University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

Brave and bold-- a mindset that the Vandals and Vandal Alumna, Rikki Ruiz both share. The mindset of never underestimating your potential has led Ruiz and her small business, The Frosted Cowgirls Boutique to success.  The Pocatello, Idaho native now calls New Plymouth, Idaho home and will always be a proud member of the Vandal family. After receiving a masters in Agricultural Education with a focus on agricultural communications and industry relations and a Bachelors in Agricultural Business, Ruiz began her career and spent 12 years as a University of Idaho Extension Educator. During this time, she also created the western fashion boutique, The Frosted Cowgirls.  The Frosted Cowgirls Boutique was founded almost 12 years ago and has grown to have a storefront in Fruitland, Idaho, an online store and a mobile boutique that travels to rodeos across the region. Ruiz expressed her passion for her small business in stating, “ If someone feels beautiful, their confidence lifts, and t...

From Dublin to Dairies CALS students and faculty toured one of Ireland's agriculture research centers We were at the foot of a castle. Perched on a tall hill, impenetrable walls enclosed a millenium old round tower, cathedral, and chapel. The exposed rock of the castle was mottled and weathered, splotched with white lichen and hardy moss. After a stormy day, swirls of heavy clouds shed curtains of windblown mist across the landscape. Wind and rain lashed around us, but the castle remained still, unmoving, as if part of the earth itself.   “For those who are not faint-hearted” Dr. Ahmadzadeh called, “There is a striking view on the other side.” He pointed to a narrow, water bogged trail weaving around the sharply slanted hill. The ground had withstood hours of pouring rain, and was now saturated and unstable, shifting precariously under our feet. Undaunted, all eight students quickly fell in step behind him. We treaded through the long grass, stepping o...

Katie Cooper Salmon High School My name is Katie Cooper and I teach at Salmon Jr-Sr High School in Salmon Idaho. This is my 10th year teaching here. I went into the field of education because I love working with other people. I started my career working with college-age students, and then had the opportunity to come back and teach in a high school setting. That has since expanded into students ranging from 7th to 12th grade entering my room at any given point during the day, as well as still working with adults on various professional development opportunities and in community education venues. I still find it very fulfilling to interact with others and allow them to learn things that are interesting and relevant to them. My students are involved in various CDE’s, and each year is a bit different depending on the makeup of the student population. My favorites are Horse Judging, Job Interview, Parli Pro, and Ag Mechanics. The variety of clas...

By Maggie Elliot Dr. Erik Anderson, extension professor of the department of Agricultural and Extension Education will retire in May after a career characterized by the relentless ability to seize opportunities to grow his aptitudes and ultimately contribute to the advancement of extension education and distance learning programs. Dr. Anderson has always sought new adventures to refine his talents or learn new skills. He’s worked in video production at South Dakota State University, performed cable operations in Boise, and served as both a Distance Learning and Communication specialist for CALS. Within his role as extension professor, Dr. Anderson has worked as an advocate for online and distance education, and aided faculty in disseminating research. A California native nurturing a fascination for film and video, Dr. Anderson was drawn to the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest and studied telecommunications at the University of Idaho as an undergraduate. ...

The College of Agricultural and Life Science has  many staff and faculty   working hard  to foster a quality student experience.  We have chosen to launch a series highlighting the CALS Academic Programs Office,  starting with the Assistant Director of Recruitment, Audra Cochran.

Midterms are next week! This point of the semester can be a stressful time. Here are some tips from AEE department seniors, veterans of midterm week, to help you stay on track and excel in your studies. Campus is stunning this time of year! Make time to take a break from your studies and explore the scenery!   Gabby Munson Although it is in my nature to procrastinate, through my college experience I have realized that setting time aside early to commit to studying for different classes reduces much of the anxiety associated with a big midterm exam. Another habit I’ve found helpful that   decreases stress is to compile a list of questions about lecture material.   And ask them! Approach your professors during their office hours and learn more about the subject matter. The material becomes easier to remember on the test when you have had personal interaction with the instructor. RyAnna Carter   My advice is to find a group of people to ...

Katie Mosman, Ag Instructor at Grangeville High School, shares how agricultural education creates lifelong memories for students      When I introduce SAE projects to my students, they begin by answering a series of questions about what they want their future to look like—is money the driving force behind their work? Is it just a means to end so they can live where they want? Or do they want to be passionate about their daily work?   For me, this activity serves as an annual reminder of why I do what I do. All teachers have those days—sometimes weeks—where we question how sane we were the day we chose our career. Perhaps we even long for the greener pastures of the industry workplace; forever free of the growing stack of papers to grade, IEP meetings, and parent-teacher conferences. But when I look over that SAE worksheet and reflect on my own answers, I know I’m in the place I am supposed to be.      Because you have to admit,...