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

Duration: June – August 2025
Location: Tennessee Tech Campus, Cookeville, TN
Responsibilities: As our intern, you’ll play a pivotal role in assisting Foundation staff with planning and executing FFA events during the summer. Your duties will include managing sponsor RSVPs, crafting press releases, capturing event moments through photography, creating print and digital materials, providing on-site event support, and more. You must be available for State Fair activities on August 17 and 18 in Lebanon, TN.
Compensation: Starting at $1000/month – additional hours and pay available based on your availability
Qualifications: We are seeking undergraduate students studying agriculture or a closely related field. Current and former FFA members are encouraged to apply.

This internship presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Tennessee FFA’s largest fundraising event, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to the success of our organization.

To apply for this internship, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications to tnffafoundation@tnffa.org by May 5th. For any questions, please email Sadie Adams at sadieadams@tnffa.org.

Job Posting: Student Research Assistants for USDA NIFA-Funded Dairy Technology Project

Position Overview:
We are seeking two student research assistants to support a USDA NIFA-funded research project examining dairy producers’ understanding and perceptions of data security and privacy in the use of precision dairy technology. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in an emerging field.

Project Leads:

Dr. Jamie Greig (Producer interview research)
Dr. Shelli Rampold (Survey research)

Responsibilities:

Assist with survey research under the guidance of Dr. Rampold
Assist with producer interviews under the guidance of Dr. Greig
Data collection, entry, and analysis
Literature review and research synthesis
Attend regular project meetings

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience with quantitative or qualitative research methods is preferred but not required
Strong organizational and communication skills
Interest in agricultural technology, data security, and privacy

Training and Support:
Dr. Rampold and Dr. Greig will provide training and ongoing guidance throughout the project.

Compensation and Duration:

$15 per hour
Up to 10 hours per week
For undergraduate student this will count for 3 credit-hours of undergraduate research.
Start as soon as possible and continue through August 2025

How to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to jgreig@utk.edu with the subject line: Student Research Assistant Application – Dairy Technology Project.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

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.

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