Department News

“These trends in rural Nebraska are similar to what we’re seeing across the country,” said Heather Akin, assistant professor of strategic communication at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. “Direct experiences with extreme weather tend to evoke more concern about climate change, but we’re also seeing more uncertainty in terms of how people think their communities will manage in the future.” The Grand Island Independent | December 18, 2022

“A goal of the Nebraska Rural Poll is to give rural Nebraskans a voice on issues affecting their communities and the state, including their views and concerns related to natural resources,” said Heather Akin, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication at Nebraska. “The majority of rural Nebraskans are satisfied with their access to clean water but expressed concern about contaminants.” Journal Democrate | December 8, 2022

A survey of 1,105 rural Nebraska households revealed residents are generally pessimistic about the economy. The survey was given to provide a voice to rural Nebraska, focusing on the economy and employment within the state. Nebraska Today | November 10, 2022

For both students and communities, the application window opened Oct. 1. Applications can be found here. Webinars for community leaders interested in hosting student fellows will be held on Zoom at 10 a.m. Oct. 19 and 1 p.m. Oct. 21. Nebraska Today | October 4, 2022

Knoll heads ALEC’s Skilled and Technical Sciences (STS) teacher training program, and his innovations have strengthened instructional curricula and facilitated partnerships with industry, Nebraska community colleges and the state’s Department of Education.

Matt Kreifels, an associate professor of agricultural leadership, education and communications, appeared on RFD-TV on April 20 to talk about the university’s plans to bolster recruitment, support and retention of high school agriculture education instructors.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication department on April 6 announced major steps to strengthen agricultural teacher training and support.

The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication has been educating extraordinary teachers, leaders, and communicators for over 100 years. We prepare students for successful careers in the agricultural industry, secondary agriscience instruction, extension education, environmental sciences communication, youth development, and more. We are committed to the continuous development of our faculty and staff.

Nebraska communities that participate in Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s 2022 Rural Fellows program will be eligible for financial support. In total, $100,000 will be available to communities that host students to work on projects as part of the Rural Fellows summer internship program.

Congratulations to Matt Kreifels, Associate Professor of Practice, in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication on receiving the Dinsdale Family Faculty Award at last week’s IANR Annual Awards Luncheon. Started in 1999, the Dinsdale Family Faculty Award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding teaching, research, and outreach in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.