Texas Tech's Department of Agricultural Education & Communications magazine, The Agriculturist, won top honors in the Publications & Projects Contest at the National Agricultural Alumni Development Association Conference this year. The first place award was presented on Thursday (Jun. 16) in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

“The production of The Agriculturist has long been a culminating experience for the students in our agricultural communications program, and it is so rewarding to see them be recognized for their hard work and talent,” said Lindsay Kennedy, Publisher and AEC Assistant Professor of Practice. “The real-world experience students gain through writing, photographing, designing, and selling the magazine is an important benefit of our ACOM program at Texas Tech. The students in the 2021 ACOM Block that produced this award-winning issue overcame so many challenges to get the magazine across the finish line, and we are so proud of their accomplishments.”

The magazine's editorial leadership team was directed by Editor Samantha Barnett of Florence; Associate Editor Kylie Harlan of Sherman; Associate Editor Lacy Jackson of Seminole; Copy Editor Jentry Ham of Post; Photo Editor Megan Dunn of Center; Ad Manager Steeley Smith of Mason; Digital Content Editor Creigh Rourke of Iowa City, Iowa; Social Media Editor Caroline Cleveland of Lubbock, and Web Editor Sage Wilbanks of Harper.

“Despite the virus, distance learning and COVID-19 precautions, we all believed this magazine would come together,” said Barnett at last summer's release of the magazine. “I hope you can see the grit and determination exhibited by everyone involved with the publishing process. It has been an absolute privilege to serve as editor this semester.”

The student-led magazine's cover story features “A Focused Purpose: Emily McCartney combines love of western lifestyle and photography” by Ashlyn Tucker of Santo, Texas. In addition the 128-page magazine includes some 33 student-written articles, along with the support of 100 advertisers from across campus and the region.

Students enrolled in ‘ACOM 4410: Development of Agricultural Publications' produce the magazine from start to finish as part of their degree requirement. The course, which is led by Kennedy, serves as a capstone where students can utilize the skills they fostered through their undergraduate coursework. The magazine class is also part of the department's agricultural communications block. The Agriculturist is funded solely by advertisers and sponsors and is a non-profit publication.

Program officials noted that NAADA provides education, support and recognition for professionals and volunteers dedicated to expanding resources for advancing agriculture and related disciplines through land-grant and other colleges of agricultural sciences and partner programs. The organization represents more than 1 million ag alumni and 100,000 students across the nation.

CONTACT: Lindsay Kennedy, Assistant Professor of Practice & MILE Program Director, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-8240 or Lindsay.Kennedy@ttu.edu 

0627NM22