University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

Macy Hess is a junior studying agricultural science, communication, and leadership virtually through College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. She chose this major because it’s offered at a distance and she could stay in her hometown while gaining a well-rounded agricultural degree. After graduation, Hess plans to pursue a master’s degree in animal nutrition. Her ultimate career goal is to become an animal nutritionist, specializing in ruminant nutrition, and she has plans to run a farm of her own.  Hess grew up on her family’s farm in Filer. This farming community and her family’s agricultural involvement struck her with a passion for agriculture. Hess began showing pigs in 4-H, then switched to FFA when she was old enough. She completed an academic research project on dairy nutrition in high school, which she says has directly impacted her career choice. Macy graduated high school as a junior with over 40 college credits and was able to start her college education early.  Hes...

Teaching in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is a main focus for our upcoming teachers who are now learning new ways of teaching and reaching students. Currently, education is full of unknowns, especially in agricultural education. The AEE department has six teacher candidates for Spring 2021, that will subsequently be entering their own classrooms in the Fall of 2021.  Our upcoming teachers have many things that they are excited and nervous about. Many of these students are excited about the challenge that comes with teaching during COVID-19 and new uses of technology. They are also excited to get in the classroom.  Candidate Kjersti Clawson says what she is excited about, “To work with students, apply everything I have learned in the past three years in the classroom, train students in CDE's, work with my hands, and be a teacher!” These teacher candidates are also nervous about the challenges of meeting expectations of students, the dependency of working with technology, a...

Dino Vinci graduated from the University of Idaho in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and a minor in Animal Science. Following graduation, he worked for the West Ada School District as an agricultural educator and FFA Advisor. Here he taught animal science, welding, and small engine classes.  Vinci was recently hired as the Sheep Center Manager for the University of Idaho. Vinci’s passion for the sheep industry began in high school through FFA and ag classes, which led him to showing sheep as a member of the Meridian FFA Chapter. After discovering his passion for the industry, he started his own flock of club lambs that he was able to show and sell at the Reno Nugget All American Show and Sale. Dino has since liquidated his personal flock to focus on the UI Sheep Center. Dino Vinci says that the things he misses about his previous job is working with students every day and having an impact on their lives. Helping those who have no previous experience with a...