ACEL students receive national project awards

Sep. 26, 2022

The Ohio State University chapter of the Agriclutural Communicators of Tommow (ACT) participated in the 2022 National Agricultural Communicators of Tommorow (NACT) Critique & Contest. Critique and Contest is the national communications and journalism competition for ACT members. This contest allows students the opportunity to have their work analyzed by professional and judged against members across the nation. 

Two Ohio State students had submissions receiving recognition. In the Design and Layout Division: Logo Design, Mallory Liles, a junior studying agricultural communication from Wapakoneta, received second place with her entry “InSight Outdoors.”

Kamryn Kreis, a senior studying agricultural communication from Adamsville, received second place in the Photography Division: Photo Series with her entry “Grand Drive.” In the Photography Division: People Photo, Kreis received first place with her entry “Game Faces On.” Other categories in the competition include writing, publication, electronic media and public relations. 

The chapter had not recently participated in the national contest, said Rachael Billups, president of the Ohio State ACT chapter. Erica Summerfield, a graduate student studying agricultural communication, led a session with the student organization to help them prepare their submissions for the 2022 contest.

“This year, I think the momentum of having some previous winners will help more people give it a chance. Additionally, since we are more familiar with the setup and what they are looking for, we can bring back the critique and contest within our club before the NACT deadline approached. This will help drive the competition and having in-club awards should help encourage members to give it a shot,” said Billups. 

In addition to participating in the NACT Critique & Contest, Ohio State ACT hosted several events throughout the academic year to promote the agriculture industry and develop members’ skills. The club hosts Farmer’s Share, an event held at The Oval on the Ohio State campus to educate students, faculty and staff about the agriculture industry. A Night for Young Professionals, an event for students to network with industry leaders and grow their professional skills, is also organized by ACT.

Many ACT students study agricultural communication or have an interest in promoting the agriculture industry. The agricultural communication major prepares students to plan, develop, and implement a communication campaign, using visual media, writing and editing. Students also study crisis communication, graphic design, marketing, and journalism so they can spread the word about agriculture. To learn more about the agricultural communication major, visit acel.osu.edu or call 614-247-6358.