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

Undergraduate Researcher – Limited-Duration Position

Dr. Shelli Rampold is seeking an undergraduate student to assist with a short-term research project examining Extension Master Program participants’ experiences and program preferences. This is a great opportunity for a student interested in gaining research experience and learning how survey findings are translated into practical recommendations and professional research products.

Position details:

· Pay: $15/hour

· Time commitment: Approximately 25 total hours

· Travel support: Up to $600 in travel sponsorship to present project findings at the 2027 Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS) Conference

The student researcher will:

· Assist with developing a report summarizing findings from an existing survey of Extension Master Program participants

· Develop tables and graphs to clearly communicate survey findings

· Help interpret and translate results into key findings and recommendations

· Develop a conference poster or paper abstract for submission to the 2027 SAAS Conference

Qualifications: Prior formal research experience is not required. Students should have strong written communication and organizational skills and an interest in learning more about applied research. Experience creating tables and data visualizations/graphs for reports in Microsoft Word is preferred.

This position is especially well suited for a student who wants a short-term, hands-on research experience with the opportunity to contribute to a professional conference presentation.

To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter detailing why you are interested in the position and why you believe you would be successful in the position. Submit application materials to Shelli Rampold at srampold@utk.edu

Application Deadline: 8-31-2026

Anticipated Start Date: 9-8-2026

The Extension Specialist for 4-H Awards, Recognition, and College & Career Readiness provides statewide leadership for Tennessee 4-H recognition programs, including youth achievement, judging events, scholarships, and major award processes. This position also supports college and career readiness initiatives that help youth connect 4-H experiences to future education and workforce opportunities, including Next Chapter and related pathway programs. The specialist works closely with agents, regional staff, volunteers, partners, and other state specialists to strengthen recognition systems, provide training and resources, and support meaningful youth development experiences across Tennessee 4-H.

To view the full position description and learn how to apply please visit this link https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/8674/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share.

Tennessee Extension agents are teachers who work in rural, suburban and urban areas with people from all social, economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Our classrooms are everywhere…anywhere a person can learn. The classroom may be the county Extension office, an auditorium, an agribusiness firm, a farm, a suburban garden plot or the family home. Agents also use newspapers, radio, television, web sites, and direct mail (or email) as techniques to reach Tennesseans with the latest research information to improve their lives.

Screening of applicants’ credentials will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Target Start Date: 12/1/2026

To view the full position description and learn how to apply please visit this link https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/9628/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share.

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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