Mizzou Agricultural Education program ranks 4th in the nation

by Brooklyn Shearer, posted Dec. 21, 2009

Two professors at the Ohio State University recently authored a study with input from 82 different universities about agricultural education programs, and the University of Missouri was found to be the 4th best in the nation. The study asked different professionals in the field to rank agricultural education programs based on research, faculty and program characteristics.

“We were one of the smaller departments among the top 10, so we’re very pleased,” Rob Terry, department chairman said.

MU was also honored by three faculty members who were named among the 15 most distinguished agricultural education faculty members in the country: Terry; Bryan Garton, the associate dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; and Professor Robert Torres.

The agricultural education enrollment has been increasing over the past few years. The biggest change the department has seen is that more students are choosing the teacher-certification option in the major, rather than the leadership option. The teaching-certification is for students who want to teach in a classroom, while the leadership option is for students who know they do not want to teach in a traditional setting, but still want to educate people about agriculture.

“During tough economic times, the stability of careers in teaching is appealing to students,” Terry said.

The majority of the students who are enrolled in the program come from rural Missouri, although there are a few students who come from larger cities such as St. Louis and Chicago.

Agricultural Education at MU

In 1908, the classes were first offered for students wanting to be agricultural education teachers. The agricultural education department was established in 1917 at the university. Traditionally, Terry said, the retention rate has been excellent, one of the best of any program on campus.

It is not only the students and teachers who make the program, but also CAFNR administration. Michael Nolan, director of the division of applied social sciences and international agricultural programs, provides support and resources the professors need to teach classes and conduct research.

Tom Payne, vice chancellor and dean for the college, has “assembled a tremendous group of people in 2-64 who work so hard to serve our faculty and students,” Terry said. "2-64" is shorthand for the college's academic programs office iin the Agriculture Building.

“I have a wonderful group of colleagues (faculty and staff), we collaborate with several other departments in CAFNR, our administration is very supportive, the high school agriculture teachers we work with are among the best in the nation, and our students are fantastic!  I look forward to coming to work every day,” Terry said.

Student Views

Rebecca Kerr, an agricultural education senior from Chillicothe, Mo., will start her student-teaching assignment next semester in Boonville, Mo. She will attend class every day as a teacher’s assistant to learn more about the intricacies of being an educator.

Kerr decided to become a tiger after visiting the campus many times while being in FFA and coming to state convention. Her brother also went to Mizzou so that made the transition easier on her, as well.

Kerr feels that the agricultural education department has helped her prepare for the real world by allowing her to gain experience in areas in which she was not familiar. She has also had the opportunity to visit diverse FFA chapters to see how different chapters function. 

“Attending MU and majoring in agricultural education allowed me to learn a lot of different subjects from a lot of excellent professors.  We are truly are one of the best in the country,” Kerr said.

Kerr wanted to become an agricultural education teacher because of her positive experiences through 4-H and FFA.

“I will thoroughly enjoy and be satisfied knowing that I am helping to shape the future of not only my students, but the world,” Kerr said.

Meredith Jones, a freshman from Dawn, Mo., wanted to pursue the leadership option, but has recently switched to teaching.
        
“I had first decided to do the leadership option and do public relations and promotion work, which I still may want to do, but I was advised to go ahead and get my teaching certificate and I think that is a wise idea,” Jones said.

The thing that she likes most about the agricultural education department is the faculty and the classes.

Alum Chosen as CAFNR Executive-In-Residence

Another highlight to the agricultural education department this semester was a visit from Larry Case as part of the CAFNR Executive-In-Residence program. Case received three degrees from the university: a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education, his master’s of business administration in vocational education and a doctorate of education.

In 1984, Case was appointed coordinator of Agricultural and Rural Education for the U.S. Department of Education.  He also serves as the national adviser, chief administrator and chairman of the board of directors for the National FFA Organization. He began his career as an agriculture instructor in several small towns in northwest Missouri.

Case spoke with Mizzou students in and out of the classroom while he was on campus Nov. 9 and 10. A luncheon was also held in his honor and he spent time visiting agriculture classes during this time at MU.

Lance Martin, a senior in agricultural education from Shelbina, Mo., said that he thinks the Executive-in-Residence program is a great opportunity for students to connect with alumni and industry leaders. Martin nominated Larry Case to be the executive-in-residence for this year.

“I nominated Dr. Case because I knew that with his experience in the educational field, I would become more informed as a potential high school agriculture instructor. Every student or faculty member has the opportunity to nominate someone, and I simply took hold of that opportunity and was fortunate enough to have Dr. Case chosen,” Martin said. “Students should take the time to nominate people in their field of study so that they can gain this valuable insight.”

Overall, it has been a successful year for the agricultural education department. For more information, visit them on the web at: http://www.cafnr.missouri.edu/academics/ag-edu.php

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