University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

University of Idaho Heads to the Western Region Conference By: Dr. Jeremy Falk Faculty members from University of Idaho Agricultural and Extension Education recently attended the Western Region Conference for the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE). The conference was held in Corvallis, OR from Sept. 14-17 on the campus of Oregon State University. Dr. Falk joined presented his research about coaching behaviors of FFA advisors, and also presented a professional development workshop on recruiting efforts for the Teach Ag campaign. AAAE is a professional organization for the development of agricultural education, extension, leadership and communication. Membership is comprised of professors and graduate students and topics of presentation are sought to further the impact of agricultural education.

Dr. Jim Connors Honored Agricultural Education and Extension Department Head Jim Connors will be honored with a National FFA Organization VIP Award.  The VIP awards honor individuals who have dedicated countless years of service and support to the FFA and agricultural education.  Dr. Connors is one seventeen recipients, of this fine award this year at National FFA Convention.  Congratulations, Dr. Connors!

New Staff for 2015 School Year By: Jim Connors As we begin the new school year today, we have some new faces joining the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education.  Dr. Tadd Wheeler joined the department as the new ASM instructor.  Dr. Wheeler has a background in agriculture, natural resources, and fisheries.  He completed his PhD in the College of Natural Resources last year.  He will be working with Mr. Marvin Heimgartner to teach the ASM courses that our agricultural education students complete.  He will also be helping to organize the Idaho FFA Agricultural Mechanics CDE next June. Shannon (Barr) Blickenstaff joined the department as our new Professional Development Coordinator.  Shannon complete both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Agricultural Education from the department.  She currently resides on the family farm/ranch in Pomeroy, WA with her husband and young daughter.  Shannon will be working with the Divi...

CALS Banquet Awards By: Dr. Jim Connors The annual College of Agricultural and Life Science’s Awards Banquet was held last night.  Once again, the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education faculty, students, and alumni were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement and service to the agricultural profession.  The Department award nominees and winners are as follows: Distinguished Alumni Award:  Kevin Barker (B.S. 94, M.S. 01) Distinguished Retiree Award: Dr. Maurice Johnson, Professor Emeritus (B.S. 57) R.M. Wade Excellence in Teaching Award: Dr. Jeremy Falk-Nominee NACTA Teaching Award of Merit: Dr. Jeremy Falk-Winner Outstanding Academic Advisor: Dr. Kattlyn Wolf-Nominee Gamma Sigma Delta Honorary:  Jemma Morrow CALS Outstanding Freshman:  Margaret Elliot-Winner CALS Outstanding Sophomore : Olivia Zurcher-Nominee CALS Outstanding Junior : Samuel Hoffman-Nominee CALS Outstanding Senior:  Seth Pratt-...