Jim Flowers 2006 Southern Region AAAE Conference Southern

Jim Flowers 2006 Southern Region AAAE Conference Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists

Agricultural Education What is agricultural education? Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists

3 Points • Rigor • Relevance • Relationships Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists

Rigor • In our academic programs – Quality graduates – Challenging curriculum – Consider different approaches Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists

Rigor • In our Research – We have come a long way – Maintain high standards Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists

Relevance • Relevant Programs – Community based – Current needs, not past success Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists

Relevance In Agricultural Education Research – Basis for program improvement – Address current problems vs. research themes? – Limited resources for research – What should be the focus for our research? Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists

Relationships • More important now than ever before • Many small departments with limited resources • Does distance matter that much in today’s world? • Avoid duplication of efforts Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists

What’s Next? • Continue to work on the 3 R’s – Stronger profession – Greater impact on agriculture – Work together to make it happen Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists

And now a word from my granddaughter: Grandpa says, “Thank you. ” Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists