Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communications | Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications

Where your major makes an impact: Equipping the next generation of educators, leaders, and communicators through agriculture.

Our faculty are highly rated for their teaching, research, and outreach programs in teacher education, Extension education, leadership development, internationalization of curriculum and agriculture, distance education, and organizational and community change.

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Academics

Our department offers bachelor's and master's degrees leading to exciting careers in the field of communications, education, or leadership.

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Online Degree Programs

Our online bachelor's and master's degree programs gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace in your own space.

Faculty and Staff

Our faculty and staff are dedicated to developing leaders in our field and advancing research. Learn more about who they are.

Courses

Learn about the course offerings in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications.

International Programs

Study abroad advising is available for all students looking to explore study abroad options, apply to specific programs, identify scholarships, prepare for travel, etc.

ALEC Lab

Explore projects and find resources in our research lab.

What is Happening in ALEC?

Opportunities and Internships

The Director of 4‑H Youth Development provides visionary and strategic leadership along with programmatic oversight for the department’s staff in designing, implementing, and evaluating statewide 4‑H and youth programs. This role carries the critical responsibility of positively impacting the lives of over 135,000 youth across all 95 counties in Tennessee. The Director ensures the effectiveness, quality, and outreach of programs through strategic management of three 4‑H centers, direct programmatic oversight of Lone Oaks Farms 4‑H Center, and supervision of 4‑H Regional Program Leaders and 171 4‑H Agents statewide.

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before January 2, 2026.

Letter of interest illustrating a vision for the future of the Tennessee 4-H Youth Development Program and detailing leadership philosophy
Resume or curriculum vitae
Names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of five professional references that the Search Committee may contact
Official transcripts showing degrees conferred

Please visit the full position description for instructions on how to apply.

The Director of Development for the Tennessee 4-H Foundation position reports directly to the Executive Director of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation. The Director of Development position is responsible for fundraising activities and performing constituent engagement in support of Tennessee 4-H. The Director of Development is expected to develop a working relationship and serve as a liaison with industry, civic groups, community stakeholders, and key personnel to achieve successful fundraising and nurture a culture of philanthropy. The Director of Development position is expected to assist with stewardship strategies and methods to ensure proper acknowledgment and recognition of donors. The Director of Development is also expected to complete other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Tennessee 4-H Foundation. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

Resume
Cover Letter
List of 3 Professional References

Please visit the full position description for instructions on how to apply.

Position Link (more details and apply): https://utk.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10482097

Wage: $18.00 an hour

Overview: Join the VOLintern program in partnership with the East TN AgResearch and Education Center! This hands-on, outdoor internship takes place at the ETREC Organic Crops Unit (OCU) and Plant Sciences Unit (PSU), both less than 10 miles from campus. No farming experience required—just an interest in learning and working outside.

You’ll help with real research projects while learning skills in:

Seed starting, transplanting, and harvesting
Greenhouse and field work
Soil sampling and crop care
Organic weed/pest management
Equipment operation and general farm maintenance
Supporting research plots and day-to-day farm tasks

This role gives you direct insight into sustainable agriculture, pollinator/native plantings, organic systems, and how research farms operate. It’s a great fit for students interested in agriculture, plant sciences, environmental science, sustainability, or research support.

Schedule:
Part-time during the Spring 2026 semester. Minimum 10 hours, maximum 20 hours per week (Mon–Fri, between 8–5). No weekends. Must have transportation. Work is fully in-person.

What You’ll Gain:
Hands-on farm skills, experience with real agricultural projects, and a well-rounded look at both organic and conventional production system

Internship Outline

The Tennessee Beef Industry Council is the certified nonprofit organization that manages the Beef Checkoff Program in Tennessee. The Beef Checkoff assists cattle producers with independently marketing beef in Tennessee and across the nation. The Beef Checkoff Program was voted on by the US cattle producers and was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The Beef Checkoff provides consumer education opportunities, retail & foodservice education and promotions, advertising, and extends science-based research to health professionals, consumers, and producers.

This is a paid summer internship. Full-time (30-40 hours a week) with minimal weekend work and travel. The TBIC office is located at 530A Brandies Circle, Murfreesboro, TN 37128. Responsibilities will include assisting with planning and implementation of Checkoff programs, helping create social media content, and day to day office duties. Applicants should be prepared to discuss the Beef Checkoff Program and have an idea about what activities and programs are part of the program. Visit tnbeef.org website for information about Tennessee Beef Industry Council and the Beef Checkoff program. In addition, candidates must have a motivated work ethic, be well organized, able to work independently, have excellent verbal and written communication skills and a working knowledge of social media.

Internship Criteria

Students interested in participating in the TBIC Summer Internship Program must be enrolled in a Tennessee University, be currently enrolled in Communications, Agriculture, Food/Nutrition, or Human Science, and have an overall GPA of 2.5. Junior status or above is preferred.

Applications are due by December 1, 2025

Internship candidates who are selected for an interview will be notified by December 15, 2025

If you have any questions about the internship or the application process, please reach out to Emily Haskew at ehaskew@tnbeef.org or call our office at (615) 896-5811

To apply visit https://www.tnbeef.org/about-us/internship-application

The UTIA Marketing and Communications department is interested in hosting internships for ALEC students interested in magazine or general journalism. They are in particular need of help with writing, editing, and research for UTIA’s flagship magazine, Land, Life & Science.

These internships are unpaid, but offer a tailored experience to fit your specific needs and interests, and give you a wonderful opportunity to grow. You may also be able to use this opportunity as internship credit for ALEC 492. If you are interested in an internship with Marketing and Communications please email ALEC@utk.edu. You will need to have an ALEC faculty member willing to refer you.

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