In Profile: It's twice as nice to have twin ag communications leaders in AEC
There are some inside Texas Tech's agricultural education and communications building who say mystery is afoot. There's an odd sense of seeing the same person over and over again; at the top of the stairs, at the bottom of the stairs, in front of a classroom and a minute later perched in front of a computer down the hall.
No, this isn't an X-Files moment. The reality is they're seeing two different people who happen to look a lot alike. Courtney Meyers, an agricultural communications professor, and Gaea Wimmer, an agricultural education doctoral student and instructor, are the agricultural education and communications department's high-profile twins.
But the Fulton, Kansas-natives are more than just twin sisters; they're best friends. "We don't know what it is like not to be a twin," Meyers said. "It's always nice to have a friend and someone to talk to."
During high school they were involved in many of the same activities, often having the same classes and same friends. Both were involved in FFA, and it is obvious they still have a strong passion for group. "Gaea and I were FFA jocks; rock stars," Meyers said with laugh.
After high school, the twins' path took them to Kansas State University. Meyers earned her bachelor's degree in agricultural communications and journalism at the school, followed by a master's degree in agricultural extension and education from the University of Arkansas. Her doctorate in agricultural education and communication came in 2008 from the University of Florida.
Meanwhile, Wimmer received her bachelor's degree in agricultural education and master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State. She also taught agricultural education for six years at Centre High School in Lost Springs, Kan.
Today, both teach at Texas Tech. Meyers started teaching as an assistant professor in fall 2008; and in the fall 2009, Wimmer arrived on the South Plains to work on her doctorate. She's currently an instructor in ag leadership.
Both Meyers and Wimmer have a certain tenacity and passion when they talk about teaching. "One component of my teaching philosophy is student success," Wimmer said. "I really want to make sure I do whatever I can to help students be successful."
Separately, Meyers encourages students to learn how to succeed in the classroom. "One of my underlying principles is self efficacy," Meyers said. "I want all students to feel like they can do it."
by Laramie Adams
CONTACT: Courtney Meyers, assistant professor, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, Texas Tech University at 806-742-2816 or courtney.meyers@ttu.edu
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