Cultivating Futures

Alumni Spotlight: Thomas Kremer ’69, ’75 MS

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What did ACEL cultivate in you? How?

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

Talking Shop: The Growing Need for Farm Mechanics in the Early Years of Agricultural Education

Before the 1900s, the repairs and maintenance of farm equipment were quite simple. The engineering of farm equipment did not have the complexity of modern day farm equipment, which made servicing an easier task. The early 1900s was a time when homesteads and farms used candles for lighting, small plows for tilling, manual labor for planting, and a sickle for harvesting. There were a few schools teaching vocational subjects, where young boys learned mechanical work and young girls’ learned homemaking. According to Willard Wolf (1969), 50 of the 225 township schools in the state of Ohio in 1908 were offering agricultural education as part of their science courses. Communities recognize the need to teach youth the basics of agricultural sciences. The passing of the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917 helped agricultural education gain its momentum in the 1920s. This act provided more funding for high school instruction in agricultural sciences.  

What agricultural sciences did vocational education programs teach? Agricultural education experienced rapid change with the increasing adoption of the tractor.  Mechanical work on the farm shifted from simple tools like plows and rakes to tractors and electricity. Because of this modernization, everyday tasks on the farm in the 1920s changed dramatically.  Farmers in the 1920s transitioned to overhauling an engine, repairing worn mechanical parts, and wiring the farm shop. Modern day farming in the 1920s allowed farm machinery to reduce labor cost, increase food production, and improve farm management practices. Mechanization changed the job description of a farmer. Farmers became more than just producers; they became a farm mechanics. Because of the growth in mechanization and production agriculture, the industry faced the challenge of not having farmers who were mechanically skilled. This led to teaching more farm mechanics in Vocational Agriculture Programs. 

FFA Members Learning about Electrical Circuits (Photo Credits: Ohio FFA Archives)

With farm mechanics and shop experiencing this major shift, there was a concern with whether or not teachers were teaching skills that match the demands of farmers and industry. A.C. Kennedy, a graduate of the Department of Agricultural Education at The Ohio State University with a master’s degree 1926, explored this inquiry by performing a study on the needs for training in farm mechanics in Ohio. This study was vital to developing effective instruction in farm mechanics. Kennedy studied the following problems: 

  1. What kinds of mechanical jobs do farmers perform? 
  1. What is the ratio of the amount of construction and repair work done? 
  1. What, in the opinion of the farmer, is the relative importance of the difference phases of mechanical work done on the average farm? 
  1. Would farmers do a greater variety of jobs if they were trained to do them? 

By the 1920s, people were wiring their homes, using tractors to plow and plant their fields, and combines to harvest their crop. The classic blacksmithing, harness making, and carpentry work were skills that vanished quickly because of mechanization and modern technology. This change generated a need to train young farmers the necessary skills to maintain and operate an efficient farm. Kennedy studied this need and found that new construction in woodwork, farm machinery repair, harness repair, and painting were the most important tasks performed on the farm.  Consequently, vocational agriculture education taught these skills more effectively.  

A Study of the Needs for Training in Farm Mechanics in Ohio” by A.C. Kennedy. This map shows by countries, the location of the farms where the Farm Mechanics Surveys were taken.

It was easy to convince farmers and young boys to participate in farm shop programs because young farmers took pride in their mechanical skills, were eager to get their hands dirty and learn new technologies. Farmers saw farm construction and woodworking jobs for livestock, crops, gardening, shop, and household appliances as the most important job task for young farmers to prepared for. They also needed to learn metalworking, farm machinery repair, concrete work, painting, plumbing, tool sharpening, rope work, and harness repair. Along with the traditional farm mechanics, farmers wanted to install modern conveniences like electricity, water system, sewage disposal system, hot water, and heating plant. Kennedy studied determined that farmers were interested installing these modern day conveniences, but they did not know how to do the work themselves. Even though agricultural education was on the rise, there was an uncertain with what teachers should be teaching in the classroom. Indeed, they knew that teaching farm mechanics and business management was a vital skill that these young farmers needed to know. 

Agriculture Teacher providing instruction on the farm tractor (Photo Credits: Ohio FFA Archives)

 

Students Learning about Machine Maintenance (Photo Credits: Ohio FFA Archive)

 

Agriscience education student Cody McClain researched and compiled the information in this post.

This post is part of a series on our blog. To read all of the posts on the history of agricultural mechanics throughout the last 100 years, visit our archives.

 

Talking Shop: Agricultural mechanics throughout 100 years

We’re starting a new series on our blog, which will be shared on the second Tuesday of each month. The posts for “Talking Shop“, written by Cody McClain, a junior in agriscience education, will discuss the history of farm shop and farm mechanics as related to the history of the Department and the agricultural education profession.

In the Department, we’re celebrating 100 years of cultivating educators, communicators and leaders. Cody has led much of the historical research for our celebration and we can’t wait to share information, facts and photos from our first 100 years!

Take a minute and get to know Cody, then come back to check out our first post!

I’m Cody McClain, and a student at The Ohio State University studying agriscience education. Since I was in the fifth grade, I aimed to be a high school math teacher, but my final experiences in an agricultural education program inspired me to pursue a career in teaching agriculture.

My passion for agriculture stems from a deep pride of being raised on a grain farm in Wyandot County, where I learned the joys and discomforts of agriculture life and developed a passion for agriculture. The experiences of growing and harvesting corn and soybeans, scouting fields for weeds, servicing tractors and plows, and much more farming task have cultivated my passion for the agricultural industry and most importantly, I have a passion for agricultural education.

By studying agriscience education at Ohio State, I have had the opportunity to discover and deepen my interest and skills in learning and teaching science, math, and technical knowledge in agriculture. Taking a small engines course at Ohio State ATI sparked my interest studying agricultural mechanics and technology and preparing myself to teach this subject.

People and passion have guided my purpose in pursuing a career in agricultural education, and my career goal is focused on making a difference in students’ lives through education. I am looking forward to teaching and sharing my passion for agricultural mechanics and technology and provide them with opportunities for successful futures.

As a student in the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL), I have had opportunity to research and organize the history of department and agricultural education for the centennial celebration. Along with the departmental research, I have focused on researching the history of farm shop and mechanics in agricultural education. Agricultural mechanics has rich history of traditions, challenges, and advancements, which have impacted the futures of young agriculturist and improved farming practices for many community farmers.

McClain

McClain instructs students in a small engines lesson during his early field experience.

This post is the first in a series on our blog. To read all of the posts on the history of agricultural mechanics throughout the last 100 years, visit our archives.

 

Alumni Spotlight: Louis Damschroder ’76, ’78 MS

Louis Damschroder graduated with his bachelors in agricultural education in 1976, and in 1978 he completed a masters degree, also in agricultural education. Damschroder retired as the agricultural science teacher from Oak Harbor High School, a satellite program of Penta Career Center, and is currently working as an assistant for Crosser Funeral Home, also in Oak Harbor.

[ACEL]: Hi Louis! Why did you select to major in agricultural education, and also elect to get a master’s degree?
[Damschroder]: I started as an agricultural engineering major, but switched to agricultural education early in my college career.  I followed a dual major program in undergraduate school with agricultural education and animal sciences, graduating in 1976.  I enrolled in graduate school and received my master’s degree in agricultural education in 1978.

Why did you choose to attend Ohio State University?
Ohio State was the only school to offer the agricultural engineering and agricultural education degree programs in Ohio.  I applied to Ohio State after I learned I was in the top ten list to be drafted and sent to Vietnam, unless accepted in a college program. I received a Class H deferment until I finished my degree program, and by then the war had ended.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career and your career path?
I was hired the first day after receiving BS degree in 1976 by Oak Harbor High School as the production agriculture teacher.  I was a second teacher in the program with my mentor being Larry Heintz. We worked together for 17 years and it was a great working relationship. I continued to work in this program for 18 more years with other teaching partners including: Dan Schroer, Keith Thorbahn, Joe Miller, Mark Starkey, Noah Neiderhouse, and Krysteena Brown Lawrence, and was also honored to serve as mentor to nine student teachers sent from Ohio State.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was a member of the Agricultural Education Society, but very limited in activities.  I was a very active member of Delta Theta Sigma fraternity, being an officer for three years and participated in many campus and off campus activities. I worked in the Meat Lab on campus for one quarter, while a student in Animal Science 453 class.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I really enjoyed teaching methods and student teaching.  My student teaching experience at Lakota High School changed my outlook on life. The students were very receptive and respectful to me and was the first time in my life that I really felt that I made a difference.  I also enjoyed animal nutrition with Drs. Cline and Tyznik, Agricultural Education 100 with Dr. LH Newcomb, and Meat Lab Animal Science 453 with Ned Parrett.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education/career?
I really enjoyed Dr. LH Newcomb, Dr. Leon Boucher, Dr. Lowell Hedges, Dick Hummel- supervisor, Dr. Vern Cahill, and countless others all believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself.  The agricultural college was like a family, which took care of each other. I know I was a handful as an undergraduate student and after receiving my bachelor degree in 1976, was told that the ag program at Oak Harbor would fold within 3 years with my attitude.  What a GREAT inspiration!

What is my favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Best memories are of my DTS fraternity brothers. I loved the time spent with them and continue to be in contact with them today. I also fondly remember helping with the Little Internationals, Rose Bowl Trips in 1975 and 1976, all ag playoffs between all the fraternities in football, basketball and softball.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I started as production agriculture teacher on July 1, 1976 at Oak Harbor High School and retired from that position on June 1, 2011 – a 35 year career, which I enjoyed immensely! I would start over again in a heartbeat.

What positions have you held throughout your career, both professionally and in your profession and community?

Oak Harbor FFA & YF Advisor – 1976-2011

Honorary State FFA Degree winner – 1992 & 2011

Honorary American FFA Degree winner – 1992

Guest lecturer at Ohio State about grief counseling students – 1999-2001

Oak Harbor Education Association officer – 6 years

NW Ohio Education Association Leadership seminars – 3 years

National Education Association member – 1976-2011

OVATA District officer 12 years, (Chairman, Vice, Sec. Treasurer)

OVATA State Officer – Secretary, 1991

OVATA Outstanding program award – 1987

OAAE Outstanding Adult program – 2009

OAE Pacesetter award winner – 1991 & 2009

Ohio YF State Tour host – 2007

Deltha Theta Sigma Board of Directors- 3 years

St. John Lutheran Church – member, Sunday School Teacher, dirtball, officer, council-1991-present

Oak Harbor Girls Softball Association President – 6 years

Ottawa County OSU Alumni member, officer, fundraiser committee-1991-present

Ohio Hunter Education and Trapper Certification instructor – 25 years.

Ohio State Buckeye Club Donor – 1991 – present

BCS Education Foundation committee – 6 years

Ottawa Soil Water Conservation Teacher of Year – 2010

Oak Harbor Lions Teacher of Year – 2011

Oak Harbor Community Service “Dorothy Heiks” award winner – 2011

Grand Marshall of Apple Festival Parade – Oak Harbor – 2011

Quality Assurance instructor for Ottawa County – 2005-2012

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight? 

First – witness to students receiving awards that they worked hard to achieve.

Second – witness the work of student teachers to excel in classroom and with FFA Activities while working with the students at Oak Harbor High School.

Third – spending a week each summer at FFA Camp Muskingum with 10-25 students.

Fourth – witness to student achievements during Ottawa County Fair week.

What advice would you give a current student?

  1. Never close any doors of opportunity
  2. Be serious in class and work like your life depends upon your results
  3. Be open to the point of view of others, that you respect
  4. Participate in as many activities as possible

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
The agriculture college was its own little campus.  All staff looked out for us, whether or not deserving of attention. The College gave us best opportunities to excel in various activities.  I loved my time on campus and the people that were there in the place of role models and staff. THANK YOU for giving me a chance to live a very production and comfortable adult life.

One of the future ag teachers, Laura Stacklin Ringler, Damschroder mentored during her student teaching at Oak Harbor.

Alumni Spotlight: Brent Stammen ’14

Brent Stammen is from North Star, Ohio and graduated with his bachelors degree in agricultural communication in 2014. He is now a marketing manager for Cintas, living in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Why did you select your major?
Because of my family’s farm implement business, I always had a strong connection to the agricultural industry and knew I wanted to choose a major that utilized the experiences I had in the industry. In high school, I also had a growing passion for design and video production, so when it came time to choose a major, agricultural communication seemed to be the right choice for my experiences and passions.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I chose to attend Ohio State because it offered the best agricultural program for my career interests and goals.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
As an agricultural communication major, the courses I was able to enroll in helped further develop my passion for video production and design. I was able to expand my skill set and learn more about these areas of marketing communications.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was involved in FarmHouse Fraternity, the CFAES Ambassador program, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Campus Crusade for Christ, CFAES Banquet Committee and Scarlet and Gray Ag Day.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I really enjoyed the design courses as well as the AgriNaturalist capstone class. However, my favorite class was Tom Stewart’s public relations course. The class provided real-life hands on experience in providing marketing solutions for a select client. I loved being able to utilize all the skills we gained in our coursework to develop and execute a marketing plan.

Did a professor or faculty member leave an impact on your education or future career?
Throughout my time at Ohio State, I had a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow from many staff members. My advisor, Dr. Emily Buck, was the first faculty member who help guide me during my time at Ohio State. She was an incredible advisor, mentor and professor. I always appreciated her encouragement and the opportunities she provided that helped me pursue my career interests.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
My favorite memory from my time at Ohio State was my involvement in FarmHouse Fraternity. Winning CFAES AgLympics, participating in float build and Mirror Lake jump were some my most memorable experiences as a member of the fraternity. 

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first job after Ohio State was with AGCO Corporation as a Marketing Representative.

 

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
The highlight of my short career has been being able to develop and lead the video content strategy at AGCO. I have not only had the opportunity to edit and produce videos but also manage the production of videos with our external agency.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Your college career is what you make it. It’s one of the best opportunities you have to learn, grow and discover who you are. No other time in your life gives you access to countless friends, incredible experiences or an opportunity to learn from your peers and professors.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
ACEL cultivated in me a desire to be curious, try something new and never be afraid to ask questions.

Alumni Spotlight: Brooke Rieke Schanowski ’16

Brooke Rieke Schanowski joined the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership from her hometown of Winfield, Illinois in 2014. Just three years later, Rieke Schanowski graduated with her bachelors degree in agricultural communication in 2016 and became the the on-air meteorologist and reporter at WMBD/WYZZ TV in her home state of Illinois.

[ACEL]: Hi Brooke! Why did you chose to major in agricultural communication at Ohio State?
[Rieke Schanowski]: Going to college, I knew I wanted a program that was going to best prepare me to be a meteorologist. When most people hear that I studied agricultural communication, they’re often confused. Honestly, I could not have picked a better program. Not only did I learn how weather impacts agriculture, but I also learned how to communicate complex topics in normal conversation. I fell in love with the Buckeye spirit when I visited. The atmosphere of the campus was infections. Everyone was friendly and happy to be a part of a long-running tradition.

How did your education at Ohio State prepare you for your career?
It helped me learn that I did want to be a meteorologist. With having two internship experiences (one at ABC 7 Chicago and one at NBC 4 Columbus) I learned exactly what happens on a daily basis at a news station. And the classes I took not only helped me learn certain information, but it made me apply it to real-life situations.

In addition to internships and classes, how did you stay busy on campus?
I was a CFAES Ambassador, Buckeye Book Community Selection Committee, Media, Marketing, and Communications (MMC) Scholars Program, Real Life, and a CFAES office assistant.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
My all-time favorite class was photography with Dr. Buck. First and foremost, I learned A LOT! I loved working on my homework assignments, getting out of my comfort zones and taking pictures of different subjects. But I think my favorite part of the class was the underlying lesson; looking at the world from a different vantage point. Taking pictures, I truly was able to appreciate the beauty of the material. And that’s why to this day I can never pass up taking a picture of a sunset over a cornfield or a forest frosted with the year’s first fresh snow. I also enjoyed Nicole Kraft’s journalism class and Tom Stewart’s public speaking class.

What professor had an impact on your education?
Dr. Buck had the biggest impact on me. She was just a down-to-earth individual that was truly passionate about what she does. The number one thing I learned was that if you’re passionate about something, nothing will get in your way of reaching for the stars.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
I probably didn’t know it at the time, but my favorite memory was when the CFAES Ambassador Team went on enrichment trips. The amount I learned on those trips to California and Arizona regarding the variety of agricultural practices throughout our country; it was incredible. And being placed in an environment that was completely different than the Midwest, it was very interesting to learn all about it. And from those trips, I know not to take anything for granted. Because every place in the world has its challenges, but it’s how you experience it that makes all the difference.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
My first job (which is also my current job) was an on-air meteorologist/reporter for WMBD/WYZZ TV in Peoria, Illinois.

How are you involved in the community outside of your career?
For me, it’s important to be involved in the community so that I know the faces of those who watch my broadcasts. My main one is that I volunteer with Goodwill and I am a Goodwill GoodGuide. Every Monday, I meet with a group of students and talk to them about how their week went. We go over important lessons that are pertinent to their lives. Whether it’s job skills, self-confidence or dealing with a difficult situation, we talk about these life events in order to grow as a group.

During your career, honors or awards have you been presented?
I have received Employee of the Month… woo!

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
Oof… that’s a doozy. There are a few that stand out. But seeing that I am a Chicago Cubs fan, it has to be around our World Series coverage. Fortunately, since we’re an Illinois TV station, we got to do coverage of the World Series for our channel. The day after the World Series win, I got to do a story with a woman who has a special Cubs chair in memory of her late husband. And just talking to her about what that win meant to her, was very special.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Do something you love. I’m sure you hear that all the time, but seriously, do something you love. Even if you’re passionate about something that you don’t think you can make into your career, try to incorporate it into some aspect of your life. Because I am truly blessed that I get to go to work, and I love (almost) every minute of it.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
It may be silly to say, but ACEL has cultivated the Buckeye spirit in me. And for someone who didn’t go to Ohio State, they wouldn’t understand what that means. Let me elaborate. That Buckeye spirit has shown me to work hard for your passion. It has taught me to have a friendly personality and contagious energy. And most importantly, it has shown me how to be proud of what you have accomplished, and what you continue to strive for.

 

Brooke and fellow CFAES ambassadors pose for a picture during an Enrichment Trip to California’s Yosemite National Park.

News coverage doesn’t stop for the weather.

Following a segment with Disney on Ice.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Tracy Kitchel ’98, ’99 MS

Dr. Tracy Kitchel graduated from Ohio State with his undergraduate degree in agricultural education in 1998 and his masters in agricultural education in 1999. Shortly after graduation, he became an agricultural educator and FFA advisor for Archbold High School in Fulton County. These days, Kitchel is a professor and chair for the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education and Leadership (ACEL) at the Ohio State University.

[ACEL]: Why did you select your major or graduate program?
[Kitchel]: I started my undergraduate career as an agricultural communication major. I was drawn to that work because I had recently been elected as the State FFA Reporter, which, at the time, meant I was working with our magazine, Ohio FFA News. Throughout the year, however, I was drawn to working with FFA members and found it rewarding. The decision to change my major was solidified when I worked at the past state FFA officer session at Ohio FFA Camp; I knew I wanted to work with students.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I’m not certain I thought of any other place. I knew I wanted to be in agriculture and I felt attending Ohio State was the clear choice. Even though I had been on campus for various reasons, I didn’t even do an official campus visit (something I don’t recommend, but it worked out for me).

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
I wouldn’t be on this path had it not been for Ohio State. In particular, it was with my advisor, Dr. Jamie Cano, who insisted I do a literature review as an undergraduate, which would lead to my master’s thesis the following year. He planted the seeds that I needed to get my Ph.D. and be a professor. He assigned a student teacher for me to serve as cooperating teacher because he felt that experience would be invaluable as a teacher educator (and it was). He connected me with one of his former Ph.D. students, Dr. Bryan Garton, which led to me studying at the University of Missouri for my Ph.D.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student (student organizations, honoraries, campus jobs, Greek life, etc.):
I was president, secretary and banquet co-chair of Agricultural Education Society, a member of Alpha Tau Zeta (now FarmHouse) fraternity, president of Phalanx (the college student organization that soon-after morphed into the CFAES Ambassadors), and served as co-chair and narrator of the College Recognition Banquet.  On campus, I worked as a Night Assistant in the Scott/Norton House Dorms and worked for the Ag Safety program in what is now FABE department. Off campus, I was an Ohio FFA intern, worked at Ohio FFA Camp two summers, and served as an office page for the Ohio Senate. I did my early field experience and student teaching both at Versailles High School with Dena Wuebker.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State? What was your favorite and why?
My favorite courses were my ag comm and ag ed classes. I still use what I learned from Dr. Paulson’s AGRCOMM 200 and 300 courses today.  My teacher preparation courses were great. I felt prepared as a teacher because of them. For the most part, there was a cohort of us that progressed through to student teaching. We laughed a great deal over the years. Our teaching labs were particularly comical, yet did a great job preparing us for the realities of teaching.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education?
As I shared before, Dr. Jamie Cano had the most impact on my career. I also appreciate the patience Dr. Jan Henderson afforded me, even when I didn’t always deserve said patience. It’s that kind of grace I’ve attempted to share with my own students even when said grace is not easy to give. I also appreciated how deeply intentional Dr. Hedges was in his teaching. That intentionality is something I always strive toward in my own teaching.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
I have so many great memories. I developed a great group of friends (time and change has surely shown…). We all bonded over football games – I still get emotional when I go to the games.  Again, we had great times as a student teaching cohort. I really enjoyed student organizations and be a part of campus.  I could go on and on.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
After graduating with my B.S. in ag ed, I started my M.S. in ag ed and was a graduate associate for AGRCOMM 390 (now 3130). After that, my first “out of college” job was as agriculture teacher and FFA advisor for Archbold High School in Fulton County (Ohio).

What positions have you held since graduating and where have you worked?
I moved around a bit over my 18 years after leaving Ohio State.  After being an ag teacher at Archbold High School. I was a graduate assistant and Ph.D. student at the University of Missouri. After graduating, my first faculty position was as an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky (UK).  I left UK after 5 years and became associate professor and director of graduate studies for the Department of Agricultural Education and Leadership at the University of Missouri (MU). At the end of my time at MU, I served as assistant vice provost for graduate and postdoctoral affairs where I served as the secondary leader for the Office of Graduate Studies (other places called the Graduate School). In particular, l was in charge of areas and programs such as campus fellowships, student-faculty issues, the campus TA training and development of our directors of graduate studies. In August 2016, I returned to Ohio State to be Professor and Chair of ACEL.

I’ve spent most of my career in higher education and in those professor roles, have taught courses from teaching methods, research methods and introduction to leadership. I’ve conducted research on pre-service and early career agriculture teachers. Finally, I provide service in working related to agricultural education, agriculture teachers and FFA.

Share any awards or honors you have received over the years
Some of my more meaningful awards include the USDA Excellence in Teaching Award (Early Career Award), North Central AAAE Distinguished Teacher and Distinguished Researcher Awards, Gold Chalk Award (University of Missouri) for excellence in graduate teaching, Joe T. Davis Outstanding Advisor (University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture), OAAE Outstanding Young Ag Teacher Award, Honorary American FFA Degree and CFAES Alumni Young Professional Award.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
In a truly authentic way, my favorite career highlight was the opportunity to return to my home department and serve as its chair.  Up there on the list, in a far less serious way, is having presided over the master’s degree ceremonies at the University of Missouri when I was Assistant Vice Provost. I have to admit – that was cool. (At Ohio State, we have one ceremony per term and the university president presides over all those ceremonies throughout the year – that’s not typical, by the way).

What advice would you give to a current student?
Don’t wait to be invited – find ways to take charge of your own career by getting involved and meeting people different than you.  Find ways to really become self-aware of who you are. I credit my experiences at Ohio State in helping me do that and it wasn’t always easy. Balance your out-of-class learning with your in-class learning (both are valuable). And study abroad – I really have only one major regret and that was it. I had to wait years into my career to travel internationally.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
My engagement with ACEL has cultivated so much in me and continues to do so now that I’ve returned home. The overarching theme is that ACEL cultivated my potential, even when I didn’t think I could do any better.  The surprising thing is that even as chair, I still feel like the department continues to push and invest in me even when I feel it’s my job to do that for others.

Kitchel’s family, following wife Laura’s graduation with her PhD from the University of Missouri.

 

Kitchel (second from right) at the CFAES Recognition Program in 1998 with other “Top 10 Seniors”.

 

Kitchel with advisor Dr. Jamie Cano.

Speaking at a CFAES event as chair of ACEL.

Alumni Spotlight: Sam Custer ’81, ’84 MS

Sam Custer graduated from Ohio State with his undergraduate degree in agricultural education in 1981 and his masters in agricultural education in 1984. Shortly after graduation, he became a teacher of agricultural education at Versailles Exempted Village Schools. These days, Custer is an agriculture and natural resources educator for Ohio State Extension in Darke County.

[ACEL]: Hi Sam! You majored in agricultural communication. What influenced you to choose that major?
[Custer]: I chose agricultural education because of my two high school ag teachers.  The late Bill Hershberger and Bill Klepinger.  They have been a huge influence on my life.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
Bill Klepinger took me to Ohio State’s campus and we met with Dr. Jim Knight.  There was not really any other thoughts about any other place.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
The plan was to always get my ag teaching license and to teach agriculture.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was in Agricultural Education Society, but was not as active as I should have been.  I spent a lot of time working for Connie Rice and others in the Department of Agricultural Education office as a work study student and also participated in intramurals.

What were some of your favorite classes?
I really enjoyed all of my agricultural education classes but also got a lot out of the ag economics classes.

What faculty or staff members had an impact on your education?
There were many and it would not be fair to single any one person out.  Dr. L.H. Newcomb, Dr. McCracken, Dr. Starling, Connie Rice and all of the Ph.D. candidates back in their office, especially Stacy Gartin.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
Dr. Newcomb and Dr. Plimpton’s classes.  Master teachers in action.

Throughout your career, what positions have you held?
Ohio State University Extension
August 2012 to present – Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Darke County
July 15 to March 31, 2018 – Nutrient Stewardship for Cleaner Water Signature Program Leader

Miami Valley Career Technology Center
July 1998 to March 31, 2012 – Director of Personnel / Asst. Superintendent
Summer 2000 and 2005-06 – Interim Business Manager
August 1997 to June 1998 – South Building Director/Principal
July 1994 to August 1997 – Agricultural Education Supervisor / VEPD Liaison
April 1996 – Interim West Building Principal

The Ohio State University
July 1987 to 1997 – Adjunct Instructor in Agricultural Education

Versailles Exempted Village Schools
July 1981 to June 1994 – Teacher of Agricultural Education

Please share any careers or honors you have received throughout your career.
Ohio Agriculture Teach of the Year
National Ag Teacher of the Year
Honorary State and National FFA degrees
Ohio Agriculture and Natural Resources Achievement

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
Making a difference in a person’s life, no matter if they are 16 of 61.

What advice would you give to a current student studying agriscience education or extension education?
Make the most of your college experience.  Take advantage of the people you interact with to learn from them.

What did ACEL cultivate in you? How?
The confidence to share the experiences I have had.

 

Alumni Spotlight, Melanie Wilt ’98

[ACEL]: Hi Melanie! Why did you select agricultural communication as your major?
[Wilt]: My high school biology teacher assigned a paper to write about a career in science and interview a professional in the field. My dad suggested I speak with his former fraternity brother (Tim Reeves, then editor of Ohio’s Country Journal). After an hour on the phone, I hung up and said “People really get paid to talk about farming?” My first agricultural communication class was awesome and I went back to the dorm every day chattering about what I learned to my roomies. It turned out to be exactly the right path for me!

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
My parents are Ohio State alums, and all four of the kids in my immediate family are now alums. I
didn’t even apply anywhere else!

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
Ohio State provided a ton of opportunities and a network I couldn’t have imagined being a kid from a high school graduating class of 57. It provided me a global perspective and built on a passion for agriculture that was there from a young age. The connections that I still have from OSU are now colleagues, clients, mentors and friends.

How were you involved on campus as a student?
The extracurricular activities I gleaned the most from were internships and work experiences, especially at the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Science’s (CFAES) Department of Communications and Technology, where part of my job was to manage media for Farm Science Review. In addition, I was involved in Ag Communicators of Tomorrow and developed a national network in my industry, including a lifelong friend who was an ag comm major at Michigan State.  I was a member of honoraries, such as Phalanx and Chimes.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
My favorite classes were of course the agricultural communication major classes, but I also learned a great deal from animal nutrition and a comparative politics class on central campus. That began the groundwork for my political career many years later! And, of course I’ve used the skills I learned in my food science wines class – both when I worked as chief of markets at ODA and as a hobby!

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education?
Dr. Ann Hollifield was my freshman advisor and was only at Ohio State for a short time, but she had a tremendous impact on my excitement for the field of agricultural communication. She encouraged me to learn about broadcast journalism and to take a couple political science classes. While I didn’t pursue broadcasting beyond college, it certainly prepared me for a career in public relations.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I was Media Relations Manager for the Ohio Florists’ Association, which is now AmericanHort.

What different positions have you had throughout your career?
AmericanHort (formerly OFA), Ohio Department of Agriculture (in several different roles), Avetec,  Shift•ology Communication (formerly Wilt PR), and Clark County as an elected commissioner.

During your career, have you received any awards or honors?
Small Business of the Year from the Greater Springfield Chamber, 40 Under 40 from the Dayton Business Journal, Young Alumni Achievement Award from CFAES, many NAMA and PRSA awards, and earned my APR (Accreditation in Public Relations)

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
Starting my own business took a lot of guts and some sleepless nights, but I’m so glad I took the risk. It has paid off and then some!

What advice would you give to a current student?
It’s not about the money! Choose a career path that you love and are qualified for, and the rest will come together as you gain experience. You’ll be amazed what you can achieve in just a few short years in the “real world.” Oh, and do a volunteer internship – it could lead to your first paid internship.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
An appreciation for different perspectives and a means to channel my intense passion for agriculture into something productive and enjoyable.

Alumni Spotlight, Nick Zachrich ’07

 

[ACEL]: Hi Nick! You have completed a bachelor and master of science degree in agriculture. Why did you select that area to study?
[Zachrich]: I love to share knowledge of agriculture with anyone and everyone and always enjoy learning something new about agriculture.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
My passion for agriculture limited my search for a college but have always been a Buckeye at heart.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
I began working at Farm Science Review as a student and loved the people in the department as well as what Farm Science Review means to so many people in the agricultural industry. Ohio State is fortunate to have such an event of its magnitude with only a few farm shows that rival in size and scope. If I were not working at Ohio State, I would still be in the classroom. The professors in my time at Ohio State created a spark and excitement in me that built on my passion for teaching others about agriculture.

How were you involved as a student?
During my undergraduate education, I spent most of my free time working at Farm Science Review and working other jobs but was involved in Agricultural Education Society and very active in Block “O”.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
I took a class on management intensive grazing with Dr. David Zartman that I really enjoyed. I have a stronger background in agronomy which this class pulled together principles of growing forages with the practical application of feeding cattle.

What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education?
Dr. Whittington has inspired me from the time I switched my major to agricultural education with her upbeat attitude and encouragement to achieve goals.

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
My roommate Scott and I went to Tempe to watch the National Championship football game which I would consider the most exciting football game ever.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I was the agricultural education Instructor and FFA advisor for Fairview High School in Sherwood, Ohio.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
I am the youngest of only four Farm Science Review managers in 55 years.

What advice would you give to a current student? 
Enjoy your time with friends but prepare yourself with good professional habits starting now. The people around you at Ohio State can be great references for your future career.

What did ACEL cultivate in you?
The most important thing that ACEL was able to cultivate in me is the understanding of why agricultural education is important in everyday life which becomes more evident all the time. Consumers are eager to know where their food comes from and how it is made and this can be accomplished one conversation at a time. Those of us involved in agriculture are a small percentage of the population but have a lot of knowledge that others seek.