ALEC at the University of Tennessee

07/15/2026

We are excited to welcome Dr. Chris Eck as a new faculty member in the ALEC Department!

Dr. Eck joined the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture team this summer as an Associate Professor of Agricultural and Extension Education and the Director of the Tennessee Next Chapter Program. In his role, Dr. Eck will also support professional development and outreach with Tennessee agricultural and Extension educators.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Eck!

07/13/2026

We have had an eventful summer in the ALEC department, starting with celebrating the accomplishments of our faculty!

Congratulations to our ALEC faculty who were recognized at this year's university-wide Academic Honors Banquet.

Dr. Shelli Danjean Rampold received the Success in Multidisciplinary Research award as a member of the UTIA Flood Recovery Initiative team.

Dr. Tyler Granberry received the Excellence in Advising award.

Dr. Blake Colclasure received the Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year award.

05/14/2026

ALEC faculty, staff and students were recently celebrated at the 2026 Herbert Annual Awards Banquet. We would like to congratulate everyone who was recognized for their extraordinary efforts this year.

12/30/2025

Graduate Student Spotlight 🎉

Kristen Graas is a Master's Student in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications. Her research focus is how different religious and spiritual beliefs impact one's science beliefs specifically involving evolutionary biology.

Kristen completed her undergraduate degree in biology at UT and is very interested in science communications!

12/22/2025

Graduate Student Spotlight 🎉

Michelle Hung is a PhD Student in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications with a focus in international agriculture. Her research topic is long-term impacts of a public-private-NGO extension partnership in the Rwandan broiler industry.

Michelle originally from northern California. Outside of academia, she likes to read history and science fiction.

12/19/2025

Graduate Student Spotlight 🎉

Katelyn Bledsoe is a PhD Student in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications. Her research focus is "Underrepresented Women Leaders in Sustainable Agriculture."

Katelyn is a first generation college student who completed two of her degrees from the University of Tennessee. By graduation, she will have three degrees from UT. She is a true Vol for Life!

12/08/2025

The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications is now accepting applications for the position of Professor and Department Head. To view full position details and apply, please visit https://apply.interfolio.com/178705.

12/05/2025