ACEL Distinguished Graduate Student: Dr. Aaron Giorgi

Aaron Giorgi has been selected as the 2020 “ACEL Outstanding Graduate Student.” This award is given annually to an ACEL graduate student who embodies the traits of teaching, research, and engagement, central to the mission of the department.

Giorgi’s research has been recognized through the receipt of several ACEL scholarships including the J. Robert and Catharine P. Warmbrod Graduate Scholarship and the Ralph J. Woodin Graduate Scholarship. Aaron’s teaching was recognized nationally when he was awarded a NACTA Graduate Student Teaching Award in 2019.

In late March, he defended his dissertation, “A National and University Multi-decade Description of College of Agriculture and Related Sciences Student Behaviors Regarding Postsecondary Education.”

During his time in ACEL, Giorgi has taken on many leadership roles including his time as president of the ACEL Graduate Student Association. He has also taken on the role of mentor to incoming graduate students. In recognition of his leadership, teaching, service and mentorship, the Department has named Aaron Giorgi the 2020 ACEL Outstanding Graduate Student.

On May 3, Giorgi will graduate from The Ohio State University with a doctorate of philosophy in agricultural communication, education, and leadership, with a specialization in agricultural education.

Congratulations Dr. Giorgi!

Aaron’s first day on Ohio State’s campus as a PhD student.

Leading the cultural proficiency class as a TA.

Presenting his research at AAAE.

Presenting his research at AAAE.

Candidacy exams complete!

Dissertation defended! ACEL’s first online PhD defense.

ACEL alumni named finalists for Ohio’s Golden Owl Award

Eight alumni from Ohio State’s Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) were named finalists for Ohio’s Golden Owl Award.

In the second year of the award program, 10 teachers from Ohio were selected as honorees, each receiving a $500 price and entrance into the finalist selection state. This award is presented in partnership with Nationwide, Ohio Farm Bureau and Ohio FFA to shed light on the contributions of Ohio’s agricultural educators. They collected over 400 nominations from local students, fellow teachers, parents and community members.

Eight of Ohio’s 10 honorees have at least one degree in agricultural education from Ohio State:

  • Christi Bachman ’89, Bloom Carroll High School
  • Nathan Birkhimer ’15, Fayetteville Perry High School
  • Hannah Everetts ’12, Edon Northwest School
  • Colin Gierke ’83, Global Impact STEM Academy
  • Sarah Lucha ’01, ’02 MS, South Central High School
  • Tyler Pope ’05, Buckeye Central High School
  • Jeremy Ryan ’11, West Muskingum High School
  • Wendi Mizer Stachler ’99 , Miami Trace High School

“It is evident that our alumni make an impact in their communities based on each of these individuals being nominated for this award,” said Dr. Scott Scheer, professor and interim chair of ACEL. “On behalf of the department, I congratulate them on their recognition and thank them for being mentors to their students, our Ohio State students and the example they set daily for the agricultural education profession.”

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, or to donate to student scholarships, please visit acel.osu.edu.

###

Agricultural Communication and Education in the U.K.

Marlee Stollar
agricultural communication
senior

In May and June, I traveled to England and Scotland on the Agricultural and Environmental Communication education abroad. This trip was only two weeks, but had enough experiences to last a life-time.

The part I enjoyed most about the trip was its focus on my major, agricultural communication. Our group was able to learn some key differences and similarities between the U.S. and the U.K. both in agricultural communication and agriculture in general. By learning more about my future profession in another country, I was able to have an even better understanding of global agriculture going into my senior year. I gained this awareness especially through our various industry visits.

While we were in England we visited many places and agricultural businesses, but my favorite was Farmers Weekly. Not only did the company buy us all Starbucks coffee, but also taught us a lot about what their organization does. Karl Schneider, the editor, focused the discussion mostly on where agriculture is in the U.K. now and how that affects their content. Being one of our first industry visits, it was a nice introduction to learning more about U.K. agriculture. Farmers Weekly is the number one magazine for farmers in the U.K., so the organization had a great deal of interesting insights on how to engage audiences.

Our time at the Scottish Farmer was also impactful. Although the publication was smaller than Farmers Weekly, it was interesting to have a discussion with them about their magazine. There we talked a great deal about the decline in print and strategies to combat this issue. Another interesting part of the visit was hearing about the history and how far the organization has come in the past 126 years. We were even able to see old copies of the magazine, understanding what the magazine used to contain versus what it is currently. 

This two-week adventure included tours and visits that were more focused on culture and history as well. Some of my favorite visits include Kensington Palace, the London Eye, the Roman Baths and Stonehenge. I loved the opportunity to learn so much about agriculture, while simultaneously visiting intriguing places such as these. My absolute favorite activity was walking around Edinburgh, Scotland. The historic city has a lot to offer, from shops to restaurants to its overall atmosphere. The group was also able to visit Edinburgh castle, which was also rich in history.

The Agricultural Communication and Education trip allowed me to learn more about culture and agriculture in the U.K. I had previously studied abroad in Brazil my sophomore year, but this trip was a different experience that allowed me to learn more about my major from an international perspective. From the trip, I now have a better understanding of agricultural communication in these countries and how it may, in turn, affect the U.S. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I recommend all students, ACEL or not, to apply in the future!

A Day in the UK: Education Abroad in England and Scotland

Paige Schaffter ’21
agriscience education

A review of day 5 of the Agricultural and Environmental Communications study abroad trip to England and Scotland in May 2019.

I’ve never seen college students so happy to stop at a McDonald’s restaurant as I have today. To preface this, the United Kingdom drinks more tea than coffee (surprise, surprise), but the coffee they do have, as I have been told is atrocious. Needless to say, stopping for some fast-food coffee might be the highlight for some students!

We started our day at Rural Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester, England. This area is known as the capital of the Cotswolds, which offers gorgeous scenery! We met with Dr. Steven Chadd, a former administrator, and lecturer at RAU. He talked about the history and background of RAU and the programs they offer.

Most similarly to Ohio State, specifically the Wooster campus, RAU has its own farms. They own over 400 hectares, which is roughly 988 acres. There they have a sheep operation with 400 breeding ewes, a dairy facility with 900 cows, and an organic completely outdoor pig farm with 100 sows and their offspring. The livestock is fed out and taken to market once they reach roughly 200 pounds. I found the facility to be especially interesting because it’s completely outside and because it’s a joint venture with a nearby farmer. Essentially, RAU owns the infrastructure and uses it for educational purposes, and the farmer owns the pigs and pays the labor.

Our next presenter was Dr. Peter Morris LLB (Honors), a communication/media professor. He noted that he’s previously commentated rugby games and equine events and owns his own media and journalism business called Vocal Solutions. Most strikingly, he said that our job as communicators for the ag industry is to use the power we have in a conscientious way and assimilate and validate the information we have. To highlight his point, Dr. Morris showed us a video featuring a very fun and large agriculture event in the UK, but what people don’t see is the “dark side” of ag or all the issues farmers are facing, and the US is experiencing a similar fate. Additionally, the UK is also facing the problem of the lack of broadband internet in rural areas. It’s pertinent to make the internet accessible to farmers for emergencies, market updates, and other uses. Lastly, Dr. Morris said, “the biggest reason why agriculture makes the news is due to sensationalism,” and I feel this is especially true in the United States. In addition to this, the U.S. and the UK also struggle with fake news and deciphering what is true. Not to fear though, Dr. Morris offered us some exceptional advice: Ask where it was reported, where else it was reported, what is the source, and does it “feel” true? Those are the best questions to debunk and invalidate fake news.

Afterward, we took a short tour around the campus to see student housing (which is similar to most universities where freshman live on-campus, and upperclassmen rent off-campus properties with others), dining halls, chapel, and student union/gift shop. Did I need another crewneck sweatshirt? Absolutely not. But when else will I visit RAU?

After RAU, we headed to Bath, England where we visited the historic Roman Baths and hot springs and took a walking tour with Louise around the city. After the fabulous and exciting tour of the city, we went back to the hotel to change and get dinner on our own. Word to the wise, The Scallop Shell has the best fried fish I’ve ever eaten! 10/10 would definitely recommend.

 

Alumni named recipients of OAAE Awards

Congratulations to our alumni who are recipients of awards presented by the Ohio Association of Agricultural Educators (OAAE). These alumni, along will all other award recipients, will be recognized during the OAAE Banquet on June 12 on The Ohio State University campus.

Teacher Turn the Key – Nathan Birkhimer ‘15
Outstanding Middle/Secondary Agriculture Program – Whitney Short’07, ’09 MS and Courtney Bockbrader ‘11
Outstanding Teacher Mentor – Collin Gierke ‘83
Ideas Unlimited – Hannah Crossen Everetts ‘12
Outstanding Service Citation – Tom Holton ‘82, ‘86 MS
Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher – Tyler Pope ‘05

ACEL alum John Feisley turns 100

 

Kristen Reymann, assistant director of leadership annual giving with the Ohio State Alumni Association, recently visited agricultural education alum John Feisley in honor of his 100th birthday. Feisley graduated in 1941 with a bachelor of science in agricultural education. Reymann shares about her visit with him below!

I recently had the pleasure of executing a special mission from the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences. Claire Badger and Kyle Sebastian reached out to me with a plan to deliver a very special 100th birthday present to a 1941 OSU agricultural education alumnus in eastern Ohio. Claire gave me the package, I made a phone call, and I was off to Saint Clairsville the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

When I arrived at John Feisley’s house, I was greeted with a big smile and was immediately welcomed inside. I presented the gift and gave him kind words from the college as he opened his new goody bag. I don’t think the smile left John’s face the whole hour that I was there. He enjoyed the OSU hat and shirt, and intently read the pamphlet from CFAES as he opened up his birthday card from Dean Kress. I informed him the coin that he received from her is rarely handed out and he giggled as he held it in his hands. He also received a personally addressed video from the Chair of the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) which is where John’s major is housed. This department just celebrated their 100th birthday last year. What a happy coincidence!

John’s happy personality was contagious as we talked about Ohio State memories and shared stories about campus. I asked him what his favorite memory was from OSU and after a short pause he quickly said “well the football games of course”. He still remembers the first game he ever went to. His sister had bought him a ticket to the OSU vs. TCU game and even though the Buckeyes lost that day, he still enjoyed his time in The Shoe. “They beat us. But then we went down to the field and tore the poles down. You would think we only did that when we won!” John still watches every game to this day.

John grew up with two brothers and one sister in Clarington on the Ohio River where his father was a dairy farmer. His grandfather came to the United States from Switzerland when he was 12, and John remembers life back in the day when a horse and buggy was the main way of transportation. He recalls the change from this to gravel roads and cars during the winter, and laughs thinking about how muddy it used to be.

John received a scholarship while he was at Ohio State which covered the full $200/quarter tuition. He says “it was kind of a quiet university at that time” with about 19,000 students. He remembers Dr. Ralph Bender, who assisted in the practice teaching program in Westerville high schools, although he completed his in Grove City with Mr. Ruble. He enjoyed attending basketball games with his friends and dance classes in the old Ohio Union. He and his classmates all donated $1 to help build stone walls near the university’s entrance on 15th avenue. He still remembers the library, University Hall, and Townsend, and just recently visited last summer.

I asked John about his wife Marian, who passed away 4 years ago. He told me they met at a movie theatre and even though she went to the University of Cincinnati, they were still Buckeyes. He chuckled as he told me about the times when they would go back and visit UC. “She couldn’t find anything and she was always disoriented”, he laughed.

John told me his daughter Anne, also an OSU alum (‘97), was coming from Columbus to spend time with him on Thanksgiving. He shared a few stories about his children and his Christmas Tree business before I packed up my things to head back to Columbus. We took some pictures together, said our goodbyes, and I left with a full heart and another great Buckeye memory. Happy 100th birthday John!

 

Happy Birthday John! We are so proud to have you as a member of our alumni family!

Talking Shoppe: Born to be a teacher

By Cody McClain ’19
senior, agriscience education

“Go change the tire on my truck!” – Mr. Keck told his class. I heard Mr. Keck tell his class to perform this task when I was completing my early field experience (EFE) for agriscience education at Marysville High School. In Keck’s class, students explore their psychomotor skills and learn to work with their hands.

Mr. Bill Keck is an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Marysville High School. Along with being an agriculture teacher for 33 years, Keck is a farmer in the local Marysville community.

I met Mr. Keck for the first time during my EFE. Mr. Keck primarily teaches agricultural mechanics which include engines, woodworking, welding, electricity, hydraulics and much more. His passion for teaching agricultural mechanics inspired me pursue a minor in agricultural systems management, where I can focus on courses that will prepare me to teach this content. I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Mr. Keck and hearing about his career teaching agriculture. As I prepare for student teaching this spring, I am looking forward to reflecting and utilizing the knowledge and skills that I learned during my EFE.

“Here is your pilot, he is studying to be a teacher, a job more important than being a pilot.”

 

Pathway to Marysville FFA
Mr. Keck’s passion for agricultural started with growing up on a small hobby farm and raising a few market steers for his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project for FFA. He had always aimed to be a pilot; however, he was not sure if that was going to be a career, so along with aviation, he studied agricultural mechanization and agricultural education at The Ohio State University. He concentrated on his journey in teaching after he had a pilot, who was teaching Keck to fly, tell Keck that teaching is more important than being a pilot.

Student teaching was the hardest job but very rewarding, said Keck. Dr. Gliem and Dr. Hedges, faculty in the Department of Agricultural Education, were valuable mentors for Keck throughout his student teaching and graduate school experience. After starting his teaching career at Licking County JVS for two years, he then moved to Marysville where he has been for 31 years. He primarily teaches agricultural mechanics, and the content priorities for these courses have changed much in the past 33 years, Keck said. However, his ag mechanic laboratory (a.k.a. “the shop”) has changed with tools and equipment in the past 33 years. When Keck started teaching, he only had buzz box stick welders in his shop, but now he has wire feed welders and a virtual reality arc welder to train his students the fundamentals of welding.

“Teach students to be productive citizens of society. Agricultural education and FFA are great vehicle to do that.”

 

Impactful Teacher and FFA advisor
Keck has been a positive force in the world and impacts the lives of every student who walks into his classroom. He pushes students to be the absolute best that they can be at whatever they want to do. Whether a student wants to be veterinarian or electrician, he guides students to choose career pathways that suit their passion and skills. As an Ag Teacher and FFA advisor, Keck’s ultimate goal is to teach students to be productive citizens of society. He has enriched many lives through hands-on learning. He loves his job and plans to continue to pursue his passion of teaching agriculture and advising FFA members.


“Teaching is an important job.”

 

Importance of Agricultural Education
The bottom line is, teachers need to teach students how to work with their hands. From changing tires to cutting steel, students learn to work with their hands in Keck’s classroom and shop.  Students need to learn psychomotor skills that prepare them to be productive citizens of society when they graduate high school. For Keck himself, learning psychomotor skills has been a lifelong learning experience. These are skills that are difficult to gain but extremely important. Agricultural education is the ideal place for students to learn these skills. As this industry moves forward, he believes we need teachers who teach with their hands, so their students learn those psychomotor skills. Keck played a role in preparing these teachers when he taught the laboratory management and pedagogy course at Ohio State from 2008 to 2012.

“Teachers raise kids, which has made it an important job in society,” said Keck. Ag education is the vehicle to change lives, and as a whole, society needs to continue to advocate and share the importance of agricultural education. From starting out wanting to be a pilot to teaching agriculture for 33 years, Keck has pursued an important and impactful career. He is looking forward to year 34. Keck is a remarkable agriculture educator, and we are grateful to have many like teachers like Keck in our schools across Ohio.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Earl “Doc” Kantner, ’50, ’56 M.S., ’65 Ph.D.

Dr. Earl Kantner is a three time graduate of the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership. He came to Ohio State from Wapakoneta, Ohio with a goal of becoming an agricultural educator in 1946. He accomplished that goal when he spent eight years in agricultural classrooms and later achieved a career long dream of becoming the director of the Ohio FFA Association. Dr. Kantner is now retired and resides in Canal Winchester, Ohio.

[ACEL]: Hello Dr. Kantner! Share with us why you decided to attend The Ohio State University and major in agricultural education.
[Kantner]: Growing up on a good livestock and crop family farm gave me a strong base for a career in the agricultural industry. I had a strong interest in my high school agricultural classes, leading me to a defining decision to pursue a career as an agricultural teacher. I never wavered from that early decision, which led me to a dream lifetime career. My choice for a college  major was thus an easy one—College of Agriculture (now CFAES), Department of Agricultural Education (now ACEL), at The Ohio State University!!

I wanted to attend an agricultural college in the Midwest. I considered Iowa State, Purdue, Kentucky and of course Ohio State! The decision soon emerged as an easy choice!! It was my home state university– Ohio State! (I have always been a loyal Buckeye). Ohio State had a top reputation as did the agricultural college and the agricultural education department. How could I possibly go wrong- Ohio State was my choice!

How did your education at Ohio State influence your career or career path?
The entire faculty of my major department – the Department of Agricultural Education, (especially Dr. Ralph Bender, department chairman) were very supportive of me and my career progress. They were very thorough, checking my course work, my work ethic and my specific progress.

The coursework went well. I was, and still am… well satisfied. Overall, the education I received at Ohio State motivated me to reach my career long goal of becoming a teacher.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I always put academic achievement first in my university life. I was able to accomplish this while being somewhat active in extracurricular activities.

  • Alpha Zeta Fraternity
  • Several Honorary Fraternities
  • TAES (Townshend Ag-Ed Society) Member
  • Feature writer, College Magazine
  • Grange Club Membership

This routine resulted in a good balance for me. I was, and am, well pleased.

What classes did you enjoy the most at Ohio State?
The courses relating to my major (agricultural education) were my most enjoyable, since they related specifically to my future teaching career. I also enjoyed guidance, statistics, and research courses. They were difficult, but satisfying and would be useful in life and my career.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education or career?
Dr. Ralph Bender was the Ohio State professor that made the greatest impact on me throughout my college experience. he was chairman of the agricultural education department at Ohio State and was well known and highly respected throughout Ohio, nationally and internationally.

Dr. Bender chose to be my personal graduate school advisor, guiding me through my master’s degree and my doctoral program. It was Dr. Bender who urged me to pursue a doctorate degree, leading to higher career achievement.

I was and will be, eternally grateful to Dr. Ralph E. Bender for his personal care guidance and support of me in my career (and life) preparation.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
I always enjoyed “learning” and my time at Ohio State was certainly no exception. It is nearly impossible to pick a favorite memory from the many, but I believe the classroom routine- the class- information and classmate comradery would be favorite memories. Fraternity life (Alpha Zeta) would be like wise be a strong favorite memory!!

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I’ll never forget– my first job following graduation from Ohio State was teaching— fulfillment of my high school dream of becoming a teacher.

Immediately after graduation, I and other graduates applied for an agricultural teaching position at Ansonia High School, located in Western Ohio’s Darke County– A strong agricultural area. After personal interviews and a long (2 week) wait I received a personal phone call from the school superintendent that I was their choice to fill their open position. I was highly delighted — I accepted!!!

Share with us the different positions you held throughout your career.
My first teaching experience was at Ansonia High School in far western Ohio’s Darke County…a strong agricultural area. After two good years, I was offered a teaching position at Wauseon High School in far northwest Ohio , a larger school, teaching agricultural classes and training Ohio State student teachers assigned by Ohio State.

After six great years at Wauseon, I was offered (and eagerly accepted) an appointment on the faculty of the Department of Agricultural Education at The Ohio State University. Duties at Ohio State included involvement in normal staff operations and especially operating the “southeast teacher training center…a typical high school setting for Ohio State’s teacher training program. It was a great position I kept for six years.

In 1963 I was offered, and accepted, a position of assistant state director of the Ohio Agricultural Education Service with the Ohio Department of Education. This was the program that oversaw the agricultural teaching programs in 350 Ohio high schools.

In addition to regular administrative state department operations, I was high excited to be appointed as director of the Ohio FFA Association – ironically my career long “dream job.” With great joy and appreciation, I accepted.

What honors and awards have you been presented throughout your career?
A number of companies, businesses and organizations and others presented plaques, certificates and other honors for my 44 years of dedication to Ohio youth preparing for careers in the agricultural industry through agricultural education and FFA.

Some of the honors are:
National Level

  • Distinguished Service Award, National Association of Agricultural Educators
    Distinguished Service Citation, National Vocational Education Service
    National FFA VIP Award

State Level:

  • The Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame
  • The Ohio Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award
  • Honorary Director of Agriculture
  • Ohio State Silver Anniversary Award
  • Ohio FFA Distinguished Service Award
  • Ohio FFA VIP Award

Local level:

  • Numbers retirement and meetings letters of appreciation

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
My appointment to the Department of Education, which included the position of director of the Ohio FFA Association was clearly my favorite career highlight.

While I fully enjoyed administrative duties of being assistant state supervisor of the Agricultural Education Service, working with teen age young people in FFA was my “piece of the cake.” I truly loved the sky-high inspiring activities that occurred on a daily basis.

I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve young people preparing for careers in the agricultural industry through the agricultural education and FFA programs.

What advice would you give to a current student?
My single advice to a current student would be – take the HIGH ROAD – for your life journey!!

PLANNING is a key – “give strong consideration to what you want your life to be like. Don’t…DO NOT…just “develop by chance.”

My several top specific suggestions for growing into a good life would be:

  • Choose a “dream career” – one you would truly love!!
  • Have a firm religious faith
  • be a strong family person
  • be careful – chose a perfect life-mate
  • be enthusiastic, friendly and caring
  • work hard – “enjoy your work!!”

A summation – plan ahead, take the high road, work diligently and – enjoy life!

A final “inspiration and guide” – a specific part of the legendary #1 New York state musical – The Sound of Music – is a tremendous inspiration and guide for life:

“Climb every mountain
Ford every stream
Following every rainbow
Til you reach….your dream!!”

This was a major inspiration for me…and is sure to be for all – especially students.

What did ACEL mean to you?
ACEL was a true “guide” to me all through my eight years of student at Ohio State. It was “home base” – the place I went for information of any kind – registration, direction, suggestion, friendship, and especially important – inspiration!

The entire faculty was truly “warm and friendly” and supportive in every way. Dr. Ralph Bender, chairman of the department, was usually the first to look up from his busy desk and greet his students.

ACEL was truly valuable to me – inspiring and guiding me through my college life and into my “dream” career.

 

Earl Kantner enters World War II in 1944.

 

Earl Kantner studies at the Alpha Zeta Fraternity House at Ohio State in 1948.

 

Dr. Earl Kantner appointed to the Ohio Department of Education and Director of the Ohio FFA Association.

 

Earl Kantner reitres January 1, 1984 after 44 years of dedication to Ohio FFA Youth.

 

US Army Sgt Earl Kantner heads VFW Post in 2002.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. R. Kirby Barrick ’70, ’73 M.S., ’80 Ph.D.

 

Dr. Kirby Barrick ’70, ’73 M.S., ’80 Ph.D. is a three-time alum of the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership, with all three degrees concentrating on agricultural education. Now retired dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida and professor emeritis, Barrick resides in Gainesville, Florida. He also served as a member of the ACEL Centennial Endowment committee.

Why did you select to major in agricultural education?
I knew in high school that I wanted to be a teacher. By my junior year I knew I wanted to be a vo-ag teacher. I was greatly influenced by my teacher (John Stimpert); he was the best vo-ag teacher I have ever known!

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
After thinking about going elsewhere, I easily decided on Ohio State. After all, why not – a top college of agriculture and the best agricultural education department in the country.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
I was well-prepared to be a high school vo-ag teacher. Then things just seemed to develop. Obviously, my Ph.D. in teacher education and higher education led me to a faculty position and eventually into administration.

Share with us how you were involved in student life outside of the classroom.
I joined Alpha Gamma Rho and served as a vice-president and then president of the chapter. I was president of the Agricultural Education Society. I served on Ag College Council, and Social Board (determined activities at the Ohio Union), was Homecoming Queen Committee Chair, May Week General Chairman, and a member of the Senior Class Committee. I was initiated into Bucket & Dipper.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
The agricultural education classes, of course, were good and very important for my career objective. I also enjoyed most of the agriculture classes, especially the advanced entomology course.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education?
Dr. Bender and Dr. Warmbrod are clearly at the top of the list. I recall being in the graduate teaching methods course with Dr. Bender. While the content was great, watching and learning from a master teacher was phenomenal. Dr. Warmbrod has many of those same characteristics.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Alpha Gamma Rho continues to be an important part of my life. AGR and FFA made me who I am today as a person. Those were great times for learning and having fun. I still get together with initiation class buddies each year.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
Vocational Agriculture Instructor at Sheridan High School (Northern Local Schools), Thornville, OH.

Share with us where your career has taken you over the years.
Sheridan High School – vo-ag teacher
Ohio Department of Education – assistant state supervisor, Agricultural Education Service
Ohio State University – faculty member in Department of Agricultural Education and then department chair, assistant director of Ohio State University Extension and State 4-H Leader
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Associate Dean, College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental sciences, and professor of Agricultural Education
University of Florida – dean, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and professor of Agricultural Education

What honors and awards have you been presented over your career?

  • Fulbright Specialist, 2009 – 2013; 2017 – 2021
  • International Educator of the Year, University of Florida International Center, 2016
  • NACTA Murray Brown Leadership Award, 2016
  • UF 150thAnniversary Morrill Act Faculty Award, 2012
  • Distinguished Lecturer, American Association for Agricultural Education, 2011
  • Hall of Fame, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, 2010
  • Honorary State FFA Degree, Florida FFA, 2010
  • Distinguished Alumni Award, Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, 2005
  • University of Illinois Dads Association Outstanding Faculty Award, 2004
  • Russell Guin Outstanding Agricultural Educator, American Association for Agricultural Education, 2004
  • Distinguished Educator Award, National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, 2001
  • Centennial Award, Alpha Zeta National Honorary Fraternity, 1997
  • Fellow, American Association for Agricultural Education, 1996
  • Outstanding Adviser Award, Ohio State University Agriculture and Natural Resources Student Council, 1996
  • Honorary Member, Agricultural Education Society, Ohio State University, 1991
  • Distinguished Service Award, Ohio Vocational Agriculture Techers Association, 1991
  • Delegate Coordinator Award, National FFA, 1991
  • Ohio State University Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award, 1988 (one of eight awarded annually)
  • Outstanding Young Teacher Award, Ohio State University College of Agriculture, 1986
  • Honorary American Farmer Degree, National FFA Organization, 1985
  • Pomerene Teaching Enhancement Award, Ohio State University College of Agriculture, 1985
  • Outstanding Young Teacher Educator, American Association of Teacher Educators in Agriculture, 1984
  • Honorary State FFA Degree, Ohio FFA Association, 1975

Outside of your career, what organizations or activities are you involved with in your community?

  • Various committees and choirs at five United Methodist Churches: First Gainesville, Gainesville Trinity, First Champaign, Grove City, Faith (West Chester), and Somerset
  • President and member, Alpha Gamma Rho National Board of Directors
  • Board of Directors, The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
The department chair is the most important and most difficult position in a university. My term as chair at Ohio State was very rewarding. We had limited funds (I had to “give back” a lot of operating money my first week on the job!!), but the department thrived because we had an outstanding group of undergraduate and graduate students and a devoted faculty and staff. It was a pleasure to serve as chair of the top department in the country and to watch students over the years become successful teachers and Extension agents, university faculty and administrators, and all-around excellent scholars.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Remember that the undergraduate experience is two-fold: being successful in your academic pursuits and developing personal skills that last a lifetime. Work hard, study hard, become involved, and give back to your alma mater.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
I knew in high school that I wanted to teach vocational agriculture. The department was great in helping me develop the skills I needed to begin and advance in a career in teaching and learning as well as in administration. I still enjoy sharing what I learned with others, especially now with university faculty in the U.S. and abroad.

Speaking as the Ohio FFA President in 1966.

 

Senior photo at Ohio State – 1970

 

Awarded as an Honorary American Farmer in 1985.

 

Ohio State’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 1988

 

Speaking at the 2007 commencement for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida as dean.

 

 

Teaching in Saudi Arabia in 2018

 

Alumni Spotlight: Jeffrey Carpenter ’03

 
Jeffrey Carpenter graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education in 2003. After teaching agricultural education for several years, Carpenter now serves as an assistant principal for the Ohio Central School System and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
[ACEL]: Hi Jeffrey! Why did you select to major in agricultural education?
[Carpenter]: I selected my major of agricultural education, because of the leadership an encouragement of Ron Fuller, my high school agricultural education teacher and Dr. Michael Borger, OSU ATI Beef professor.
Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I attended the Ohio State University and The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute because of the great professionals and because it is THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY! Is there really any other university?
How did your education at Ohio State influence your career path?
The Ohio State University influenced me to always go above and beyond in helping educate students. I may not be in agricultural education at a public school, but helping individuals who are incarcerated to gain employment and passing on the knowledge and life skills I have learned is very rewarding.
What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was involved in Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity and Ohio State Horseman’s Association. I also participated in Little Internationa,l where I was able to win the horse showmanship with Ohio State’s stallion, The Flashiest Zip Yet.  My jobs included working at OSU ATI Library and as a part of the Ohio State ATI beef research team. When I went to the Columbus campus I worked for Dr. Alecia Larew-Naugle with Ohio State’s Veterinary Preventative Medicine. Then I was able to complete an internship at OSU meat with Dr. Henry Zerby.
What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State? What was your favorite and why?
I have two  classes that I have very fond memories.  The animal judging class with Dr. Borger. I enjoyed it because Dr. Borger and Joe Lit made the class fun and it was hands on. The second class was the capstone class with Dr. Zartman. I really enjoyed the animal welfare and animal right class. I guess because of the debates!
 
What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education/career? How?
I would say each and every professor at Ohio State has had an impact on my life. However, if it wasn’t for Dr. Michael Borger, I am not for sure I would have changed my major to agricultural education. You see, it was being selected to be on the Ohio State ATI beef research team that allowed Dr. Borger to see my skills and push me to teach.
What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Oh my, this would have to be spending time with my fellow brothers at DTS and great friends in Ohio State Horseman’s Association.
What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first job after graduating Ohio State was teaching animal processing and large and small animal veterinary science at Preston County Schools in Kingwood, West Virginia along with being the farm manager. Dr. Alecia Larew-Naugle called me and encouraged me to apply for the position. It was a great fit!
Where has your career taken you over the past 15 years?
I have worked for Preston County Schools and Vinton County Schools as an agricultural education instructor. Today, I am a shared service area assistant principal for Ohio Central School System and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, along with being the owner operator of Carpenters Quarter Horses LLC.
 
During your career, have you received any awards or honors? If so, what are those?
I have had the honor of being part of the team of agricultural educators that was honored in having the top Secondary Agricultural Education Program in West Virginia and North Eastern US. The team of Ron Wilson, Beth (Roberts) Myers, Laah Wolford and myself were honor with that great distinction at Preston County Schools in Kingwood, WV.
As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
As of today, my great highlights have always been seeing my students succeed.
What advice would you give to a current student?
First piece of advice I would give would be, anything worthwhile is worth doing right. Secondly I would say to take a chance and take positions that challenge you.