Written by Shelli Rampold, Assistant Professor
In February, the ALEC department traveled to Atlanta, GA with a truck full of equipment and a team of eighteen faculty and students to host, lead, and present research across the Southern Region American Association of Agricultural Education (AAAE) and the National Agricultural Communications Symposium (NACS). Both AAAE and NACS are research and professional development conferences held in conjunction with the Southern Association for Agricultural Scientists (SAAS). Drs. Shelli Rampold and Tyler Granberry served as the Host Chairs for AAAE, while Dr. Taylor Ruth led in the role of NACS President.
We not only had a blast hosting and representing the University of Tennessee in the role of conference host, but our faculty and students received several awards for their research papers and posters as well.
Undergraduate students, Jordan Richardson and Kailyn Kosko, each won the AAAE Outstanding Poster Award for their work. Jordan presented on the development of the U-DAIRE internship, and Kailyn shared her research about students’ motivations to study abroad.
Our graduate students were recognized for their research projects as well at both AAAE and NACS. Bailey Watson received the Outstanding Poster Award for the NACS session of the conference for research examining consumers’ intent to purchase Nebraska beef. Caroline Brooks received the Distinguished Poster Award for her research investigating youth perspectives of ICTs in 4-H programs. Victoria Jessie received the Distinguished Poster Award for her research on how agricultural visibility and personal relevance shape how Tennesseans view agriculture.
Our newest Senior Lecturer, Dr. Blake Colclasure, was also recognized at AAAE for having his research manuscript, “A Philosophical Perspective In and About Agriculture” named the Journal of Southern Agricultural Education’s Article of the Year.
Our ALEC faculty were also recognized for their contributions to the profession.
Assistant professor, Dr. Shelli Rampold, was recognized as the 2024 Southern Region AAAE Outstanding Early Career Member for her early impact in education, research, and service.
Dr. Stripling, Professor and ALEC Department Head, received the Southern Region AAAE Outstanding Researcher Award for his substantial contributions to advancing research in agriculture education and developing future researchers.
We would like to offer a sincere thank you to our sponsors who showed overwhelming support for our department: AgResearch, UT Extension, Herbert College, UT Center for Farm Management, Sweetwater Valley Farm, ChLOE, Sugarlands Distilling Co., Pick TN, TN Cattlemen’s Association, TN Beef Council, Dr. Enuf, Center for Profitable Agriculture, TN Farm Bureau, Danjean Builders, UT Vol Shop, UTIA/AT&T in Turfgrass Science and Education, UTIA Beef and Forage Center, Smith International Center.
