University of Florida faculty and students were recognized by The North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) for their excellence in teaching at its 65th annual conference in June at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Each year the conference offers the opportunity for faculty, staff and students from across the nation to share their scholarship of teaching and learning while recognizing leaders in the educator profession. UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) faculty and graduate students who teach in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) received 21 awards across four award categories.

“Teaching excellence is a top priority of the college and we are proud of our graduate students and faculty who regularly earn awards for their engaging curricula and dedication to our students,” said CALS Dean Elaine Turner. “More than 80 UF/IFAS faculty have earned NACTA teaching awards since 1990. It is an honor to recognize this year’s award recipients who make it possible for our college to deliver unsurpassed educational programs that prepare our students to address the world’s critical challenges.”

The following faculty and students received 2019 NACTA teaching awards:

NACTA Educator Award

Recipients of the Educator Award are evaluated on their teaching philosophy; recommendations by students, alumni, peers and administrators; and a self-evaluation.

• C. Bunch, assistant professor in the agricultural education and communication department.
• Jennifer Drew, lecturer in the microbiology and cell science department.
• Derek Farnsworth, assistant professor in the food and resource economics department.
• Deborah Miller, professor in the wildlife ecology and conservation department, and located at the UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center in Milton, Florida.
• Dale Pracht, associate professor in the family, youth and community sciences department.
• Richard Scholtz, lecturer in the agricultural and biological engineering department.
• Wagner Vendrame, professor in the environmental horticulture department, and located at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, Florida.

NACTA Teaching Award of Excellence

This is the highest teaching award for faculty and recognizes one individual each year who has demonstrated excellence in post-secondary instruction in agriculture, has previously received the NACTA Educator award, demonstrated exceptional service to NACTA, and actively works to enhance teaching at their university and beyond

• Nicole Stedman, professor in the agricultural education and communication department.

Excellence in Teaching and Learning with Technology

This award recognizes one individual each year who demonstrates excellence in using technology to enhance post-secondary instruction in agriculture.

• Henry Hochmair, associate professor in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation.

NACTA Graduate Student Teaching Award

Recipients of the Graduate Student Teaching Award are recognized as outstanding teachers who have been involved in classroom instruction for at least one year.

• Wesley Boone, Ph.D. student in the wildlife ecology and conservation department.
• Lauren Cirino, Ph.D. student in the entomology and nematology department.
• Austin Council, Ph.D. student in the agricultural education and communication department.
• Katherine Dorman, Ph.D. student in the family, youth and community sciences department.
• Tyler D’Angelo, master’s student in the agricultural education and communication department.
• Isabella Damiani, master’s student in the agricultural education and communication department.
• Kevin Kent, Ph.D. student in the agricultural education and communication department.
• Andrew Marx, Ph.D. student in the wildlife ecology and conservation department.
• July Nelson, Ph.D. student in the agricultural education and communication department.
• Cameron Outlaw, master’s student in the agricultural education and communication department.
• Tiffany Rogers-Randolf, Ph.D. student in the agricultural education and communication department.
• Brianna Shanholtzer, master’s student in the agricultural education and communication department.

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The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) administers the degree programs of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The mission of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is to deliver unsurpassed educational programs that prepare students to address the world’s critical challenges related to agriculture, food systems, human wellbeing, natural resources and sustainable communities. The college has received more total (national and regional combined) USDA teaching awards than any other institution. Visit the CALS website at cals.ufl.edu, and follow CALS on social media platforms at @ufcals.

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