Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication
Date of this Version
September 1996
Abstract
Four years ago the Departments of Agricultural Communications and Agricultural Education were merged into one unit. The resultant Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (AgLEC) has provided considerable opportunities for growth and development.
The collaborative efforts of the faculty are readily identified in the expanded offerings for students in both the teaching and non-teaching options of the agricultural education major and in the agricultural journalism major, as well as for students from other majors opting for various AgLEC courses. New offerings in human resources development and technical communication have been developed; major changes in the agricultural education program are currently before the curriculum committee of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). A minor in leadership and communication, first offered in 1994, has been well received by students from all colleges. Additionally, much work has gone into planning new options in both leadership in agriculture and natural resources and in agriculture and natural resources communication – an option which may be very attractive to students who typically major in agricultural journalism. Minors in environmental communication and/or environmental education are currently in the development stages.
AgLEC graduate Brian Bosshamer’s recent master’s thesis survey of Nebraska employers of CASNR graduates (1996) reveals that employers place a high value on personal qualities, communication skills, and leadership for the future. All three of these areas come under the purview of this department. There continues to be high demand for graduate of both the agricultural education and agricultural journalism programs. Because UNL is the only school in the state with an agricultural education certification program, it is imperative that we recruit and graduate sufficient numbers to fill the needs of the Nebraska school systems. The supply and demand curves for teachers cannot be predicted. Some years we export teachers to neighboring states; other years Nebraska’s needs are great enough to recruit teachers from other states.
Comments
Produced by the Department of Agricultural, Leadership Education, and Communication, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska – Lincoln.