Department of Agricultural & Technology Education, Montana State University

We had an incredible few days hosting our second annual eDucATE Academy at Montana State University!This year, we welcomed 10 students representing Augusta, Belgrade, Dillon, Huntley Project, Lewistown, Ronan, Roundup, and Stevensville. Throughout the week, students explored Agricultural Education degrees within DATE at MSU, including pathways in Communications, Leadership & Extension and Broadfield Teaching.

Participants learned about coursework, internship opportunities, and experiences available within the College of Agriculture, MSU Extension, Department of Agricultural and Technology Education and Gallatin County! They also engaged in hands-on learning by teaching micro-lessons to their peers over the following topics: branding, injections, nutrition, leadership, and social media.

Beyond the classroom, students participated in team-building activities and formed strong connections as a cohort. We’re excited about these future agricultural educators!

The Montana State University Department of Agricultural and Technology Education was proud to be represented at the National Conference of the American Association for Agricultural Education in St. Petersburg, Florida by Dr. Shannon Arnold, Dr. Dusty Perry, Dr. Emily Sewell, and Faith Droszcz (undergraduate and graduate program alumna, former graduate teaching assistant, and recent adjunct instructor for the department). Undergraduate alumna Elise Wilkins also attended the conference, representing the University of Idaho as a graduate student!

✨ We are especially proud to celebrate Dr. Shannon Arnold, who was recognized as a 2026 AAAE Fellow for her outstanding service and contributions to agricultural education and the state of Montana.

✨ Faith Droszcz presented her graduate thesis research through a peer‑reviewed paper presentation, contributing to national conversations focused on teaching, learning, and agricultural literacy.

✨ MSU DATE faculty and students also shared innovative research and poster presentations highlighting undergraduate and graduate student work, Montana tourism, and agricultural education. Dr. Dusty Perry presented a collaborative discussion with his multi-state research team focused on strategies for delivering agricultural safety education professional development.

✔️💰 We are proud to recognize Dr. Dusty Perry who was elected to serve the American Association for Agricultural Education as Treasurer‑Elect. This national leadership role reflects Dr. Perry’s commitment to service, collaboration, and the continued advancement of agricultural education. His election to this position highlights the trust and confidence placed in his leadership by colleagues across the profession.

🤝 Throughout the week, our team connected with colleagues, mentors, and friends from across the country while learning new ideas and engaging professionally with the Agricultural Educators and Communicators across the nation!

Special thank you to American Association for Agricultural Education for the PhotoCircle resource!

Our Gallatin County MSU Extension Office is hosting an MSU student summer intern - welcome Kassie Lindeblad! She started with our office this week and we are so excited to have her.

Hi everyone! My name is Kassie Lindeblad and I am from Santa Rosa, California. I am currently studying Agricultural Communications with a minor in Agricultural Business at MSU with the intention of pursuing a career in Extension. Outside of the classroom I love going to concerts, being outside, and spending time with friends and animals. A fun fact about me is that I love antique stores and I can't wait to work with you this summer! Hope to meet you soon.

Congratulations to Emmalee Rotlisberger on successfully defending her thesis on “Bridging the Gap: Evaluating Employability Skills of Agricultural Education- CLE students”!

Committee members: Dr. Shannon Arnold, Dr. Emily Sewell, and Dr. Elizabeth Greenfield

Congratulations to our Bobcat Graduates! 🎓

Our department always looks forward to celebrating our graduates—both at our graduation celebration and at commencement—and this spring was no exception!

The Spring 2026 DATE graduates represent one of our largest cohorts, and each of you played an integral role in shaping our department community.

As you step into your next chapter, remember to stay present, believe in yourselves, and embrace every opportunity ahead.

We are so proud of you and truly honored to have been part of your journey. Once A Bobcat, Always A Bobcat! 💛💙

Today our Spring 2026 cohort of student teachers presented their REPs (Reflective Educator Projects). These projects require student teachers to reflect on their teaching and collect data on 4+ lessons. They then present their findings during the Field Placement Capstone Experience.

We are so proud of these educators and soon-to-be graduates of our department! ✨🎓

Olivia Collins - Nampa ,ID
Caroline Dietz - Meeteeste, WY (not pictured)
Ciarrah Hebert - Cascade, MT
Patrick Sandiland - Bellingham, WA
Gwen Shafter - Three Forks, MT
Emma Stumpf - Conrad, MT
Sigourney Tuttle - Lewistown, MT

MSU announces new agriculture scholars’ program Montana State University (MSU) recently announced they are accepting applicants for their new Growth through Research Opportunities and Work (GROW) agriculture scholars’ program. GROW is a one-of-a-kind program available to

Congratulations to Dr. Shannon Arnold on receiving the College of Agriculture’s Impactful Outreach and Community Engagement Award at Montana State University. Her leadership in advancing the Montana Agritourism Association across Montana has created meaningful opportunities for producers, strengthened rural communities, and built lasting partnerships statewide. This recognition reflects the real impact of her work and the land-grant mission in action. Congrats, Dr. Arnold!

Fun Fact Friday! 🫎🌲🦌

Farmers aren’t just feeding America, they’re supporting wildlife too! More than half of America’s farmers intentionally provide habitat for wildlife. 🌿

A few weeks ago Macey Aoki-Chance successfully defended her master’s thesis titled, “Understanding the factors of influence for the success of undergraduate Native American students at MSU.”

Her committee included Dr. Emily Sewell (chair), Dr. Dustin Perry, Dr. Michael Walach, Dr. Jennifer Thomson, and Rikki Ollinger.

Congratulations on a thesis project well done, Macey!!