College of Agricultural Science Faculty Member Honored at the National FFA Convention

                                                                                                              Webster's Dictionary defines honorary as, "given as a sign of honor or achievement."  At the 89th National FFA Convention, the Honorary American FFA Degree was conferred upon 136 individuals who have provided exceptional service on a national level to agriculture, agricultural education, or FFA.

The Honorary American FFA degree is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment. Dr. Ewing is an educator who many can say has created high-quality agricultural education programs through preparation of student teachers.  Once teachers, they inspire and motivate their students to strive for success.   

We are Penn State Proud of Dr. John Ewing who was awarded the Honorary American FFA Degree!

Dr. Ewing's many years of service  and dedication to teacher preparation, FFA, and agricultural education made him worthy of such an honor!Dr. Ewing spent three years teaching agricultural education to high school students at Octorara High School.  From August 2000 to June 2003, Dr. Ewing shared his passion for agriculture mechanics and environmental science with young minds at Octorara High School.  In 2003, Dr. Ewing had the tables reserved as he once again became the student.  He attended The Ohio State University to receive his Masters and Doctorate Degrees in Agricultural Education.  In 2006, Dr. Ewing joined the faculty at Penn State University; becoming an integral part of the teacher preparation program.  

Currently, Dr. Ewing serves as the undergraduate coordinator for Agricultural and Extension Education, as well as Associate Professor of Agricultural and Extension Education.  He also serves as the advisor for Penn State Collegiate FFA.  Dr. Ewing works tirelessly to produce high quality teacher candidates, equipped with tools to become outstanding agricultural educators.  A man who's hard to catch, Dr. Ewing always has a minute to speak with a student, or lend some helpful advice.

It comes as no surprise Dr. Ewing was chosen to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree. Nominated by the Pennsylvania FFA Association, members of the National FFA board of directors approved Dr. Ewing's nomination. The Honorary American FFA Degree is an opportunity to recognize those who have gone beyond valuable daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of students; inspiring confidence in a new generation of agriculturists. 

The National FFA Organization works diligently to enhance the lives of it's members through agricultural education. Without these dedicated individuals and their efforts, thousands of young people would not be able to achieve success, in turn contributing directly to the overall well-being of the nation. 

To learn more about starting on the path to having a career that makes a positive impact on the lives of students across the globe by becoming an agricultural educator, please contact the agricultural teacher education program at teachag@psu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at TeachAgPSU, on Facebook, or on our blog.

                                                                           

                                                                         Halee Wasson

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @wasson_halee

2018 Agriculture Education Student Teacher