familiar face












Alternative Way of Farming			by Jennifer Gilbert
A Familiar Face Reflcets on Texas Tech			by Jennifer Gilbert

			Lance Kieth is a familiar name around the Agricultural Education and Communications building at Texas Tech University. This is where Kieth started his college education, ended his education and proceeded to teach students working on their own degrees. Kieth made many contributions during his time at Texas Tech, as well as having personal accomplishments and experiences. However, Kieth is quick to not take all of the credit himself. “I have had a lot of mentors in my life that are divided up into sectors,” Kieth said. “I haven’t got here on my talents.” Kieth said the main influences in his life are his parents. “Growing up on a farm, I developed a love for agriculture at a very young age,” Kieth said. Kieth grew up in New Home, Texas, on a cotton farm where his parents still farm today. Kieth’s agricultural science teacher in high school, Dale Schaffner, was another person that influenced Kieth when he chose his profession. Kieth also gives credit to others such as Stanley Young, who made him a professional, and Dr. Paul Vaughn, who was his mentor at the university level. Kieth received his Bachelor of Science in agricultural education in 1989, and his Master of Education in 1991. In 1997, Kieth received his Doctorate of Education, Curriculum and Instruction with a support area in agricultural education. Kieth has been involved in many different aspects of agriculture other than the university level. He has spent time as an agricultural extension agent, a high school agricultural science teacher and a youth minister. However, much of his life has been spent at Texas Tech. He was an instructor from 1994 until 1997, when he became an assistant professor. Since 1999, Kieth has also worked as a 4-H and youth leadership specialist through a joint appointment between Texas Tech and Texas A & M universities. Although Kieth won’t comment about his awards or any other recognition he has received, there are many. Kieth received Teacher of the Year from the Texas Tech Collegiate FFA in 1996-1997, the Outstanding Texas Tech University Teaching Assistant Award in May of 1997, the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Western Region American Association for Agricultural Education in 2000 and the Team Award for Superior Service from the Texas Agricultural Extension Service in 2001. Kieth has also been involved in many research projects at Texas Tech. He chose to focus on youth leadership and character education within competitive activities. He says there is a great need for this type of research. However, despite all of the awards received and research projects conducted, Kieth is clear about one thing. “Teaching is my love,” he said. It is evident when he talks about teaching, that making a difference in students is his main goal. “I hope that when students come out of my classes that they have enjoyed their time with me, and that they have learned a little something, too.” Kieth says he likes to live by a quote that he once heard: “Students don’t care how much you know till they know how much you care.” He has tried to make this his motto as a teacher, and hopes this attitude has shined through in each class he has taught. Besides the students, there are many reasons why Kieth has such a love for Texas Tech and for the agricultural education department as a whole. He says there are many reasons that the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is special not only to him, but to the students. He says CASNR has a “hometown feel.” He thinks everyone is treated as a person and says the faculty really care about the students. Many of the friends that he has today, he met while he was a student at Texas Tech. In Spring 2002, Kieth began working with West Texas A&M University as an agricultural education program leader to help WTAMU start a new program. He is also working with the Texas Extension Agency as an area supervisor, the Texas Cooperative Extension in the areas of 4-H and professional development. and he is still teaching. No matter where Kieth is or what he does, his main focus is on making a difference in students’ lives. His success in this area might be hard to measure, but he is always working toward that goal.
Easing Trade
Mapping Out a Career from the Classroom
Fuel of the Future
Dan Taylor Keeps the South Plains Ginning
A Nation Changed
USTRC...in the Making
Where Are They Now?
The Bobwhite Crusade
Seed Association has Rural Roots
Sponsors
Home

by Jennifer Gilbert

Lance Kieth is a familiar name around the Agricultural Education and Communications building at Texas Tech University. This is where Kieth started his college education, ended his education and proceeded to teach students working on their own degrees.

Kieth made many contributions during his time at Texas Tech, as well as having personal accomplishments and experiences. However, Kieth is quick to not take all of the credit himself.

“I have had a lot of mentors in my life that are divided up into sectors,” Kieth said. “I haven’t got here on my talents.”

Kieth said the main influences in his life are his parents. “Growing up on a farm, I developed a love for agriculture at a very young age,” Kieth said. Kieth grew up in New Home, Texas, on a cotton farm where his parents still farm today.

Kieth’s agricultural science teacher in high school, Dale Schaffner, was another person that influenced Kieth when he chose his profession. Kieth also gives credit to others such as Stanley Young, who made him a professional, and Dr. Paul Vaughn, who was his mentor at the university level.

Kieth received his Bachelor of Science in agricultural education in 1989, and his Master of Education in 1991. In 1997, Kieth received his Doctorate of Education, Curriculum and Instruction with a support area in agricultural education.

Kieth has also been involved in many research projects at Texas Tech. He chose to focus on youth leadership and character education within competitive activities. He says there is a great need for this type of research.

Kieth says he likes to live by a quote that he once heard: “Students don’t care how much you know till they know how much you care.” He has tried to make this his motto as a teacher, and hopes this attitude has shined through in each class he has taught.

No matter where Kieth is or what he does, his main focus is on making a difference in students’ lives. His success in this area might be hard to measure, but he is always working toward that goal.