By: Nicole McMullen
We would like to introduce Lisa Leienberger for our In the Field Friday. She graduated this past May with an Associate of Science in Agribusiness from Ohio State ATI. In the fall, Lisa will transition to the Columbus campus of OSU to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Applied Economics. This summer she will be an intern at Richwood Financial, located in Richwood, Ohio.

Lisa will be an assistant within the finance department. The focus of the internship is to learn and understand the roles and responsibilities of a financial advisor. Lisa’s responsibilities include creating social media content, building relationships with clients, and completing basic transactions.

Becoming involved both on campus and with an employer is important. Lisa adds, “the more connections you make, the better off you will be.” It is also important to remember to enjoy the time on campus because you will miss it more than you think.

To learn more about clubs and organizations on campus visit: ati.osu.edu/currentstudents/campuslife/clubs.

By: Nicole McMullen
This week, we will feature Ryan Patton, from Logan, Ohio. Ryan will be entering his second year studying Agriscience Education at Ohio State ATI this fall. This summer he is an ambassador for the Ohio Soybean Council’s GrowNextGen program based out of Worthington, Ohio.

As an ambassador, Ryan travels across the state of Ohio teaching agricultural lessons. The lessons can be used for people of all ages to learn about soybeans and the impact they have on the agriculture industry. Soy ink is the most notable demonstration because of the complexity of the lesson planning and execution of it. Ryan will be able to use what he learned this summer when he becomes an agriscience educator.

Having a good internship will help in having a good college experience, so begin to look for one early. “Use an internship as a learning experience,” adds Ryan, “regardless of what it is.” He reminds us that they are meant to help you grow, build your network, and help make decisions regarding the future. Lastly, it is important to seek help if needed and accept advice from your advisors.

To learn more about Ohio Soybean Council’s GrowNextGen program, visit: https://grownextgen.org/

Program Excel Staff in our ATI Bookstore!

Students use Program Excel for a variety of resources—all individualized for each student’s needs and interests. Some of the resources include: a personal academic mentor for college navigation and making a great college experience, an early trip to Ohio State’s Columbus campus to tour our college and experience a day on campus, professional coaching to prep you for difficult college courses, scholarship (free money) searches, personal career preparation, and much more.

There are several groups of staff members at Ohio State ATI that work very closely together. One such group is our Program Excel staff, who help students in a multitude of ways!​​ Program Excel has been in place at Ohio State ATI for over 30 years. It is funded by a US Department of Education TRIO grant. We have seven Program Excel staff members, who have a combined 97 years of experience at Ohio State ATI!

When asked about the benefits of coming to college, the Program Excel staff agrees that it is “an investment for the future you, academically and with the connections you make.” They explain, “College gives you the opportunity to get great preparation for your career and enrich yourself personally. You will benefit from this experience for the rest of your life.” They also advise students to come to college ready to try new activities and to utilize campus services.

Our Program Excel staff’s favorite thing about Ohio State ATI is our students! They love getting to know them, learning about their interests, and finding out where their college paths takes them. Program Excel will be reaching out to students in late July or early August, so watch your BuckeyeMail email for their message!

By: Emily Bookless

Joy Rumble, Ph.D.

Joy Rumble, PhD, is Ohio State ATI’s assistant professor in the Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) program. In addition to being a professor, she is also a graduate of Ohio State ATI.

Rumble majored in Animal Science before switching to Agricultural Communication during her master’s program. She found the agricultural communication field to be a place where you can understand how people form opinions about the agricultural industry and how to better communicate with them about industry practices. “The program was fulfilling because I was able to help people understand agriculture,” said Rumble.

In 2018, she had the opportunity to come back home to Ohio State ATI and work where her education journey had begun. Rumble decided to pursue this career because her research makes students’ learning richer, and learning from her students makes her research better. “Sharing the knowledge I have gained with future agricultural communicators is a service I can provide to the industry,” said Rumble.

In her role, Rumble advises students who are majoring in Agricultural Communication or Community Leadership. She teaches Introduction to Agricultural Communication and Data Analysis in the Applied Sciences at Ohio State ATI.

Slide at the Secrest Arboretum

Her advice for new students is to get involved early. “Think about opportunities to get practical hands-on learning experience,” said Rumble, “See how you can make a positive difference in the communities around you.”

The Ohio State ATI campus is full of endless opportunities. Rumble said, “This a campus where we get to see students blossom in the ACEL program. Students will make lifelong friendships at this campus.”

Rumble’s favorite things about Ohio State ATI as a student were the hands-on learning experiences, being able to work at the farm, and the smaller class sizes. As a faculty member, Rumble was excited to come back and highlight the potential that Wooster students have and to help them believe in themselves.

Rumble tries to balance hard work with fun. She will never turn down the opportunity to race you to the slide found at the Secrest Arboretum, located next door to campus at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

By: Nicole McMullen

Stephanie Schuck is from Ashland, Ohio. She graduated from Ohio State ATI in 2015 with an Associate of Science in Dairy Science. During her time at ATI, she interned with Wolf Family Dairy located in Creston, Ohio. Rick Wolf, former ATI professor and owner, has recently sold the cows and quit milking.

Case Farms Chicken hired Stephanie in March of 2016. By December of 2018, she was promoted to senior broiler flock supervisor. She has recently been awarded the “30 Under 30” award at the 2020 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). IPPE is a large event where people come from around the world to network and learn about the latest technological developments in the poultry, meat, and feed industry.

Stephanie advises students to stay positive during job hunting and to step out of your comfort zone. “I never thought I would be working with chickens,” says Stephanie. “However, my dairy degree actually helped prepare me for the mindset of dealing with my growers, and it gave me an understanding of the importance of routine when working with animals. I also relate to a lot of growers because many of them have gone from dairy farming to growing chickens.”

We would like to congratulate Stephanie on her award! To learn more about our two dairy degrees at Ohio State ATI visit, ati.osu.edu/dairy-cattle-production-management and ati.osu.edu/animal-sciences/dairy-specialization.

By: Nicole McMullen

This week we are featuring Ohio State ATI alumnus Frank Becker, from Smithville, Ohio. He received two degrees from ATI, an Associate of Science in Sustainable Agriculture in 2018 and an Associate of Science in Agronomy the following year. This year he earned his Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Plant Systems with a specialization in Agronomy from The Ohio State University Columbus campus.

Frank is currently employed by the Ohio State University Extension for Wayne County as the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program coordinator. Revitalizing the IPM program is his primary assignment. For this, he will be working with agronomic, fruit, and vegetable growers to make sure that their needs are met and continue to build and reinforce strong working relationships between growers, OARDC specialists, and the Extension program.

Frank explains how networking is important to establish a network and how having professionalism plays an important role in your long-term success. “Getting involved, having conversations, and building up your reputation within your perspective field are great ways to get your name out there,” said Frank, “and great ways to make connections with the right people.”

Ohio State ATI’s hands-on experience is appreciated by Frank. He also added, “I am very excited to begin my career in Extension with Ohio State and this fall marry my fiancé, Hannah, who also graduated from ATI!”

We would like to congratulate Frank on his engagement! To learn more about how to turn an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree visit, ati.osu.edu/pathways.

Ohio State ATI is the Wooster campus of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State University. We work closely with faculty and staff across the college, including those at the Columbus campus. One such individual is Krista Scott, the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment and Student Engagement.

Even though she works on the Columbus campus, her position allows her to talk to students and their families about the various Ohio State options available on the campuses. She has  many occasions to partner with faculty and staff on the Wooster campus in our on-campus recruitment efforts and events across the state and the nation. She also has a role in welcoming students to the Columbus campus who chose to start their Buckeye journey at Ohio State ATI or the other regional campuses.

When asked what her favorite part about Ohio State ATI is, Krista stated, “My favorite thing about the Wooster campus is the facilities. Often, I meet families who are concerned about gaining hands-on experience that will prepare them for life after college. They are often stunned and excited to learn about all of the ways that laboratory and learning spaces in Wooster will create one-of-a-kind academic experiences. I won’t lie…I brag about it often!”

Currently, due to COVID-19, in-person visits to Ohio State ATI are not available, through at least July 6, as we prioritize the health and safety of our guests, students, faculty, and staff. However, we are doing our best to bring Ohio State ATI to you! Check out our “Resources for New Buckeyes @ Ohio State ATI” page to see all of the ways you can learn about our campus!

We cannot wait to have our students, faculty, staff, and guests back on campus! Krista shares that our “World-class facilities, dedicated faculty, and student engagement activities allow students to make personal connections with their peers and the community.” Although, these connections our continuing in today’s virtual environment, we are looking forward to the day when we have our Buckeyes back in Wooster!

Congratulations to the 118 ATI Buckeyes who were named to the CFAES Dean’s List for the 2020 Spring Semester. Students who had a minimum of 12 graded credit hours with a GPA of 3.5 or higher for any given term will be named to the Dean’s List for that term in the college in which they are enrolled.

Gage Airhart*

Kallie Allen

Jason Althaus

Bridget Ambonchi

Patrick Andrews

Eric Barbey

Isabella Beam

Thomas Becker

Mason Benschoter

Maranda Berger

Ross Black

Chad Bostic

Drake Cleghorn

Karter Converse

Courtney Cooper

Andrew Dannemiller

Allison Davis

Taylor Dawson

Morgan DeSmith

Austin Dotterer*

Dylan Doty

Zachary Drozdz

Lydia Dunaway*

Seldon Dyer

Tyler Edwards

Courtney Espenschied

Ashley Garlick

Gabriella Gonzalez

Delisa Goodman

Abbiegail Greer

Natalie Guisinger

Sydney Hales

Heath Hamer

Hannah Harmon

Gage Harris

Ashley Hawvermale

Shelby Helm*

Tyler Hephner

Cody Herman

Hannah Herr

Brock Horn

Andrew Houseman

Jonathan Hutson

Alissa Hysong

Rachel Kahle

Alec Kaiser

Anthony Kanel*

Thane Kaufman

Jacob Keller

Rachel Kilpatrick

Jacob Kirkland

Wyatt Kissell*

Samuel Kluender

Camden Koleno

Grace Koppelman

Courtney Krieger

Marissa Lamp

Lisa Leienberger*

Alexandra Liskai

Benjamin Lowe

Mark Lowe

John Luckey

Sharlene MacAleese

Sean Magers

Reese Mangas

Abigail Maniskas

Paige Marshall*

Corey May

Grace McCrea

Nicole McMullen

Macee Mercure

Jessica Mermer

Kayleigh Metz

Leah Miller

Robert Miller

Margaret Miller

Megan Moodt

Chloe Myers

Abby Niese

Jonna Nissen

Stephanie Novak

Patrick Parker*

Ryan Patton

Cara Pauley

David Payne

Colin Poling

Avyriel Pollock

Kenneth Ramsier*

Alexa Rednour

LeAnn Regula

Audrey Renner

Olivia Rinesmith

Kendra Risner

Don Sabella

Hunter Sandwisch

Austin Schmitmeyer

Chasidy Schmucker

James Schon*

Clayton Scott

Andrew Settlemyre

Benjamin Sheaffer

Samuel Shilling

Grant Shook*

Rachel Sievers*

Emily Singleton

Donald Smith

Hannah Sommers

Hannah Strock

Case Swartz

Alayna Teiga*

Wyatt Tom

Greg Vanaman

Adam Wagner

Shaeley Warner

Matthew Wiley

Kristen Winstanley

Kaylie Wittekind

Austen Wood*

*denotes 4.0 GPA for this semester

By: Nicole McMullen

This summer’s first In the Field Friday is Courtney Krieger from Wauseon, Ohio. She graduated from Ohio State ATI this past spring with an Associate of Science degree in Agribusiness. She will be transitioning to the Columbus campus this fall to continue onto a Bachelor’s degree.

This summer, she is interning with Nutrien Ag Solutions. For the internship, she works with other interns to monitor a field plot over the summer. Some of the tasks include soil and tissue sampling, deliveries, and building customer relationships.

Courtney’s advice for incoming students is simple. “Live in the moment,” said Kreiger. “We have seen this year how fast things can be taken, so enjoy your time in school and build as many memories as possible.”

Courtney also recommends internships and jobs throughout your college career. She believes that they help you immensely when it comes to networking within your desired industry.

Another aspect that she believes is important is getting involved and being active in your college career through clubs and organizations. “Creating relationships with your professors and peers will be a great step in building your future,” said Krieger. “And never forget – Go Bucks!”

To learn more about an Associate of Science in Agribusiness, https://ati.osu.edu/agribusiness-food-business-management

By: Emily Bookless

Shari Peart is one of Ohio State ATI’s full-time associated faculty and an Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership program advisor. Peart completed her undergraduate degree at Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma. She then completed her graduate program at Regent University in Virginia. Peart started her career doing free-lance writing until she moved back to Ohio.

“I love everything about communications and how it is versatile,” said Peart, “I felt that it would open many doors for me, and it sure has.”

Mrs. Peart grew up in Wayne County and has always been a Wayne County girl at heart. In 1997 she began teaching at Ohio State ATI and in 2014 she took on a full-time position.

Her advice for new students is to not be shy and to grab everything with both hands. “If there is something you are good at and love, take that passion into your career and make the best out of it,” said Peart.

Her favorite part of the ATI campus is her office because it creates a safe environment that allows her to understand and get to know the students better. “It is a beautiful extension of learning,” said Peart.

Peart balances work with time at her and her husband’s cottage on a lake in Canada. She loves to cook and hopes to write her own cookbook someday!