MS in Agricultural Education

Dustin Williams

Agribusiness and Farm Management Instructor

Blackhawk Technical College, Monroe, WI

Hometown: Hillsboro, WI

B.S. Animal Science- UW-River Falls (Dec 2003)

M.S. Agricultural Education- UW-River Falls (Aug 2010)

When I became the Agricultural Education Instructor and FFA Advisor at Black Hawk School District, I worked hard to build a strong program, instilling leadership and values in the students that I taught. Additionally, I focused on building community relationships and maintaining the long-standing relationship with the FFA Alumni.

In the spring of 2008, I accepted a position at Blackhawk Technical College to build an Agribusiness program at the Monroe Campus. I teach classes in soils, plants, animals, nutrients, agribusiness, agricultural commodities, pest management, etc. I have worked hard to build a program based on community and industry needs and expectations. Graduates of the Agribusiness Specialist program have been successful in obtaining positions as managers and introductory level workers in agribusinesses that work with feed, seed, fertilizers and chemicals. 

During the school year, I spend time outside of class preparing and grading coursework, but I do maintain a flexible work schedule throughout the week and I enjoy time off in the summer. The most gratifying part of my career is seeing students succeed.

UWRF prepared me to be successful in the Agricultural Education field. The hands-on experiences I received prepared me to be a well-rounded agricultural education instructor.  I really enjoyed the personal commitment by the faculty and staff to ensure I received the best education possible. They were always friendly and willing to talk with students to ensure that we felt like we were part of the Ag Education family.

Sara Novotny

4-H Youth Development Agent

UW-Extension, Eau Claire County, Eau Claire, WI

Hometown: Tomahawk, WI

B.S. Animal Science (December 2007)
M.S. Agricultural Education (May 2009)

As a 4-H Youth Development Agent, I serve as program advisor and educator for over 490 4-H youth and 135 4-H adults. I attend local club meetings as well as county and statewide events, working directly with youth in a hands-on, educational setting where they develop valuable life skills. I also promote the 4-H program in underserved populations and manage the volunteer club leaders and project educators that aid in the program. One of the most important elements of the job is maintaining working relationships with county constituents, including board supervisors, school district administration and teachers, as well as youth program coordinators.

Through my faculty position with the University of Wisconsin-Extension, I have the opportunity for continued professional development and collaboration with colleagues across the state. I enjoy taking part in two statewide, colleague work teams that strive to improve Wisconsin 4-H. With a flexible workweek, I spend time behind the desk as well as out in the field working with youth and adults. No two days are ever alike!

The Agricultural Education Graduate Program at UW-River Falls has provided a strong foundation for success in this position. The educational experiences I had in college led to a 4-H Youth Development Internship as well as a Graduate Assistantship during my time in the program, where I learned skills that directly apply to my day-to-day tasks.