Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership

Last week our ACEL Graduate Student Association hosted a pumpkin painting event during our weekly soup Wednesday in the ACEL Hub. 🎃 🎨

This was a great way for everyone in the department to bond and decorate our offices for the season.

Gain a competitive edge for job opportunities, graduate school, and more by enrolling in AGRCOMM 4998 with Dr. Lawson this spring!

In this course, you’ll learn to conduct research on current issues in agriculture, science, and natural resources. For questions, email Dr. Lawson.182.

Congratulations to the 22 ACEL Buckeyes who will be traveling to Kansas City for the annual Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Conference in just a few weeks.

Agriculture Future of America is a four day conference that advances professional skills in the six core competency areas, connections you with fellow students across the country and encourages networking opportunities with people guiding the agriculture industry today.

Congratulations to these students who were selected to attend through an application process!

The deadline to make submit nominations for the 2025 ACEL Alumni Awards is coming up on Friday, November 1.

We look forward to celebrating these alumni award recipients at our banquet in April!

Our ACEL Alumni Board is accepting nominations for our 2025 ACEL Alumni Awards.

Awards are presented in three categories:
🔴Mentor to Students
🔴Young Alumni Award
🔴Distinguished Alumni Award

Visit go.osu.edu/ACELalumniawards for applications, award details and to see our alumni who have been recognized in the past.

Loving another ACEL student feature as part of Ohio State ATI's "Tour Guide Tuesday!"

If you visit Ohio State ATI on a weekday visit, or one of their weekend open houses, you might have Lilly Cappitte as your tour guide!

Visits can be scheduled at go.osu.edu/cfaesvisits.

Join us this afternoon to learn more about the England/Scotland: Agricultural and Environmental Communication study abroad program that will be traveling this summer! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

The info session will take place from 4:30-5:30pm this afternoon in Ag Admin 246!

We can't wait to see you there!

Ready to explore the world and expand your horizons? Apply to study abroad for an unforgettable adventure!

England/Scotland: Agricultural and Environmental Communication

Explore how the mass media in the UK communicates and educates the public about agriculture and the environment, learn how UK media coverage differs from the U.S., and study the future of agriculture in the UK. Program highlights include visiting Kensington Palace and Stonehenge, attending an agriculture briefing at the U.S. Embassy, and visiting newspaper and media companies.

Upcoming information sessions:
- Tuesday, 10/29, 4:30-5:30pm, Ag Admin 246
- Monday, 11/18, 5:00-6:00pm, Virtual, Register at go.osu.edu/AgriculturalCommunication

Program dates: June 15th - June 26th
Deadline to apply: January 14th

For more information, visit: go.osu.edu/AgriculturalCommunication

Connecting with agricultural educators from around the country, and especially those that once called Ohio State home, is one of our favorite parts about attending National FFA Convention each year.

Many of our student studying to become agricultural educators attend this convention annually for a variety of reasons and responsibilities, but return with excitement of attending with their own students one day.

Hey ag teacher, thank you for a great week.

Whether you traveled to Indianapolis for the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo or made magic happen in your own boundless classroom back at home, know that you are truly changing lives every single day.

Wishing you a wonderful and restful week ahead.

Congratulations to Allison Kinney, a second year agricultural communication student, on earning her American FFA Degree! 👏 📃

During her time in FFA she completed many Supervised Agricultural Experiences such as taking dairy beef steers, dairy beef feeders, and market poultry projects.

"The time I spent in FFA is something I will always keep with me. I learned valuable life skills that I continue to use today, like not being afraid to try something and putting myself outside of my comfort zone," said Kinney.

Congratulations to second-year Anna Meyer on earning her American FFA Degree! 🎉 👏

Meyer is an agricultural communication major.

During her time in FFA she completed many Supervised Agricultural Experiences such as working at a local grain elevator and raising dairy beef feeders.

"FFA taught me so many amazing skills and lessons that have prepared me for my future career," said Meyer.

Congratulations to second-year Caleb Bennett on earning his American FFA Degree! 👏 📃

Bennett is a sophomore studying agriscience education.

During his time in FFA he completed many Supervised Agricultural Experiences but his main project was breeding and selling market rabbits to younger members to bring to fairs and shows.

"FFA positively impacted me because of the hundreds of people I have met who would do anything to support me. FFA is a community, and I feel well-loved in this community. My home chapter feels like a family, we ensure that everyone is cared for and their needs are met," said Bennett.

Congratulations to second-year Delaney Moore on earning her American FFA Degree! 👏 🎉

Moore is an sophomore studying agricultural communication.

During her time in FFA her Supervised Agricultural Experience was raising her own herd of beef cattle.

"My time in the blue corduroy jacket has been nothing short of remarkable. The friends I have gained, employers I have spoken with, and memories I have made, will never be forgotten. The FFA has allowed me to feel a connection to something bigger than myself and to find my purpose for something I am extremely passionate about," said Moore.

High school seniors who are interested in starting their Ohio State education at a regional campus or our CFAES Wooster campus, can apply until December 1 with the application fee waiver listed below.

Don't miss your chance to save $60. Here's a reminder that first-time students applying to Ohio State ATI can enter the code below online to waive their application fee. It's easy! Make sure you apply directly to ATI. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3NlZ8np.

Congratulations to second-year Haylee Acquah on earning her American FFA Degree! 👏 🎉

During her time in FFA she completed many Supervised Agricultural Experiences such as taking meat chickens, working in a greenhouse, and serving as an Ohio FFA state officer.

"My time in the FFA had a positive impact on me because I was able to see how my voice could be used for education and awareness. I was able to participate in the state Public Speaking contest where I was able to educate my peers and judges about New Farmers of America (NFA) which was then adopted into the FFA after segregation ended," said Acquah.

Congratulations to Emma Wells, a second year agriscience education major, on earning her American FFA Degree! 👏 📃

During her time in FFA her Supervised Agricultural Experiences included a paid placements at Roehm Dairy Farm and MVP Dairy.

"My time in the FFA allowed me to meet many people from all around the country and find those people who shared similar views and goals that I have. The FFA also opened many doors for me professionally which has led into my choice of major," said Wells.

Congratulations to second-year Katie Woodruff on earning her American FFA Degree!👏 🎉

During her time in FFA she completed many Supervised Agricultural Experiences such as taking market lamb and market hog projects.

"FFA has given me so many wonderful opportunities, allowed me to meet so many great people, and has influenced my career goals," said Woodruff.

Congratulations to Jordan Marcum, a third year student majoring in agriscience education, on earning her American FFA Degree! 👏 📃

During her time in FFA her Supervised Agricultural Experience was taking a beef breeding project.

"My time in FFA boosted my skills in leadership, teamwork, and work ethic. It also built my confidence and broadened my perspective on agriculture and community involvement," said Marcum.

Congratulations Kelsie Mannasmith, a third year student majoring in agricultural communication, on earning her American FFA Degree! 👏 📃

During her time in FFA she completed many Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) such as taking 4-H market animals, working at the Ohio State ATI Admissions Office, and the Wayne County Extension Office.

"FFA ultimately led me to my path in making an impact in agriculture. I was inspired by my FFA advisor and close mentor, Abbey VanTyne, who showed such immense passion for teaching students about agriculture - who most of the time thought outside of the box to do so. Before FFA, I hadn't truly considered a career in agriculture, but I decided to attend an agricultural college to pursue my interests and passions in the industry.

"While in college, I have taken a piece of advice from Ms. VanTyne seriously, 'You will get out of it what you put into it.' I have joined many clubs, gone on many trips, expanded my network, and am now looking forward to my two years on the Columbus campus to increase these experiences and to find my own place in the industry," said Mannasmith.

Congratulations to fourth-year agriscience education major Lilly Wagner on earning her American FFA Degree!👏 📃

During her time in FFA, she completed many Supervised Agricultural Experiences such as taking market hog projects and working for Wagner Farm Pork.

"My time in FFA had a positive influence on me because it shaped me into the person I am today. It also helped with my decision on a career choice. I would not be where I am today without FFA," said Wagner.

We're saddened to share the passing of faculty emeritus Dr. Larry Miller.

Dr. Miller was a faculty member in our department from 1979 until his retirement in 2010. During his nearly 40 years of faculty contributions, Dr. Miller impacted countless graduate students, colleagues, and agricultural education instructors. His impact on the agricultural education profession extends around the globe.

We send our condolences to Dr. Miller's family during this difficult time.

Larry Miller Obituary (1942 - 2024) - Legacy Remembers View Larry E. Miller's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

We're wishing Luke Jennings, Ohio's National Officer Candidate, all the best as he competes for a spot on the 2025 National FFA Officer Team.

Jennings, who served as the 2023-2024 Ohio FFA State President, is a sophomore studying agriscience education.

Good Luck, Luke! We're so proud of you!

Luke Jennings, 2023-24 State FFA President, is representing Ohio as this year's National FFA Officer candidate at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo. Let's hear it for Luke!

Home Chapter: Felicity-Franklin FFA
FFA Advisors: Holly Jennings and Joe Broadwell
Current School: The Ohio State University, Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership
Major/Minor: Agriscience Education/Production Agriculture

Q: What are your future career plans?
A: I plan on continuing to be involved in agriculture education, potentially as a high school agriculture educator and FFA advisor.

Q: In what ways have your experiences in FFA changed your life?
A: There truly are not enough words to describe how the FFA has changed my life, but the largest impact it had is giving me a family. Though we're not all related through blood, we're all connected through this organization. Time and time again, I've been reminded of how important it is to have a family of people who will cheer each other on and encourage us to be the best versions of ourselves. I'm also continuously reminded how tremendous of a family the FFA is. No matter the corner of the state or country I've been in, I've found family in the thousands of FFA members, advisors, and supporters I've met that have so quickly turned into some of my closest friends, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Q: What is your favorite FFA memory?
A: While I've been fortunate to be a part of many incredible experiences through the FFA and it's hard to pick just one, my favorite FFA memory is the 96th Ohio FFA Convention. Both state and national conventions were always one of my favorite parts of FFA, but the 2024 Ohio FFA Convention was special for a couple reasons. It was so joyous getting to recognize thousands of our incredible students, teachers, and supporters as we cheered on our award winners and all those who helped make the year incredible. Additionally, I felt so inspired, uplifted, and honored to be in the presence of thousands of attendees. So often, gymnasiums, fields, and stadiums are filled by community members to cheer on athletes, but walking around the state fairgrounds that were filled with nearly 11,000 members, advisors, and guests all to support the FFA reminded me of how powerful the connection within our organization is.

If you're taking a tour of Ohio State ATI this fall, you might be shown around campus by agriscience education student Kinze Jaqua.

Many of our ACEL students begin their Ohio State education at Ohio State ATI. Touring campus as part of their visit program is a great way to see if Ohio State ATI is a fit for you.

Join us next week to learn more about the Agricultural and Environmental Communications global education program that will travel to England and Scotland this summer. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

🗓️: Tuesday, October 29 from 4:30-5:30pm, Ag Admin 246

ελάτε μαζί μας! That's "join us" in Greek!

ACEL Buckeyes interested in traveling to Greece this summer as part of our Exploring Systems Leadership program should join us next week for an informational session!

🗓️ Tuesday, October 22 from 4:30-5:30pm in Ag Admin 246

From clovers to Buckeyes!

This week we’re celebrating all of our current and former students who got their start in 4-H and the experiences that led them to ACEL! 🍀💚