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

Have an interest working with prospective students? The Herbert Office of Student Services office is hiring a new student recruitment assistant!

This position is open to all undergraduates within the Herbert College of Agriculture and reports to the assistant director of recruitment, Cassie Johnson. Please email Cassie with any questions you may have.

Established by UT alumni James and Judi Herbert, the Herbert Scholars Program supports experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates.
Five to eight Herbert College of Agriculture undergraduates will each receive up to $5,000 during the summer of 2023 for opportunities lasting at least ten weeks.

Participants will have the ability to fully engage in hands-on summer experiences without the burden of personal financial obligations. Herbert Scholars will use their summer experiences to lay a strong foundation for future success as leaders in the agricultural and natural resources industry.

These hands-on experiences may include internships, fieldwork, or laboratory work. More examples are listed on the Experience Learning website.

The deadline for submission is March 31, 2023. Applications will be considered through a competitive process designed to select successful Herbert Scholars. All applicants will be notified of their status by April 14, 2023.

Fill out the application online.

In partnership with the Knox County Farm Bureau, the Knox Union Cattlemen’s Association (KUCA) may award up to two (2) college scholarships of $1000 each to deserving students who have interest in the farming enterprise. The fields of study are not limited to agriculture. We seek to support and encourage students who have grown up in the agricultural community, who have interest in supporting the agricultural interests in their careers, and who have linkages to the Knox and Union County communities.

The scholarships will be awarded based on an objective use of a weighted scoring system. Each application will be scored in the categories defined in the weighted criteria and the points will be totaled. The evaluation will be performed by the scholarship committee, appointed by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will make the selection and the decisions of the Board will be final. Applications can be submitted at any time and will be compiled for evaluation, which will be conducted in June of each year with awards made in August. The submission deadline for each year is May 31. Any applications received after May 31 will be held for the following year. Successful applicants will be awarded $1000 scholarships. While it is our intent to award 2 scholarships each year, the Board reserves the right to award any number, based on available resources and the quality of applications.

To view the full application and submission details visit their website at https://knox-unioncattlemen.weebly.com/scholarship-application.html.

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) through the Herbert College of Agriculture and Smith International Center offers two competitive scholarships of up to $1,250 for undergraduates planning to study abroad over summer 2023. These scholarships serve as an opportunity for students to participate in UT-approved study abroad programs in any location outside the US.

Please complete the online form by March 31, 2023, to be considered for the final round of applications.

Clyde York 4-H center is looking for spring and summer interns for their STEM education and camping programs. To apply send a resume and interest letter to Morgin Walraven, Program Director, Clyde M. York 4-H Center.

Adult Education/Community Connections (unpaid)- this intern would work alongside the Center Director and STEM Program Director to create and facilitate teacher professional development programs that focus on STEM education. Ideally the individual would have some interest in adult education and working with teachers in a non-formal setting. I am unsure of the criteria for graduate students, but thought this may be a good opportunity for a county extension agent or ag teacher that is currently working on a graduate degree, that may be in need of hours or experience.

Ag Science & Ag Education (unpaid)- this intern would work alongside the Center Director and Program Director to create and facilitate STEM based curriculum with a focus on agricultural topics (ag science, ag technology, animal science, etc.) Ideally the individual would have an interest in agriculture and teaching youth in non-formal settings.

Youth Development & Curriculum Development (unpaid)- this intern would work alongside the Center Director and Program Director to create and facilitate STEM based curriculum with a focus on environmental topics (wildlife, forestry, natural resources, etc.) Ideally the individual would have an interest in creating environmental education focused curriculum and teaching youth in non-formal settings.

Marketing (unpaid)- this intern would work alongside the Center Director and Program Director to develop new marketing material for our STEM education program, increase our social media presence, etc. Ideally the individual would have an interest in marketing and communications, have experience with social media platforms and be able to take high quality photos and videos.

Part-Time Educators (paid)- this position would assist with teaching school groups by planning non-formal educational programs. Up to 40 hours a week during spring and fall semesters: March-May and September-December.

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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