By Erin Portman

Shelly Sitton, associate professor in agricultural communications, received the Regents Distinguished Teaching Award during the Oklahoma State University fall commencement ceremonies. This prestigious award is given to professors who have shown outstanding contribution to their colleges for a significant number of years.

Sitton graduated from OSU in 1988 as one of five students with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications. At that time, the agricultural communications program didn't have journalism classes for students. The students took writing and public relations classes in the journalism and broadcasting department. It was while walking to class with friends that Sitton mentioned that she would like to be an adviser to students in the area of agricultural communications.

After receiving her master’s degree in agricultural education from OSU in 1989, she began working in agricultural communications for the Grand River Dam Authority in Vinita, Okla. Three years later, her dream of becoming an academic adviser became a reality. Sitton joined the staff of the OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and 4-H Youth Development in 1992.

“I’d like to think I was worth the risk,” Sitton said.

Sitton helped designed the core curriculum for the agricultural communications program. Students now learn about all areas of journalism without leaving Agricultural Hall. She designed courses involving writing, layout and design, public relations, professional development, internships and publications, and her capstone class produces the Cowboy Journal magazine each semester.

“Our courses have more of an agricultural emphasis designed for students interested in agriculture,” Sitton said.

James Leising, OSU Agricultural Education, Communications and 4-H Youth Development department head, said the communications curriculum was a model for agricultural communications programs in the United States.

“If I were to say one thing about Shelly Sitton it is this: ‘Because of Shelly Sitton, the OSU Agricultural Communications program is successful, not only because of the number of students, but also because of the quality of the curriculum,’” Leising said. "It is because of her work and dedication to the OSU Agricultural Communications Program that it is as successful as it is today.”

Sitton's dedication to the program and its students the last 14 years has given her many personal rewards.

“Working with others, primarily college students, to help them grow and develop is my passion,” Sitton said. “Nothing compares to witnessing and assisting learning, to making a difference in someone’s life, either inside or outside the classroom. That is the greatest reward I receive. Although my faith and family come first, I give teaching my all, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

The agricultural communications program has grown from 20 students to 150 students since Sitton joined the staff.

Sitton keeps her ties with the agricultural field by being involved in the Livestock Publications Council, Association for Communications Excellence and the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. In addition, she serves as the national adviser for the student organization Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.

Sitton has two sons: Jacob, 9 ½, and Matthew, 3 ½. She and her sons are active in the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma and the Payne County 4-H.