Emily McGowan is named Agricultural and Extension Education February Student of the Month!

The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize Emily McGowan as the February Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month. Emily is from Millerstown, Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Greenwood High School. Currently, she is majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education and will graduate in May. Emily shares, "Upon my first visits to campus, before I applied, I was impressed by the resources that Penn State offered its students within the college of agricultural sciences and the impact the institution has had on agricultural research. But as I engaged with Dr. Ewing and the other staff in the agricultural and extension education program, I knew I was in an environment that would best support me on my journey to becoming an agricultural educator.".

During her time at Penn State, Emily was a member of the PSU FFA Alumni & Supporters Chapter. She enjoyed taking the Soils 100 and Ag Business Management 100 courses. On campus, she enjoyed hanging out in the Paterno Library. Her favorite on-campus spot to grab something to eat is the Penn State Berkey Creamery.

Emily enjoys hunting, drawing, skiing, and traveling. Fun fact- she has been to seven countries! She has also done her fair amount of traveling during her time in ag education. Emily has traveled to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, National Association of Agricultural Educators Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, and the School Leader Conference on Intercultural and Intersectional Competence.

Emily is completing her student teaching experience at Tri-Valley Jr/Sr High School with Mrs. Gretchen Dingman. She is teaching a variety of classes including 8th Grade Rotation, Ag Science and Mechanics I, Ag Science II, III, IV, Ag Practicum, Woodworking, and Welding. When asked what she is most excited for during her time at Tri-Valley, Emily says, "That’s a hard question, there’s so much to the teaching profession that can’t be taught in a college classroom, some of my most important lessons may come from the experiences I least expect. I’m excited to see how my students grow through these experiences in the classroom and their efforts in the FFA, and learning how to better support them on their journey.".

For her future, she states, "I’m keeping my doors open, but currently I’m looking into teaching in a high school setting after a Master’s degree.". Emily does not have a specific area of agriculture that she hopes to teach. She shares, "What I enjoy most about agriculture is its diversity in subjects, so it’s difficult for me to pick one area I like the most.".

Emily's favorite quote:

"To make a difference in someone's life, you do not have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care." - Mandy Hale

Follow Emily on Social Media: @EmilyMcGowan_25

Erica Teagarden

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2026

Jacob Turko is AEE March Student Of The Month

 AEE March Student Of The Month: 
Jacob Turko

    For the month of March, the Center For Professional Personal Development would like to acknowledge Jacob Turko as a student who demonstrates excellent educational and extracurricular involvement and excellence. Jacob graduated high school from Kempton, PA, Kutztown Senior High School. He will be graduating from Pennsylvania State University in May 2023 with a Bachelor's in Agriculture and Extension Education and Minors in Sustainability Leadership and International Agriculture. His future plans are to attend the University of Kentucky for a Master's in Community and Leadership Development and his research will focus on the recruitment and retention of minorities in agriculture. 

    Jacob chose to attend Penn State for his undergrad because he thought it was the best fit for him to grow in agriculture education while gaining the most current agricultural-based knowledge. His favorite class here at Penn State was ASM 327 which is Agricultural System Management: Soil and Water Resource Management. The clubs that he was involved in were: MANRRS, and PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter. The jobs he had here were with the Poultry Education and Research Center and Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. For internships, Jacob did Tick Research at the International Livestock Research Institute in Kenya, and another internship at Wildlife Conservation in Belize. 

    

    When we asked what Jacobs most valued experience was he responded: "I am proud to be a role model for other minority students in agriculture within my school and to encourage and uplift them into the career field the best I can".

    Jacobs' favorite sports team is the Philadelphia Eagles. He enjoys hanging out on the third floor of the library here at Penn State. His favorite place to eat at State College is Yallah Taco. Jacob's hobbies include painting, gaming, and reading. 

    When it comes to FFA background, Jacob comes from Kutztown FFA. His agricultural interest/passion is education, horticulture, and natural resource management. When asked one interesting thing about himself he responded "I am going to be the first person in my family to graduate from college!"

    Jacob is currently student teaching at WB Saul Agricultural High School. The two classes that he is leading instruction in are Natural Resource Management and Veterinary Technology II. 

Jacob's favorite quote is:

"Start where you are, with what you have. Make something of it and never be satisfied." 

- George Washington Carver

Make sure to follow Jacob on Twitter: 
@TurkoJacob

Sara Lichty

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural Sciences

Class of 2023

January 2023 AEE Student Of The Month: Morgan Bear

  Agricultural and Extension Education January Student of the Month: Morgan Bear

   

    The Center for Professional Personnel Development recognizes students that have outstanding achievements both academically and with extra-curricular activities and involvement. We are excited to announce that Morgan Bear is the January 2023 Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month! Morgan's hometown is Newville PA and she attended high school at Big Spring High School. 

    Morgan will graduate in the Fall of 2023 with a bachelor's in Agricultural and Extension Education with two minors in Sustainability Leadership and Leadership Development. Her future plans are to secure a teaching job as an Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor. When we asked her why she chose Penn State she responded: "As a high school student, Penn State was super intimidating. As a first-generation college student, I always considered Penn State but never really thought that I would actually get accepted. I was super happy when I got my acceptance letter, and I knew from there on out that Penn State was the only college that I wanted to attend. It is not only known for its strong agricultural education program, but also for the opportunities to become involved in a variety of clubs, and leadership activities."

    Morgan's favorite class here at Penn State was Animal Science 426: Advanced Livestock Judging & Selection. She is involved in many Penn State clubs and jobs: Penn State Livestock Judging Team, Block and Bridle, College of Agricultural Sciences Ag Advocate, Teach Ag Avengers, Ag Student Council, PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters, and CPPD Student Worker. She also had multiple internships including, Pennsylvania FFA Association State Secretary 2018-2019, Cumberland County 4-H Extension Agency: Summer Assistant, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau: Friends of Agriculture Foundation: Summer Intern, Horizon Farm Credit: Knowledge Center Intern.

    Her favorite Sports Team is the Penn State Nittany Lions Football and Gymnastics! Her favorite Hang-out on Campus is ASI 3rd floor or Ferguson 213. Her favorite place to eat in State College is "The Field Burger and Tap".

    When it comes to her FFA and 4-H background, Morgan was in Cumberland County 4-H: Livestock and Farm Stock Clubs, and Big Spring FFA: Chapter Sentinel, Vice-President, President, and was Pennsylvania State FFA Secretary 2018-2019.

    "My interest in agriculture stems from being involved in the industry from as young as I can remember. I began showing livestock which led to finding a love for the industry. My passion quickly grew through opportunities to try new things and grow as a leader through both 4-H and FFA as a youth. Now, my passion has never been deeper as I have dedicated my life and career pursuits to work towards my dream career of becoming an Agricultural Educator and continuing to impact youth and give back to the industry that has provided me with so much". 

    Starting this semester, Morgan is student teaching at Northern York High School (Pinchot FFA) in Dillsburg PA. "I am most excited to finally put my skill set to use and mold learners as I step into a teaching role and grow as a professional!".

    Morgan will be teaching serval lessons during her student teaching experience. The classes are Small Gas Engines, Intro to Ag. Mechanics, Landscaping, Vet Science, and Greenhouse Management. 

    

Morgan's favorite quote is:

“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness”
– Thomas Jefferson

Follow her journey on Twitter and Instagram

Twitter: @morganbear_ 

Instagram: @morganbear_

Sara Lichty

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural Sciences

Class of 2023

Anna Sweeten December 2022 AEE Student of the Month

Agricultural and Extension Education December Student of the Month
Anna Sweeten

    The Center for Professional Personnel Development recognizes students that have outstanding achievements both academically and with extra-curricular activities and involvement. We are excited to announce that Anna Sweeten is the December 2022 Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month! Anna's hometown is Gettysburg PA and she attended high school at Gettysburg Area High School.
 
    Anna attended Penn States Mont Alto branch for two years and then transferred to University park in the "Two Plus Two" program. Her Graduation year is 2023 and her degree will be in Agricultural and Extension Education. Her future plans are to become a high school ag teacher. When we asked her why she chose Penn State she responded: "It was recommended to me because of its awesome Ag program!"

    During her time at Penn State, her favorite PSU Class was AEE 350. The class AEE 350 is "Teaching Methods for Agricultural and Environmental Laboratories". She is involved in a club here at Penn State. She is a part of the PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter. Her favorite Sports Team is the Penn State Nittany Lions. Her Favorite Hang-out on Campus is Ferguson, and her favorite place to eat in State College is "DP Dough". Some of Anna's hobbies include cooking and hanging out with friends.

    Anna was involved in her 4-H program for 7 years showing horses and then joined the Battlefield FFA chapter for 3 years in high school. When asked about her Agriculture Interest/Passion she responded that it was in "Equine science and Horticulture". 

    One interesting thing about Anna is that she won a contest in elementary school and got a statue made of her. Her favorite quote is “You can change the world by changing your words”.

    Anna will be student teaching at Kennard-Dale High School with Ms. Hannah Harris. When we asked Anna what she was most excited about during student teaching she responded she is excited about "Learning new things and teaching students about all the opportunities that agriculture can present". She will be teaching: Animal Care and Management, Plant and Soil Studies, FFA Leadership, Small Gas Engines, and Vet Science. 

 

 Follow her journey on Twitter

Twitter: anna_swee10  

Sara Lichty

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural Sciences

Class of 2023

AEE November Student of the Month: Krista Mathias

 Agricultural and Extension Education November Student of the Month

Krista Mathias

    The Center for Professional Personnel Development recognizes students that have outstanding achievements both academically and with extra-curricular activities and involvement. We are excited to announce that Krista Mathias is the November 2022 Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month! Krista's Hometown is Mercer PA and she attended high school at Mercer Area Jr/Sr High School.
 
    Krista went to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and studied Biology Education there for 2 years. She then transferred to PSU in 2021 to major in Agricultural and Extension Education and "has been abundantly blessed with this decision. Though I'm a little behind from transferring halfway through my degree, this has been one of the best decisions I have ever made".
 

    Krista will graduate in the Fall of 2023 with a bachelor's in Agricultural and Extension Education. Her future plans are to become a high school ag teacher. When we asked her why she chose Penn State she responded: "Penn State offered me the best chance to achieve my dream of becoming an ag teacher. In November 2020, one of the most influential mentors I know told me that she was surprised that I wasn't studying agricultural education at Penn State... so of course, I transferred! I like to say that I am where I'm at today because of cows and a woman named Darla."

 
    During her time at Penn State, her favorite PSU Class was AEE 349. The class AEE 349 is "Shop Processes for Agricultural Educators". She is involved in many Penn State clubs and jobs: Dairy Barns Student Resident Employee, Teach Ag! Avenger, showing member on the Penn State Western Equestrian Team, Dairy Science Club, PSU FFA Alumni, and Supporters. Her favorite Sports Team is the Penn State Nittany Lions. Her Favorite Hang-out on Campus is ASI 2^nd floor or Ferguson 214. Her favorite place to eat in State College is "The Plaza".

Krista and classmates during AEE 350 class

    She had an internship at Mercer County Extension Office and 4-H Program, in 2022. Her hobbies include "Showing horses with the PSU western team, taking my horse Chex to little jackpot barrel races, juggling, attempting to ride my unicycle, and cracking jokes".

    Krista's 4-H/FFA Background is: "None! I did not go to a high school that had FFA and was not involved in 4-H. I did compete in youth rodeos in high school, but I never did in 4-H."
 
    "I love the dairy industry. This was the industry that sparked my love for agriculture and is one of the reasons I am at Penn State today. The dairy industry was a huge part of my childhood growing up. When I turned 16 and got my first truck, I started milking cows at the largest dairy in my county. We milk 500 Jersey cows, and the Jerseys quickly became my favorite cattle breed."
 
    Krista's favorite quote is "Find out who you are. And do it on purpose" - Dolly Parton. "One interesting thing about me is that I bring my juggling balls with me everywhere I travel. I have juggled in 26 different states!"
 

Krista with Pequea Valley students at Nationals

    Krista will be student teaching at Pequea Valley High School with Mrs. VanSant. When asked what she is most excited about during student teaching, she responded "Creating connections with students and encouraging them to be the best that they can be. I want them to know that they have endless possibilities and that they matter. I also want to encourage them to never stop learning and share my passion for agriculture."
 
    During her student teaching, she will teach Veterinary Science, Introduction to Agricultural Mechanics, Small Animal Science, Biological Studies in Agricultural Sciences, and Middle School Environment and Natural Resources.
 

Follow her journey on Twitter and Instagram

Twitter: krista_mathias   

Instagram: kristamathias

Sara Lichty

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural Sciences

Class of 2023

From Connecticut to Pennsylvania Amanda Gagne is Hired at Penn Manor Teaching Agriculture!

Ms. Gagne comes to Pennsylvania Agricultural Education all the way from Bristol Connecticut! She has recently accepted a position at the Penn Manor High School in Millersville, Pennsylvania. Amanda will begin teaching a variety of classes including, ag businesses, introduction to animal science, introduction to ag mechanics, welding 1, and vet science 1&2 at this five-teacher program in January. Penn Manor is home to 367 active FFA members that Amanda is super excited to meet!

Amanda completed her student teaching internship at the Conrad Weiser Area School District in both the middle and high school.  She taught both seventh and eighth-grade agricultural science, introduction in agricultural science, and current agricultural topics.

While student teaching, she gained valuable teaching method techniques and skills she can’t wait to put into action in her new classroom!  One unique teaching experience Amanda had the chance to take part in while student teaching was completing a dissection on a guinea pig to determine the cause of death during a veterinary science unit! 

When asked for one quote Amanda would like to share with future agricultural educators Amanda responded with, “If it doesn’t scare you, then it’s not challenging enough.” She explained that jumping into agricultural education changed her life dramatically forever.  She also encourages students who are on the fence about teach ag to give it a shot, “the worst thing that happens is you learn something new and move on.”

Congratulation Amanda on starting your career at Penn Manor! We are all very excited to have you back in Pennsylvania and can’t wait to watch you grow! We know you will positively impact your new students!  Good Luck! Keep up with Amanda on social media @ Agagne08.  

Killiann George 

CPPD Student Worker 

Agricultural & Extension Education 

Class of 2023