Kelly Newlon, a doctoral student in the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education and Leadership (ACEL), has been named a recipient of the North American Colleges of Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Graduate Student Teaching Award. This award recognizes graduate students who excel as teachers in the agricultural disciplines and will be presented at the NACTA Annual Conference in Ames, Iowa this June.
Newlon has instructed Community Leadership 4430, a course focused on principles and strategies involved in leading teams and community organizations. She also serves as Director of Education Abroad for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), where in addition to coordinating and leading education abroad programs around the world, she instructs the CFAES Global Option Capstone course for students wishing to graduate with recognition of global focus in their curriculum.
“Kelly’s recognition by NACTA is a clear indicator of her impact on the students of our department and the college. For those who work with her, we know first-hand that her passion for student development and learning is something she lives day in and day out,” said Dr. Tracy Kitchel, professor and chair of ACEL. “We were excited the awards committee decided to honor her in this meaningful way.”
“As a non-traditional graduate student, I’m humbled and excited to have received this recognition for my work in teaching,” said Newlon. “NACTA’s mission of furthering teaching in Colleges if agriculture and related sciences is very close to my heart and this recognition means a great deal to me. I have grown quite a bit through teaching and I relish the opportunity to work with students.”
Students in the agricultural and extension education graduate program at Ohio State may specialize in agricultural communication, agricultural education, community and extension education, international development or leadership. The agricultural and extension education graduate program offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science, Master of Education, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degrees. The Doctor of Philosophy degree prepares students for careers as administrators, specialists, university faculty, and researchers.