Texas Tech University Agricultural Education Program Listed Among Nation’s Elite

Written by Cory Chandler

Texas Tech University has one of the nation’s distinguished agricultural education programs, according to a recent survey of professional colleagues within the discipline.

In a study conducted by Ohio State University, agricultural educators ranked 82 programs in the country they held in highest professional regard.

Texas Tech’s Department of Agricultural Education and Communications ranked ninth, with its faculty, range of programs and its communications program listed as its distinguishing features.

Ohio State University professor  Robert Birkenholz published the study, titled Characteristics of Distinguished Programs of Agricultural Education, in American Association for Agricultural Education Research Conference Proceedings.

Florida State University claimed the top spot based on weighted responses. Texas A&M University, Ohio State, the University of Missouri, Iowa State University, Oklahoma State University, North Carolina State University, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Arizona completed the list of schools claiming distinguished programs.

“It was unique that we were the only non-land grant institution in the top 10,” said Steve Fraze, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications chairman and Garrison Professor of Agricultural Education and Communications.

“It is a great compliment to the faculty in our department for their dedication to teaching and research,” he said. “We reached an all-time high of graduate students enrolled this fall, with students coming from eleven states as well as from Canada and Greece.  We are receiving inquiries from potential graduate students on a daily basis.  It is obvious to everyone here that this recognition is being noticed by numerous people.”

Texas Tech students with an interest in agricultural education major in interdisciplinary agriculture in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications. Interdisciplinary agriculture has two tracks: teacher certification and agricultural leadership.

For a copy of the study, visit http://www.aaaeonline.org/files/national_09/papers/22.pdf

CONTACT: Steve Fraze, chairman, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-2816, or steve.fraze@ttu.edu