By Lacie Stockstill

The evolution of agriculture into a science with highly-specialized branches has created the demand for a specialized workforce. The Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and 4-H Youth Development is equipped to produce a supply of qualified graduates with the introduction of a third undergraduate major.

The agricultural leadership major was introduced in fall 2005. Formerly offered as an option in the agricultural education major, students may now pursue a major or minor in agricultural leadership.

Allison Hayes, agricultural leadership senior, is glad to see the development of the new major.

“I have a sincere interest in not only improving my leadership capabilities, but also that of our youth, the leaders of tomorrow,” Hayes said.

Major coursework is multidisciplinary and develops a strong foundation in both agriculture and leadership. In addition to agricultural courses in rural community development, international agriculture and environmental science, students build leadership skills with curriculum that includes best practices in leadership, personal leadership development and leadership theory.

“Because of the various classes that I have taken, in addition to my personal leadership experiences, I will depart OSU for the world as a well-rounded and complete person,” Hayes said.

A course in professional development, coupled with a 10-week internship, also helps prepare students for their career. Students choose internships based on their interests. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Farm Service Agency, Tyson Foods, Lazy-E Arena and John Deere have all hosted recent interns.

Because Hayes’ interests lie in the cattle industry, she chose an internship on a purebred cattle farm.

“I was the programming intern for a purebred Belted Galloway beef farm in Rockport, Maine,” Hayes said. “I was there for about 10 weeks and not only learned a lot about myself, but also about agriculture in other parts of the country.”

The agricultural leadership faculty contributes to the quality of the degree program. Cindy Blackwell, Chris Morgan, Penny Pennington and Bill Weeks comprise the agricultural leadership faculty.

“We have some of the best and brightest from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds at our disposal,” Hayes said. “They are always there and willing to help out in any situation that they can.”

With a bachelor’s degree in agricultural leadership, graduates can pursue such careers as Cooperative Extension agents, agricultural loan agents or agricultural sales representatives.

“I plan to pursue a career in youth leadership development, especially through breed associations and industry councils,” Hayes said.