Washburn named new chair of CFAES Teaching, Advising and Learning

Washburn, 2021

Shannon Washburn, professor and chair of the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has been named the college’s Sanford G. Price and Isabelle P. Barbee Chair in Teaching, Advising, and Learning.

His term begins Nov. 1.

Washburn, who joined ACEL as professor and chair in 2020, previously served as an assistant dean for Academic Programs for the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University, from 2015 to 2020. In that role, he led the college’s student retention efforts, facilitated professional development opportunities for faculty and instructional staff on teaching and advising, and coordinated the course and curriculum processes for the college.

While at Kansas State, Washburn also served as a professor of agricultural education and as an associate professor of agricultural education. He earned his PhD in agricultural education from the University of Missouri, and a Master of Science in secondary education and a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education from Kansas State.

William H. Price II of Cody, Wyoming, funded the Sanford G. Price and Isabelle P. Barbee Chair in Teaching, Advising, and Learning in 2002 with a gift to The Ohio State University Foundation. The chair is named in memory of his father, Sanford G. Price, BS 1919, and his aunt, Isabelle Price Barbee, BS 1919, both of Woodville, Ohio.

The Price-Barbee Chair was established to support the leadership of an endowed faculty chair position charged with fostering a collegewide environment of excellence in teaching and learning, said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State’s vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean.

“We are grateful for William Price’s support to fund this position for CFAES and excited to welcome Dr. Washburn to this position,” Kress said. “The Price-Barbee Chair is a significant gift for the teaching, learning, and advising enterprise of our college.”

Having dedicated funding that supports learning and advising through the role of the teacher makes this gift unique, said Tracy Kitchel, CFAES senior associate dean and director of faculty and staff affairs.

“This position will focus on providing leadership and expertise around teaching and advising enhancement that will include initiatives at the college level designed to complement the work of the Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning,” Kitchel said. “I am excited about the expertise Dr. Washburn brings to the table. We have such a diversity of expertise in our college, and to have expertise in teaching and learning is particularly valuable as it relates to this endowed chair. Dr. Washburn is an award-winning teacher who has a tremendous record of supporting future and current teachers at the secondary to postsecondary levels.”

In his new role as Price-Barbee Chair, Washburn said he plans to focus on several issues including:

  • creating and directing a faculty exchange for teaching excellence to identify current challenges and barriers to effective teaching practice to be used in creating a prioritized plan for professional development needs.
  • providing content direction and organization for a semi-annual college symposium in teaching excellence.
  • providing leadership for a monthly new-faculty brown bag series on teaching and advising best practices.
  • emphasizing priority on helping new faculty adopt research-based effective practices as they develop their teaching and advising identities in the early stages of their careers.

“I’m honored at the opportunity to work with the incredibly talented and dedicated faculty in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences to enhance their expertise in teaching to further strengthen the student learning experience in CFAES,” Washburn said. “There is such a rich tradition of teaching excellence and commitment to student growth in our college, and the Price-Barbee Chair is dedicated to continuing that tradition by providing ongoing growth opportunities for faculty and instructional staff.

“I look forward to partnering with my colleagues and helping them further refine their teaching craft.”

The appointment of Washburn as the Price-Barbee Chair will also significantly enhance the ability of CFAES’ Academic Programs to provide professional development opportunities for faculty members, said Steve Neal, associate dean and director of CFAES academic programs.

“Dr. Washburn brings important expertise to this role, which will be of great benefit for the college,” Neal said.

 

This article was originally published by CFAES Marketing and Communications.

Rodriguez, Rumbled selected for CFAES STARS Program Inaugural Cohort

Dr. Mary Rodriguez, associate professor of community leadership, and Dr. Joy Rumble, assistant professor of agricultural communication, have been selected to participate in the inaugural CFAES STARS Program Cohort.

The hiring of the Ohio State University’s 16th President, Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, and her subsequent appointment of Dr. Grace Wang in the newly formed position of Executive Vice President of Research, Innovation, and Knowledge has injected much enthusiasm for research across the university. In the 2021 State of the University Address, President Johnson announced that, “Ohio State aims to double its sponsored research within this decade,” solidifying the importance of research to the university.

Many new initiatives have been developed in the past year in response to the president’s call for “excellence in research and creative expression,” including: a planned investment of $750 million over the next decade for research and researchers, the creation of the Presidential Research Excellence Fund to support research projects, the launch of Exploratory Research Groups by the Sustainability Institute, and the kickoff of the Growing Research Opportunities (GRO) Academy.

The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is also responding to this renewed commitment to research. As a college-level effort to identify and develop the next generation of research leaders among early and mid-career tenure track faculty within the college, the CFAES Office for Research & Graduate Education announced the inaugural STARS Program.

The goal of the Strategic Alignment for Research Success (STARS) program is to propel emerging research leaders – those individuals with the interest, vision, and motivation – to take their research programs to a higher and more collaborative level. The program will provide participants with the information, skills, and connections they need to assemble and lead large-scale teams in the pursuit of major extramural funding. Participants selected for the 2021-2022 STARS cohort are primarily early to mid-career career faculty with at least two years in their current position from a variety of CFAES departments.

Dr. Gary Pierzynski, Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Education for CFAES, has been instrumental in the development of this new initiative. “We need to think broadly about what our researchers need. Going beyond grant writing workshops, successful researchers require management skills, leadership skills, strategies for building a resume, and experience managing mid-sized grants to better position them for the big ones.”

The cohort will participate in a 6-month leadership program consisting of individual and group exercises as well as lectures and group discussions designed for early and mid-career faculty. Leadership experts from both inside and outside OSU will provide course content. Participants will be coached one-on-one to develop their research action plan which will be aimed at strengthening their research activities. Group members will have access to a monthly networking opportunity among research leaders and peers with the goal of fostering collaboration among participants from diverse disciplines.

“The STARS program facilitates the building of a track record of accomplishments and awards, management skills, and leadership skills for faculty that are essential for competing for major awards,” said Dr. Gary Pierzynski. “We have learned a great deal this past year regarding what it takes to get this work done and will continue to collaborate with faculty, administration, and staff to make the processes more efficient.”

Introducing the 2021 Cohort

Dr. Marília Chiavegato, Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science

Dr. Jessica Cooperstone, Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology

Dr. Suzanne Gray, Associate Professor in the School of Environment and Natural Resources

Dr. Andrea Gschwend, Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science

Dr. Emmanuel Hatzakis, Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology

Dr. Shoshanah Inwood, Associate Professor in the School of Environment and Natural Resources

Dr. Zoë Plakias, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics

Dr. Jonathan Fresnedo Ramirez, Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science

Dr. Alejandro E. Relling, Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences

Dr. Mary Rodriguez, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership

Dr. Joy Rumble, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership

Dr. Christopher Simons, Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology

View full participant bios, here.

Original article by Alexis Didinger modified for acel.osu.edu publication.

Vanco hired as closing specialist

Congratulations to 2019 agricultural communication graduate Josie Vanco who recently began a position with Farm Credit Mid-America as a closing specialist in Albany, Ohio.

Josie will also continue her livestock marketing and photography business by serving as a subcontractor to photograph livestock shoes and rodeos throughout the United States.

Best of luck Josie!

 

#ACELatOSU #CFAES #AgComm

CFAES Alumni Award: Dr. Bryan Garton

Dr. Bryan Garton
2019 CFAES Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Bryan Garton is currently associate dean of academic programs in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU). Dr. Garton’s academic roots extend to the Department of Agricultural Education and Leadership at MU, where he served the ranks of Assistant, Associate and Full Professor. He has received prestigious awards including induction as an AAAE Fellow, Kemper Teaching Fellow, and many research journal article and conference paper awards.

Dr. Garton has been recognized in numerous ways at the University of Missouri for his teaching excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Within the profession, his recognition is continued as a teacher educator and researcher. His reputation for mentoring graduate students is well-documented by the number of students whose career successes as university professors include leadership titles such as Assistant Dean, Department Chair, Teaching Center Co-Directors and Provost Faculty Fellow from universities across the country.

Dr. Garton is proud to be an Ohio State graduate and in particular, a graduate of this college and our department. He credits his experiences at Ohio State for preparing him for success as a teacher and researcher.

 

Congratulations Dr. Garton on your success as an agricultural educator and your recognition as an outstanding alum of CFAES!

Alumni Spotlight: Lori Heiby, ’91

[ACEL]: Hi Lori! Why did you select your major?
[Heiby]: I was raised on a farrow to finish swine and diversified crop farm in Mercer County, Ohio and was actively involved in the Coldwater FFA chapter so I decided to dual majored in agricultural education and animal sciences. I wanted to find a career that would allow me to remain involved in agriculture, as well as, help others understand the importance of agriculture.  Teaching agricultural education at the high school level gives me a chance to do both while helping young people realize their potential and prepare for the future.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
When I was selecting a college, Ohio State had a reputation for a excellent agricultural education department so it was an easy decision.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
After completing my degree, I looked at some options in the animal sciences field but nothing seemed to really fit at the time.  I guess down deep I knew what I really wanted to do was teach, so I began traveling the state looking for a teaching position.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I enjoyed a lot of my animal science and agriculture mechanics and systems classes.  I really enjoyed my swine and sheep production classes, too. They were very hands-on and gave me a chance to get back into the barn and out of the classroom.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education?
The professor that probably had the greatest impact on my career was Dr. Cano.  Dr. Cano was a graduate student when I began at Ohio State.  He taught Introduction to Agricultural Education my first quarter and eventually my methods of teaching class. He really help me become more confident in my teaching and helped me realize that the classroom was where I really belonged.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first teaching job after graduation was at Vanguard-Sentinel Career Center in Fremont, Ohio.  For the first two years, I spent the first half of the day as the second teacher at Lakota High School in Sandusky Coounty and the last half of the day at Old Fort High School in Seneca County. After two years, I became full-time at Old Fort High School.

For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career?
After teaching seven years with Vanguard-Sentinel, I moved to Spencerville High School for two years.  I just started my 17th year at Wayne Trace High School in Paulding, Ohio.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
I have had many students accomplish great things so it is difficult to select a favorite.  Every success is a highlight of its own. No matter if it was a student winning a district contest, being elected as State FFA President or being a National Proficiency finalist, all are moments I am very proud of.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Don’t be afraid to go where ever the job is. So many graduates today seem to be fixated on going back to their home area. The best thing I ever did, for my career, was take a job over two hours from home.  It allowed me the chance to really concentrate on developing myself as a teacher and building a successful program.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
It cultivated in me a pride for my profession, a desire to help and educate other, both young and old, about the importance of agriculture by allowing me a chance to learn the skills and gain the knowledge needed to do so.

 

Alumni Spotlight: Kelly Newlon, ’98

 

 

Kelly Newlon came to Ohio State from Perry County, Ohio. She now works for the University as the Director of Education Abroad for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, a position she has held for 10 years. With her job, she has been able to travel to all seven continents!

[ACEL]: Hi Kelly! You completed your undergraduate degree in agricultural education. Why did you select that?
[Newlon]: I knew I wanted to pursue higher education administration by the end of my sophomore year. I had a love for CFAES and agricultural education and knew it would provide an excellent foundation for my career.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I am a third generation Buckeye and grew up coming to football and basketball games, imitating the drum major and knowing the cheers. There really was no other university in my mind.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
My production agriculture minor courses are what impress people in my general life the most today. People think it is cool that I know how to weld and select animals for breeding based on their EPDs. I also did some cool things with classes, most fun was earning my private pilot’s license.

What professor, faculty, or staff member had an impact on your education/career? How?
It is hard to think back now and think of what I thought as a student, but through my professional career Dr. Ray Miller made a huge impact. His quiet humility and extreme work ethic were exemplars for all around him.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
I studied abroad between my freshman and sophomore year and on the program met a student who was serving as a University Ambassador. She encouraged me to apply to be an ambassador and I got the job! As I have developed professionally I gained skills and it has taken me back to the classroom at the college level and I am ever grateful for having classroom management and student teaching course content.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
My primary involvement was as a University Ambassador and Alpha Sigma Upsilon sorority. I was also involved in CFAES Student Council, the Recognition Banquet Committee, Collegiate 4-H, Sphinx and Bucket and Dipper.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Nothing beats the goose bumps I feel when the drum major comes running down the ramp during a home game against TTUN. The anticipation of the game to come and the comradely shared with those around you is unequaled.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I was the assistant director of admissions at Indian University in Bloomington, IN.

What other schools have you worked for during your career?
Indiana University, Capital University, The Ohio State University.

During your career, have you received any awards or honors? If so, what are those?
I have received the University Outstanding Student Organization Advisor award twice, Dr. L.H. Newcomb Excellence in Leadership and Service Award in 2015, Sphinx/Mortar Board Senior Honorary Faculty and Staff Award four times.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
I love my work and take pride in the small moments of seeing students grow on programs. It is pretty cool that my career has taken me to seven continents though!

What professional organizations have you been involved with during your career?
North American College Teachers of Agriculture, National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association, National Association of Foreign Student Advisors, Forum on International Education, Diversity Abroad, National Association of College Admissions Councilors.

How are you involved in your community outside of your profession?
I have continues to advise Alpha Sigma Upsilon and helped found an alumnae association. I have also been active in the United Methodist Church including choir membership.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Be strategic and plan for your future, but always keep an eye out for how you could improve upon that vision. Don’t rule anything out!

What did ACEL cultivate in you? How?
ACEL is all about servant leadership and I take great pride in being in a career that allows me to build a workforce that will give back and grow Ohio communities.

Newlon visited her seventh continent this summer when she visited Tanzania.

 

Newlon spent time in Antarctica a few years ago, learning about and experiencing a new education abroad program.

 

Alumni Spotlight: Katy Wuthrick Mumaw, ’07

Katy Wuthrick Mumaw graduated from Ohio State with a degree in agricultural communication in 2007. After eight years with the National FFA Organization, Katy now works as a reporter for Farm and Dairy in Northeastern Ohio.

[ACEL]: Hello Katy! You majored in agricultural communication. Why did you select that major?
I was always interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, but my strengths in high school were in social sciences and English. When I discovered a degree that combined my passion with my skills I was hooked.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
Going to Ohio State was always a dream of mine, as my parents are both alumni. I chose Ohio State because of the reputation and caring staff.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
My education opened my eyes to all the possibilities in agricultural communications Because of my education, I continue to share the story of agriculture.

How were you involved outside of the classroom?
I was involved in the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Saddle and Sirloin Club and Sigma Alpha. I also worked in the Ohio State Extension Business Office.

Did you have a faculty or staff member that was influential to your time at Ohio State?
Dr. Mark Tucker showed me the power of inclusion. He ensured each member of the class was valued for what they brought to the table. Kelly Newlon opened my eyes to different cultures and concepts. I traveled to the Czech Republic with her and several other students during my time at Ohio State and I am still amazed at what I learned and the growth I experienced while abroad.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
I have so many wonderful memories. One that sticks out is serving food at the Farm Science Review with Saddle and Sirloin — it was hot, it was fun and inside jokes kept us smiling.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I worked as an education specialist for the National FFA Organization.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
My involvement in the development, launch and marketing of the National FFA Organization’s website in 2015.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Never stop learning and care deeply. Care about other people, care about your work, care about your influence on others.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
ACEL cultivated a passion in me to ask questions. ACEL instilled in me the value of diversity of thought and the power of a 360 perspective.

CFAES Top Ten Seniors in 2007

At an Ohio State game my senior year – 2006.

O-H-I-O with coworkers.

Czech Republic study abroad in 2005.

Dear Leah…CFAES Organizations

Dear Leah

Q: What different groups or organizations should I get involved in through the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences?

A:  Luckily for you, the answer to your question is a long list! No matter what your interest, there is a club or organization that I’m sure will provide the perfect fit!

Within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, there are various ways to get involved with a group of people who have the same kind of passion you do.

To start off with, there are academic teams to join that allow you to learn while also practicing skills you might already know. While there over 15 different teams to choose from, a few include the food product development team, weeds team, or even judging teams such as livestock, meat, horse, dairy, and soil.

Men of Alpha Gamma Rho

CFAES also has six different Greek organizations. There are four agricultural fraternities for the men to choose from, including Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Gamma Sigma, FarmHouse, and Delta Theta Sigma. As for the ladies, there are two agricultural sororities- Alpha Sigma Upsilon and Sigma Alpha. Greek life allows students an in-depth way to connect with their peers in organizations that are committed to brotherhood/sisterhood.

A few honoraries are offered as well, a couple of which are Alpha Zeta Partners and Towers Agricultural Honorary. These honoraries are committed to service to the College and the surrounding community.

IMG_5078

Class ’17 Members of AZP doing Saturday community service at a Columbus homeless shelter.

The majority of the organizations on the CFAES campus are under the big umbrella category of “academic organizations.” With nearly 50 different groups to choose from, chances are you’ll find at least one that will be a fit for you! Some groups, such as Agribusiness Club, Agricultural Systems Management Club, or the Pre-Vet Club are geared towards students within those majors, although anyone is welcome to join, no matter your major! There are also clubs focused on different animals, such as the Buckeye Dairy Club, Collegiate Cattlewomen, or Saddle and Sirloin Club.

 

IMG_5072

Saddle and Sirloin teaching the public about sheep.

As you can see, while I only listed a few of the groups or organizations within CFAES that you could join, there are many more! The full list of which can be viewed at Campus Life: Clubs and Organizations. My best advice is to join as many as you can juggle while still focusing on classes, personal life, work, or whatever else your schedule might hold! Your best college friends and best college memories are waiting for you among these organizations!

Meet Our Faculty: Dr. Caryn Filson

Growing up in a home centered around agriculture, it’s no wonder that Dr. Caryn Filson is now a lecturer in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State. Dr. Filson got her start in agriculture living on a hog and grain farm in Harrison, Ohio where she spent her childhood actively showing steers, hogs and lambs in 4-H.

She graduated from Diamond Oaks Career and Technical Center in an equine science program, then proceeded to earn her bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees all from Ohio State in agricultural education. Before returning to Ohio State as a lecturer, Dr. Filson taught middle school agriscience and earth science classes in Virginia for three years.

Aside from spending time with her two boys, Grady and Jasper, Dr. Filson also has an affinity for rescuing animals including two rescue dogs, Tanner and Josie, as well as two rescued bunnies from OSU animal research, Buckeye and Blitz. In her spare time, Dr. Filson loves to garden, work with livestock, go to outdoor country concerts, visit the beach, and travel to see family and friends across the state.

When asked what her “fun fact” is, it included her siblings. Three of the four siblings in her family all graduated with college degrees across the country in the same weekend. Her younger brother from Oklahoma State with his bachelor’s, her older sister from the University of Cincinnati with her master’s, and then Caryn from Ohio State with her PhD. The most impressive part? Her parents and older brother made it to all three graduations that weekend!

IMG_6562

Dr. Filson and son Jasper

 

 

boys

Sons Grady (5) and Jasper (2)

 

IMG_7046

Grady hanging out with the hogs.

 

Dr. Filson can be contacted via email at filson.5@osu.edu.

Dear Leah…study abroad?

Dear Leah
Q: As an incoming student to CFAES this fall, I have been looking forward to college and was curious about the study abroad opportunities. I was wondering what all study abroad trips would be available for me to do, and if it’s worth it to spend that much money? I’m also concerned that studying abroad would make me graduate late because I would be taking time away from school to travel. Any advice?

A: As a senior this fall, I have studied at Ohio State for three years. Cheered on three winning seasons of Buckeye football. Taken three different psychology courses. Eaten three times my weight in Raising Cane’s chicken tenders. Had three different jobs. Had three different roommates. And traveled abroad to three countries.

The dream of studying abroad was one of the major reasons that I was so excited to move away to college and experience the world. I came from a small farm town in Ohio where I was fairly sheltered about what the world and global community had to offer. Ohio State was the perfect avenue for me to get out and culture myself.

For me, studying abroad has been one of the most beneficial and influential things I have done since moving to Columbus. The summer after my sophomore year I went on a two-week study abroad trip to England and Scotland that was primarily focused on agricultural communication. We spent time learning about the culture of the United Kingdom, eating their foods, talking with locals, admiring architecture, visiting various agricultural newspaper and magazine companies, and comparing their agricultural practices to our own.

This past spring I traveled to Brazil with fourteen of my peers where we spent six weeks immersed in Brazilian culture. Alpha Zeta Partners, a professional agricultural honorary fraternity in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, takes students to Brazil every January to learn about their fast growing agricultural sector. What I learned and experienced while in Brazil taught me more than I could have ever imagined.

Although I can’t speak for everyone, my best advice to incoming and current students is that if you have the opportunity to study abroad and see the world- DO IT! Take the leap. The programs are designed to fit with your class schedule so that you still receive course credit and can stay on track to graduate. There are also programs that you can do where you study abroad during summer break, winter break, and even spring break if you would rather not travel during the school year. Financially, I can almost guarantee that you won’t find a better price point to travel and do everything that is included in the programs. Although they can be somewhat expensive, they are relatively cheap in comparison to doing the exact same trip on your own. There are also scholarships available to students who wish to study abroad, and the College works very hard to financially help out every student that wants to travel. Throughout CFAES there are many trips abroad that focus on agriculture and environmental sciences, but there are also countless programs within the University as a whole that can take you anywhere around the world.

College is the place where you go to learn, and what better way to do that than by traveling and immersing yourself in other cultures? Diversity and cultural awareness are highly sought after in any workplace, and the skills and lessons you learn while abroad way exceed what you can learn in a classroom in Columbus. So my final advice is: get your passport, pack your bags, and go explore all that the world has to offer!

IMG_2771

A Brazilian bull at a breeding facility.

 

IMG_2653

The agricultural school we studied at in Brazil.

 

IMG_2907

“I love Brazil”

 

IMG_2908

One of the best parts of Brazil: a steakhouse.

 

IMG_2937

Our Ohio State group and Brazilian student Alan at the National Cathedral.

 

IMG_5620_2

Posing with a bagpipe statue in Scotland.

 

IMG_5477

O-H-I-O at Stonehenge.

To learn more about study abroad opportunities within CFAES, visit Agricultural Administration Room 100, or email Kelly Newlon at newlon.7@osu.edu. For study abroad opportunities for all of Ohio State, visit the Office of International Affairs.

 

 

The “Dear Leah” column is written by agricultural communication senior Leah Schwinn. You can submit a student life related question at schwinn.8@osu.edu