Emily Wickham, communication and undergraduate program manager in the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership, was recognized with the Ray A. Miller Professional Achievement Award at the 2023 conference for the National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association (NAADA).
This award is in honor of Dr. Ray Miller who was a member of the NAADA family, having served a term as president, conference host and historian. In addition to being an active member of NAADA, Miller was a leader and mentor within Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, serving as the assistant dean of student affairs.
Wickham joined ACEL in 2011 and in her positions helps the department grow through undergraduate recruitment, coordinating activities for current students and promotes the department through social media and communications. She served as the internship coordinator for the agricultural communication major for six years and serves as an ex-officio member of the ACEL alumni board.
“As our coordinator of undergraduate recruitment, Emily does so much more than hosting prospective students on campus visits. She does an excellent job of hosting campus visitors and making them feel valued and appreciated for their interest in our programs, following up with letters of appreciation for their interest and helping them make meaningful connections with content and people during their time on campus,” said her nomination letter. “She maintains the close relationships she forms with prospects throughout their degree programs and with many, she remains connected after their graduation. Her relationship management skills make her an expert student recruiter and her alumni relationship are a natural outcome of her work.”
“Dr. Ray Miller was a dedicated member to NAADA throughout his professional career and Emily is a product of the department where Ray had his academic home. Through Ray’s mentorship of everyone at Ohio State advancing the NAADA mission, Emily is continuing this legacy of dedication,” shared Dr. Pat Whittington, assistant dean for student development. “Much like Dr. Miller, Emily’s enthusiasm is witnessed in her obvious love for the students in preparing them for careers beyond their degree.”
“I am very honored to be nominated by my mentors, supervisors and colleagues at Ohio State, and then selected as the recipient by my NAADA colleagues,” said Wickham. “NAADA is such a valuable organization that allows me to learn and share best practices with other communicators and student professionals at colleges of agriculture to provide the best experiences and opportunities for our Ohio State students. It’s also allowed me to create cherished friendships across the country and explore the large variety of agriculture that we have in the United States.”
The Ray A. Miller Professional Achievement Award is given to recognize individuals for significant career activities and accomplishments, leadership activities in professional and community organizations, and other awards and recognitions.
Outside of her role with ACEL, Emily has served as the chair of the CFAES Staff Advisor Council, two-terms as an advisor for the CFAES Undergraduate Student Council, co-chair of the CFAES Buckeyes for Charity Campaign, advisor for the Coalition of Appalachian Student Leaders (CASL) and currently serves as an advisor for the Ohio State’s chapter of FarmHouse Fraternity. She regularly volunteers for statewide and local 4-H and FFA activities and is an Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Track & Field Official for junior high and high school track and cross country.
“Dr. Miller retired just before I joined CFAES as an undergraduate student but was still a constant presence at college-wide events even after his retirement,” said Wickham. “Even as I transitioned into an alum after my graduation, he was the leader of our CFAES Alumni Association and constantly sharing his Buckeye spirit with everyone. I was honored to have his wife, Linda, present at the conference this year to present this award in her husband’s memory.”
ACEL prepares communicators, educators and leaders in the food, agricultural, and environmental sciences to integrate research-based learning, practice and engagement, in ways that will advance positive changes that strengthen individuals, families and communities. For more information on the undergraduate and graduate academic programs and research available in ACEL, please visit acel.osu.edu.