MSU Student Helps Inspire Next Generation of Agriculture Teachers

What began as an opportunity to explore a career in agricultural education became a year of leadership, advocacy and professional growth for Morehead State University student Savannah Kelsch.

Kelsch, a sophomore agriculture education major from Augusta, recently completed a year as a Kentucky Teach Ag Ambassador, representing agriculture education at events across the Commonwealth and encouraging students to consider careers as ag educators.

The Kentucky Teach Ag Ambassador Program is open to college students majoring in agricultural education who are passionate about promoting the profession and supporting future agriculture teachers across the Commonwealth. Ambassadors assist with events, outreach and recruitment efforts throughout the year while building leadership skills, professional connections and experience with Kentucky FFA and the Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators.

As the only Morehead State student selected for the program this year, Kelsch gained hands-on experience in outreach, recruitment and leadership while building connections with educators and industry professionals. Throughout her year of service, she represented agricultural education at major events across Kentucky, including the Kentucky FFA State Convention and Kentucky State Fair. She has connected with FFA members, aspiring agriculture teachers, Kentucky FFA state officers and fellow ambassadors.

"Getting to meet all the new people has been my favorite part," Kelsch said. "My network has grown tremendously through this ambassadorship...Creating these strong connections with different people will give me a strong support system, new ideas and connections with people throughout the agriculture industry."

Kelsch concluded her year as a Kentucky Teach Ag Ambassador by bringing that message back to the MSU campus and promoting agricultural education during the National Association of Agricultural Educators' National Teach Ag Week in September. The greatest impact of the experience, however, has been on Kelsch's own view of the profession.

"Seeing how bright the future of ag ed is has been so refreshing and like a breath of fresh air," she said. "The future of this industry is truly bright, and I'm so excited to see the impact they will have."

To learn more about MSU's Department of Agricultural Sciences, email agsi@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2662.