By:
Chuck Woods (352) 392-1773 x 281Source(s):
Jimmy Cheek jgcheek@mail.ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 392-1961
Byron French bfrench@ufl.edu, (352) 392-1864 ext. 101
GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Byron French, a professor of agricultural and biological engineering with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, received the John Deere Award from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) at the organization’s conference June 20 in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
The NACTA John Deere Award, which includes $500 for the recipient and another $500 for the institution, recognizes outstanding teachers and programs in agricultural business, technology and management in post-secondary schools and colleges.
Jimmy Cheek, dean of UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences who helped nominate French for the award, said recipients are evaluated by administrators, alumni and students for their teaching philosophy, professional development and ability to help students begin successful careers in management, production, processing, or sales and service.
French, who joined the UF faculty in 1982, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in agricultural operations management. His extension educational efforts include training vocational agricultural teachers around the state, working with Florida 4-H and other youth development programs, and demonstrating technologies for sustainable agriculture.
His experience in international agricultural development includes two years at the University of the Philippines, work on the UF/U.S. Agency for International Development project in Cameroon, West Africa, and development of courses and seminars in Central and South America as well as developing countries.
French received his bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry and agricultural engineering technology from Cornell University in 1964. He received a master’s degree in agricultural education at Cornell in 1967 and a doctoral degree in adult and vocational education from Kansas State University in 1982.
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