January 2021 AEE Student of the Month: Brandon Bixler

 The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to start off the year by recognizing the January Student of the Month for Agricultural and Extension Education who is a freshman from East Earl, Pennsylvania and the 2021 Pennsylvania FFA National Officer Candidate, Brandon Bixler! Brandon is planning to major in Agricultural and Extension Education with minors in International Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and possibly Wildlife and Fisheries.

Brandon attended Garden Spot High School in New Holland, Pennsylvania where he was involved in the agricultural education program as a Grassland FFA member. Brandon shares

"I didn't come from an agricultural background, so I have a passion for teaching others who may not have agricultural experience. My own experience proves just how valuable and transformative an agricultural education can be, and I want to pass on the positive impact my own agriculture teachers have made on my life! I also value teaching with a global perspective and helping to improve food security around the world. Agriculture is essential for a sustainable future for our world, and I find it exciting to be a part of that!" He has shown great growth and determination as he served the Pennsylvania FFA Association in 2019-2020 as the State Vice-President. As Brandon's journey through agricultural education continues he has chosen Penn State to further his studies.

While in high school, Brandon had numerous agricultural educators that attended Penn State and encouraged him to check out the program."I was privileged to learn from and work with numerous ag teachers who went to Penn State for Agricultural and Extension Education, and in those teachers I saw leaders and role models of the kind of person I wanted to be! After I made the decision to teach ag, coming to Penn State was a no brainer!" These were not the only reasons Brandon chose Penn State, he also chose Penn State because of the incredible agriculture teacher training program Penn State offers and the professional networks that Penn State holds within agricultural education across the state and country.

While attending Penn State for the first year, Brandon has gotten a great start at developing his leadership roles in student organizations and clubs. He currently serves as the LEAD Society Treasurer, and Ag Student Council Financial Chair, while he is also involved in Collegiate Farm Bureau. Brandon also works as an Undergraduate Intern for the Global Teach Ag Network and as a Teach Ag Avenger. In addition to the time Brandon spends across these areas he also is involved in an Undergraduate Research Project with a group called Agriculture for Africa. "I review best practices in using agricultural education to support high-risk youth populations. An end goal of this project is to use agricultural/career and technical education to support high-risk youth in jails/correctional facilities in the country of Cameroon."

Outside of Penn State and agriculture, Brandon enjoys cheering on his favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles and Penn State any chance he gets! He also enjoys spending time outside such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. He loves spending time with family and friends, playing card/board games, and reading good books! Upon graduation, he plans to become a high school agricultural education teacher in Pennsylvania and is interested in exploring research, international teaching, and business opportunities. Brandon's favorite quote he shared that helped him to gain a different perspective on leadership was "Leadership is lonely" from Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding. 

Brandon, we are so excited to watch you grow over your years at Penn State and know you will continue to accomplish great things as a student and future agricultural educator! WE ARE so proud to have you represent Pennsylvania FFA and Penn State Ag Ed at the national level. To keep up with Brandon on his Ag Ed journey be sure to follow him on Twitter @BrandonBixler and on Instagram @brandon.bixler.

   

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2023