Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology

📣The AECT Insider is LIVE. Always AECT. Always Connected.
The new edition is packed with the stories that define who we are and where we’re headed.

Inside this issue you’ll find:
🐗 Alumni stories that prove Once a Razorback, Always a Razorback
🎓 Faculty excellence and national recognition
🌱 Students turning classroom learning into real-world impact
🌎 International experiences shaping global agricultural leaders

This isn’t just a newsletter, it’s a snapshot of how AECT continues to build the future of agriculture through leadership, storytelling, innovation, and service across Arkansas and beyond.

👉If you’re an AECT alum, supporter, partner, or future Razorback, take a few minutes and read the new AECT Insider. Celebrate the wins. Share the stories. Stay connected to a department that’s still moving the needle.

📖 Read it.
🔁 Share it.
❤️ Support the next generation of AECT leaders.



https://agricultural-education-communications-and-technology.uark.edu/_resources/AECT_Newsletter_9DEC25.pdf

Caps off to the Class of 2025! Bumpers College wishes you the best in your future endeavors. This is just the beginning of many new adventures 🐗🎓✨

Need help with research for your finals? Join Mullins Library for Drop-In Research Support! Subject liaison librarians will be in the level 4 group study area to assist.

📚Dec. 2: 1- 4 p.m.
📝Dec. 3: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Last week, the Collegiate Farm Bureau hosted a discussion meet for the members. Caroline Brantly, Sophie Bruozas, and Reese Mitchell (AECT) competed in this event. These individuals have been preparing and researching a list of agricultural topics and issues, and at the event, the judges selected one of these topics for them to discuss and craft a solution. The judges of this meet selected technology and how engagement can be leveraged to connect Farm Bureau members with elected officials. Following the discussion, Reese took 1st place, Sophie took 2nd, and Caroline took 3rd. Reese will move on to compete at the state level later.

Congrats!

Congratulations, Dr. Rucker.

Thank you for your leadership.

Alumni Society Outstanding Advising Award — Jill Rucker, associate professor, Department of agricultural education, communications and technology.

Thank you for your leadership, Dr. Estepp!

Agricultural Leadership goes global! 🌍🇨🇿✨

In October, PhD Candidate Marcus Martin and PhD student Dustie Koudela had the honor of representing the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences at the 27th Annual International Leadership Association (ILA) Global Conference in Prague, Czech Republic.

Marcus presented two research projects that push the boundaries of leadership scholarship:
🔹 From Tradition to Transformation: Women Navigating Leadership in Religious Spaces
🔹 Innovation Without Leadership? Examining the Disconnect Between Leadership Identity and Sustainability in Beef Production

Dustie presented her impactful research:
🔹 Impact of Ethics Course on Students' Perceived Leadership Self-Efficacy

Beyond presenting, both students engaged with scholars, practitioners, and leaders from over 50 countries, expanding global connections and elevating the important work happening in Agricultural Leadership at the University of Arkansas.

Marcus and Dustie expressed deep gratitude to the College for supporting this opportunity and were proud to represent Bumpers College on an international stage. 🐗🌾🌍💡

Congratulations to Rebecca Simon on the successful defense of her dissertation, "Exploring retention and satisfaction among county-level Cooperative Extension employees: A job embeddedness perspective."

🎓 What is Agricultural Education (Ag Ed)?

Under the leadership of Dr. Estepp, AECT students recently toured Mt. Ida, Dardanelle, Lamar, and Alma High Schools to connect with outstanding agricultural educators who are shaping the next generation of leaders in agriculture. 🌾

These visits provided hands-on insight into classroom innovation, FFA leadership, and real-world teaching practices, preparing our students to carry the torch of agricultural education forward. 💡

Thank you to Bumpers AECT Alumni, Madison Anttila '24 and Josie Kelly '25 as well as Abby Clay and Ben Holland for letting us visit your classrooms.

Meet the AECT 🎓 Graduate Assistant Team!

Our GAs are moving agriculture forward. Meet the ones behind the scenes powering teaching, research, innovation & outreach at AECT.

Meet Wendell!

On this Veterans Day, let’s pause a moment to think about all veterans who have served our country. Their sacrifice, courage, and commitment helped provide many of the freedoms we enjoy today, and continuously provide inspiration for each of us. I hope you join me in showing gratitude to everyone who has worn the uniform.

We have colleagues who served. If you get a chance, let them know their service is appreciated, along with the expertise and point of view they provide across our college.

Your service is not forgotten – thank you.

- Jeff Edwards, Dean, Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences