Texas Tech’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources once again took center stage at the American Association for Agricultural Education’s Western Region conference, where its Department of Agricultural Education & Communications was honored across research, teaching and student scholarship categories.
The three-day meeting held this week in San Marcos, Texas, culminated on Wednesday with a series of faculty and student recognitions. Two professors from Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources received individual distinctions: Laura Fischer, who was honored as both Outstanding Researcher and Distinguished Agricultural Communications Educator, and Jason Headrick, recipient of the Outstanding Early Career Member Award.
“We are so proud of our crew for their awesome representation at this meeting,” said Courtney Gibson, associate professor and Western Region Vice President for AAAE.
Texas Tech also earned victories in manuscript and poster competitions. Highlights included:
- Outstanding Manuscript (1st Place): Lance Nicholas, Krysti Kelley and John Rayfield | A Phenomenological Study of Administrators Perceptions of the Impacts of Teacher Turnover in Texas Secondary Agricultural Education Programs
- Outstanding Innovative Idea Poster Design (1st Place): Krysti Kelley and Clarissa Darby, who also placed in People’s Choice Innovative Idea Poster and Outstanding Innovative Idea Poster Abstract categories
- Outstanding Research Poster Design (1st Place): Channing Pieniazek, Clarissa Darby, Laura Fischer and Kylie Harlan, who also took 1st in People’s Choice Research Poster
- People’s Choice Research Poster (2nd Place): Ashleigh Osborn, Krysti Kelley and John Rayfield, who also placed third in Outstanding Research Poster Abstract
Graduate student researchers also drew notice, with Clarissa Darby and Krysti Kelley securing Graduate Student Travel Scholarships. Meanwhile, Abigail Garza, Channing Pieniazek and Jesmin Peña won the Student Scavenger Hunt Championship. In the Science Storytelling Showcase, Kaitlyn Anderson placed second in the Written Communication Division.
Founded in 1965, AAAE is one of the nation’s premier academic societies in the social sciences of agriculture and natural resources, dedicated to advancing evidence-based research and teaching.
Texas Tech’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communications enrolls roughly 285 undergraduates and 100 graduate students. The program offers master’s degrees in both agricultural education and communications, a doctoral program, and an online Ed.D. tailored to working professionals. Known for its applied research and hands-on learning model, the department continues to expand its national footprint through both scholarly achievement and student success.
CONTACT: Scott Burris, Chair, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-8689 or scott.burris@ttu.edu
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