Monthly Archives: November 2013

Cummings Recognized for Excellence in Extension

Posted on by

By: Caitlin Powers Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Scott Cummings, Dr.PH., was  recognized by the American Evaluation Association by receiving the 2013 Sustained Excellence in Extension Evaluation Award. “Scott has demonstrated strong leadership and his work will make significant evaluation efforts more relevant and visible in Extension work,” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Director, Douglas Steele, Ph.D. said. Cummings’ award recognized his outstanding contributions to Extension and evaluation through his work with the Excellence in Extension effort. He is the program leader for Extension’s Organizational Development unit and associate… Read More →

ALEC Advising Welcomes Reid Stavinoha to the Team

Posted on by

By: Caitlin Powers The Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications advising team welcomes Reid Stavinoha, new adviser for university studies-leadership students. Previously, Stavinoha was a graduate assistant in the department and taught summer courses, and is currently working toward his Ph. D. “I am looking forward to spending more time with students and working with them to formulate a viable degree plan to fit their career goals,” Stavinoha said. While advising students, Stavinoha will continue to teach agricultural leadership and development courses. Stavinoha said he is excited to have… Read More →

ALEC Faculty and Students Recognized by the National FFA

Posted on by

By: Caitlin Powers At the 86th National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY, ALEC faculty and students were recognized for their outstanding commitment to FFA by receiving Honorary American FFA Degrees and American FFA Degrees. Associate Professor Lori Moore, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor John Rayfield, Ed.D. received the Honorary American FFA Degree on November 1 at the National FFA Convention. The award recognizes individuals who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment. The National FFA Organization noted the accomplishment of these recipients in a press release that said… Read More →

30 Students Travel Across U.S. for ALEC 380 Course

Posted on by

By: Mollie Lastovica 30 students traveled 3,768 miles across six states with stops in 16 cities Oct. 24 – Nov. 5. Led by Assistant Professor Billy McKim, Ph.D., the students are enrolled in ALEC 380: Experience Agriculture. This was the third year that the course has been offered to teach students about leadership, service, diversity and agriculture. In the past, the groups have traveled throughout the Midwest, but this year, McKim opted for a different route. “One of the goals of the trip is to introduce students to… Read More →

Department receives $25,000 endowment from Country Radio Broadcasters

Posted on by

By: Mollie Lastovica Students and faculty involved in radio broadcasting projects, classes and research will benefit from a $25,000 endowment given to the ALEC Department by the Country Radio Broadcasters. Released Nov. 4, the endowment will serve as a financial basis for improving radio instruction within the department and giving students interested in radio broadcast the expertise needed to pursue those dreams. “It is very nice to see that the profession recognizes that students need their support,” said Assistant Professor Billy McKim, Ph.D., who instructs all radio courses…. Read More →

17 Students Gain Classroom Experience while Student Teaching

Posted on by

By: Mollie Lastovica Hands-on learning often represents the most-preferred type of learning for students of all ages. Both undergraduate and graduate students studying agricultural science and education are gaining such experiences as they complete their student teaching assignments across the state. Associate Professor Julie Harlin, Ph.D., notes that student teaching is an integral part of agricultural education curriculum. It is the grand finale of their curriculum and a chance to apply the theories they have learned in an actual classroom. For the fall semester, 17 students are student… Read More →

ALEC Department forms two Advisory Boards

Posted on by

By: Mollie Lastovica An extended period of vision and planning cumulated Oct. 18 with the first meeting of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications advisory boards. The Internal Advisory Board and Development Advisory Board are each comprised of influential contributors to and former students of the department. “The Internal Advisory Board was assembled to help us develop curriculum, to help spot areas to be added in order to help students prepare for careers,” Alumni Relations Coordinator Ambrya Baldwin said. “They are helping us find new opportunities… Read More →