridge with research, and also worked with OSU Extension with the Ohio State Fair Skillathons. Finally, I had the opportunity to intern with Elanco Animal Health and The Maschhoffs, Inc., which were both outstanding experiences. While in Grad School, I was a member of the ACEL Graduate Student Association. I was also a TA for Dr. Lichtensteiger, which was another incredible experience.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I really enjoyed my animal sciences and agricultural education classes. My favorite class was Dr. Whittington’s methods class. This was one of the most influential classes for me as a teacher. I use so much of what I learned in that class today in the classroom.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education?
Dr. Cano and Dr. Whittington were both influential in my education and career. Dr. Cano was the person that encouraged me to attend grad school and pursue a teaching career rather than an industry career. Dr. Whittington was my master’s advisor, and taught me a great deal about classroom teaching and research. I use what I learned today in my classroom!

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Two memories come to mind. The first is the CFAES Banquet that I helped co-chair. It was a great experience to plan it, and was even better to watch it all come together. The second memory is working with Dr. Lichtensteiger as a TA. He is extremely intelligent, and I learned a great deal from him that I continue to use today in my classroom and in life.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first full time job is the same job that I have today! I am an agriculture instructor & FFA advisor at Anthony Wayne High School, a satellite of Penta Career Center.

Have you worked with any other organizations to promote agricultural education?
My full time job is through Penta Career Center. I am also fortunate to serve as a network leader for GrowNextGen, which is a special project of Ohio Soybean Council.

During your career, have you received any awards or honors?
I recently received the Ohio Association of Agricultural Educators (OAAE) Agriscience Teacher of the Year. I will also receive the Region IV National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Agriscience Teacher of the Year award this December in Nashville. In 2014, I was awarded the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) Outstanding Agriculture teacher award. We have had the honor of hosting the Ohio Secretary of Education to our program two times, and I also had the honor of traveling to Honduras with Dr. Cano and other agriculture teachers/students in 2015. Another unique opportunity that I had was giving a testimony to the Ohio House of Representatives Agriculture & Rural Development Committee as an Ohio Agriculture teacher.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
My favorite career highlight by far is seeing students succeed, reach goals, and find their passions. It is truly an honor to teach students on a daily basis, and the opportunity to see them find and pursue their passions is incredible!

What advice would you give to a current student?
Get involved, pursue a variety of internships, and stay focused!

What did ACEL cultivate in you? How?
ACEL cultivated a passion in me for quality research, effective teaching, and service learning. My master’s experience taught me how to conduct quality research. My undergrad experience combined with my graduate work taught me how to be an effective teacher in the classroom. My experiences in the block, Honduras, and as a TA showed me the importance of service learning.

Alumni Spotlight: Amy Miller ’99

Amy Miller is currently a State NFIP Coordinator in Nashville, Tennessee. She graduated in 1999 with her bachelors in agricultural education.

[ACEL]: Why did you select your major or graduate program?
[Miller]: I’m a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll.  My undergraduate degree is in Agricultural Education and my graduate degree is in City and Regional Planning.  My programs were selected because I enjoy working on complex issues, finding solutions and improving the quality of life for citizens.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I chose to attend The Ohio State University due to the friendly atmosphere that permeates throughout campus, the plethora of quality academic curriculum that will endure throughout one’s college and professional career, and the outstanding football program.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
My degree in Agricultural Education influenced my career path to work with various stakeholders regarding the preservation of agriculture.  My studies enabled me to take a complex issue and simplify into a message regarding the value of agriculture on the community.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was involved in Campus Crusade for Christ, Collegiate 4-H, and City and Regional Planning Student Association.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I enjoyed my City and Regional Planning classes.  My favorite was Planning Places with People in Mind.  This class focuses on the relationship between the built environment and humans and the importance of environmental design geared towards its inhabitants.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education/career?
Dr. Scott Scheer had the biggest impact on my education and career while a student at The Ohio State University.   He was authentic, approachable, trustworthy and fun.  Whenever I needed to talk to someone, he was always there to listen and offer advice.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
My favorite memory was Ohio State beating the TTUN and rushing the field in 1998 to celebrate the victory.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first job was the Farmland Preservation Coordinator at the Wayne County Planning Department.

For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career and what were your responsibilities in those positions?
My first job was Wayne County Ohio, Farmland Preservation Coordinator working with landowners to permanently preserve farmland throughout the county.  After moving to Nashville, Tennessee, I worked for the Local Planning Assistance Office as a Regional Planner assisting 6 communities with development proposals and enforcing subdivision and zoning regulations.  After this experience, I worked as a Budget Analyst for the State of Tennessee analyzing budgets for various agencies in regards to revenue and expenditure forecasts.  My current job is the State of Tennessee National Flood Insurance Program Coordinator.  I support 400 communities with floodplain regulation interpretation, enforcement issues and statewide training.

During your career, honors or awards have you been presented?
During my career, I coordinated 62 grant applications from Wayne County landowners in 2002, for the Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program which was the most in the state and was a tremendous honor to work with each applicant.  In addition, I worked with Rails to Trails of Wayne County to secure an ODOT grant of $2.1 million to construction a 6.75 mile rails-to-trails project.  Under my leadership, Tennessee became the 2nd in the nation to initiate the Certified Floodplain Surveyor program, certifying surveyors in FEMA Elevation Certificate preparation and Letter of Map Changes.

Outside of your career, are you involved in any organizations or activities in your community?
I am a volunteer at the Tennessee Prison for Women.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
My favorite career highlight was in 2001, attempting a 0.25% sales tax increase to fund a local Purchase of Development Rights Program in Wayne County, Ohio.  The program would allow farmers to voluntarily sell an agricultural easement on their property and have the land remain in agricultural production in perpetuity.  Although the initiative failed, we had a great public awareness campaign and continued interest in preserving local farmland that exists today.

What advice would you give to a current student?
What you do will not get you up in the morning.  Why you do it is what will keep you going.  Emotion is the key.

What did ACEL cultivate in you? How?
The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education and Leadership cultivated in me adaptability.  Whether in my career or life, I have to have flexibility in handling change, being able to juggle multiple demands and adapt to new ideas with innovative approaches.

Alumni Spotlight: Michael Galleher ’75

Michael Galleher ’75 is currently a teacher for GOAL Digital Academy, an online charter school located in Mansfield, OH. He teaches all subjects in the eighth grade. Galleher retired from Mount Gillead Schools in 2008.

 

[ACEL]: Hi Michael! Why did you select your major of agricultural and extension education?
[Galleher]: When I came to Ohio State, I wanted to be a 4-H extension agent due to my experiences as a summer assistant at the Morrow County Extension Office. 

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
My father who is also an OSU alumni recommended that I go to OSU instead of Murray State University or Wilmington College. He said, “If you are going to study agriculture, you should go to the best ag school around. 

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
After attending Ohio State and majoring in agricultural education, I wasn’t able to find a job close to home in extension, so I started teaching production agriculture at Elgin High School in Marion County. I went back to school to be re-certified in grades 1-8 and taught for 10 years in first grade, six years teaching health and physical education, and finally my last seven years, I taught 7th grade science. My years in the Department of Agricultural Education prepared me to teach almost any subject matter I attempted.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
As a student at Ohio State I was involved in student government serving in the Freshman Senate and I was dorm president of the Norton-Scott complex for two years. I was a tutor for the living-learning program in Norton-Scott. I also worked as a dish washer at the cattle blood typing lab in Plumb Hall, an intramural football official, and an office worker in Norton Scott. I was a member of the Towers Honorary.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I enjoyed any animal sciences class and the methods classes for agricultural education, especially the courses taught by Dr. Newcomb.  My two favorite classes were the horticulture class taught Dr. Geisman (everyone took that class to learn how to make jug wine on the last day of the quarter, although I did learn many things about horticulture, too) and the surveying class probably because two of my roommates took the class with me and we had a lot of fun working outside during the labs.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education/career?
Ray Miller who worked with the Norton-Scott Complex helped me learn how to work with people who have differing viewpoints. During the time, I was on campus many changes were happening in dorm life and Dr. Miller helped guide us through those years. I also learned many things from Dr. Lowell Hedges who was a fellow teacher at Elgin when I started and later worked with OSU training new teachers. For the first few years of my teaching career, I was able to see Dr. Hedges in action every day and he was a great help to a beginning teacher and FFA advisor

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
I enjoyed attending football games with my roommates, sitting in C-Deck at the Horseshoe, no matter what the weather was. And then being down on the field after beating Michigan in 1974. 

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I taught Production Agriculture at Elgin High School in Marion County.

Tell us about the positions you have held throughout your career in education.
Elgin High School – six years, Mount Gilead Schools – 23 years, GOAL Digital Academy – 14 Years. This is my 42nd year in education. My wife and I owned at craft shop in the 80’s called the “The Hobby Horse.”  I have coached middle school cross country at Mt. Gilead for 22 years and I am a part-time farmer raising Horned Dorset sheep. I have been a registered track official for the past 14 years.

During your career, have you received any awards or honors?
My girls cross country team placed first at the OHSAA State Invitational for two years in a row, 2015 and 2016.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
Watching our graduation ceremony at GOAL Digital Academy each year. Our charter school is a school of last resort for many of our students.  It thrills me to see our students graduate and know that I had a small part in making that happen. For some of our students, they are the first from their family to receive a high school diploma.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Take advantage of the many opportunities to learn and grow at The Ohio State University. These years should be some of the best of your life and a foretaste of what can happen in future.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
A love of learning and a need to share that with others.

Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Hubble ’94

Jenny Hubble ’94 is an agricultural communication alum and currently serves as the senior vice president for communications for the American Dairy Association Mideast.

[ACEL]: Hi Jenny! Tell us why did you selected agricultural communication as your major.
[Hubble]: I always knew I wanted to work in the communications field, and more than likely owe that to my experience in 4-H.  Choosing agricultural communication as my major allowed me to blend my passion for agriculture with a desire to pursue a career in communications.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I was born a Buckeye! My grandparents and parents attended Ohio State, and I am proud that my daughter is currently carrying on the tradition as a fourth-generation Buckeye.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your career path?
While at Ohio State, I had the opportunity to have several internships, which allowed me to explore different areas of agricultural communication, including broadcast, writing, design, advocacy and public relations. These experiences helped me define what type of communication I enjoyed most (and least).

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was involved in Ohio State’s chapter of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. I also had the privilege of being elected to serve as vice president of the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow organization.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
When I was at Ohio State, the Ag Comm major included classes from the School of Journalism (“J School”) and communication courses from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).  My two favorite classes were one from each side of the river – the J School’s news writing course allowed me to have articles published in The Lantern, and CFAES’s magazine class gave me the opportunity to write, edit and publish the AgriNaturalist with my classmates.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education/career?
Dr. Curtis E. Paulson, professor of agricultural communication, made the greatest impact on me while at Ohio State.  He was my advisor and mentor. Dr. Paulson encouraged me to seek out opportunities to make the most of my education and to be a leader. He was a true advocate for his students and for his field.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
One of my favorite memories at Ohio State was being selected as a Top 10 Senior for the College of FAES. This recognition was an honor and a celebration of my four years of hard work!

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I began my career in 1994 with the American Dairy Association Mideast as a communication specialist. I have been lucky enough to work for the same organization for the past 24 years! However, my role and responsibilities have changed many times, giving me new and challenging opportunities throughout my career.

During your career, have you received any awards or honors?
I was awarded the Young Professional Achievement Award from CFAES in 2000/2001. I was also honored to serve as president of the Ohio Agricultural Council in 2014 and 2015.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
I am most proud of my organization’s consumer communication efforts to educate people about how dairy farmers care for their cows and their land to assure they can responsibly produce safe wholesome dairy foods. Our approach has been innovative and a model for other organizations.

What advice would you give to a current student?
My advice to students is to gain as much experience as possible in various areas of your field of study. Being well-rounded makes you more marketable!

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
My experience at Ohio State and with ACEL inspired me to be an advocate for Ohio’s agricultural community. Although my roots are in agriculture, I knew I didn’t want to return to the farm after graduation. ACEL helped me discover a way to support and advance an industry I love and appreciate.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Ed Osborne ’82 Ph.D.

Dr. Ed Osborne ’82 completed a doctoral degree in agricultural education at Ohio State. He is currently at the University of Florida as a professor of agricultural education.

[ACEL]: Why did you decide to get a doctoral degree in agricultural education?
[Osborne]: I’ve always loved the schooling environment and the field of agriculture, so becoming a high school agriculture teacher was an obvious career choice for me. After teaching at the high school level for four years, I had an unexpected opportunity to teach in the agricultural education program at Virginia Tech for one year and discovered that I enjoyed teaching at the college level even more (I loved both).

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
Ohio State was THE place to earn a Ph.D. degree in agricultural education in the 1980s, and one of the faculty members there (Dr. Larry Miller) had been one of my professors in my undergraduate program at Virginia Tech. He had been encouraging me to pursue a Ph.D. degree for several years.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
My doctoral experience at Ohio State really stretched my perspectives in many ways and gave me a great foundation as a beginning agricultural education faculty member. Ohio State, Columbus, and the Midwest presented a dramatically different academic and community environment for me, compared to my rural southwest Virginia roots. I’ve always loved learning, and the opportunity to learn and broaden my perspectives seemed endless at Ohio State. My experiences there solidified my decision to become a university agricultural education faculty member.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State graduate student?
As a graduate student, I was involved in our graduate student organization and honorary societies. In addition, the large and diverse graduate student community in the department at Ohio State made for a wonderful doctoral experience.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I really enjoyed the research series (methods, design, data analysis). The professors in these courses (Miller and Warmbrod) were simply outstanding and made the concepts and principles very easy to understand. I also thoroughly enjoyed serving as a TA for Dr. Newcomb in his teaching methods course. He was a master at teaching the problem solving approach, and his expertise and effectiveness in this course were perhaps the best I have ever seen to this day.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education/career?
The three faculty member’s that impacted me the most during my time at Ohio State were Drs. Miller, Warmbrod, and Newcomb. Dr. Miller was an outstanding academic advisor and teacher, and Dr. Warmbrod and Dr. Newcomb were superb teachers. In addition, I always admired Dr. Warmbrod’s ability to find the simple in the complex, whether it was a concept in teaching or data analysis or a controversial discussion at a professional conference.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
My graduation day, of course, stands out. Probably my favorite memories were from all of the time our graduate student group spent together at socials, going to football games, and playing on our intramural water polo team. We rocked!

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first job after earning my Ph.D. degree from Ohio State was that of visiting assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. (I was appointed to an assistant professor position the following year.)

Where has your professional career taken you since you graduated from Ohio State?
 I’ve worked at only two institutions since earning my Ph.D. degree at Ohio State in 1982. I began at the University of Illinois and continued there for 15 years as a faculty member in teacher education. This involved teaching and advising undergraduate and graduate students, conducting research, and providing teacher professional development programs. I was appointed Chair of the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida in 1997 and remained in that position until July 2016. I returned to the faculty thereafter and currently teach graduate seminars, advise graduate students, and conduct research and extension programs focused on teacher well-being and personal resilience. I have also facilitated strategic planning sessions for more than 40 university, professional, and community-based organizations.

During your career, honors or awards have you been presented?
Outstanding Service Citation, National Association of Agricultural Educators, Region V (2014); Distinguished Leadership Award of Merit, UF Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta (2011); Distinguished Lecturer, American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) (2010); Outstanding Agricultural Educator, AAAE (2007); AAAE Fellow (2007); President, The National Council for Agricultural Education (2005); President, AAAE (2004-05); Outstanding Instructor, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois (1992); AAAE Outstanding Young Member (1988). I was also coordinator and primary instructor for the UF/IFAS faculty/staff leadership development program for 10 years.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
My tenure as department chair at the University of Florida was very fulfilling. We experienced remarkable growth in all areas, fueled by superb faculty and students and strong support from administration and stakeholders. The most rewarding aspect of this work was the opportunity to help people discover and pursue their potential, whether students, faculty, teachers, staff, leaders, or others.
 

What advice would you give to a current student?
Enjoy the student experience, but never lose sight of your highest priority as a student – learning as much as you can, stretching your perspectives, building personal and professional connections, continuing to discover your interests and potential, and performing well academically.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
I believe my doctoral program at Ohio State gave me the confidence to step into new arenas and be a contributing member in all types of team environments. My experiences at OSU built the foundation for my work as a faculty member, a position I continue to genuinely love today (decades later).

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.