By Sophia Fahleson
The Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture has selected Shane Robinson to serve as head of the Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership, pending approval from the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents at its next meeting in March.
Robinson has served as an agricultural education professor in the Ferguson College since 2007 and associate director of the Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence at OSU since 2013. He received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agriculture education from the Ferguson College and received his doctorate in agricultural education from the University of Missouri.
Current agricultural education, communications and leadership department head Rob Terry has served in the role since 2010.
“My plan is to continue to build on the legacy that Dr. Terry and others have established over the history of our program’s existence,” Robinson said. “We have always been, and will continue to be, student-focused in our work and hope to extend the department’s reach to stakeholders and constituents across all 77 counties in Oklahoma.”
Robinson said he will seek ways to elevate teaching, research and Extension through student engagement and impactful research addressing relevant societal problems.
“Advancing the land-grant mission is in Dr. Robinson’s wheelhouse,” said Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture. “His enthusiasm and effective leadership skills will serve him well as the new department head.”
Robinson said he is eager to continue working with students in his new role as department head.
“We offer a high-quality educational experience for our students, and we will strive to provide a culture where students feel welcomed, appreciated and connected to the Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership community,” he said.
OSU Agriculture is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Oklahomans through science-based information and education. It is comprised of the Ferguson College of Agriculture and two state agencies: OSU Ag Research and OSU Extension.
