Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education at Penn State

03/02/2026

Congratulations!!! 🥳

Daniel F. Perkins, professor of family and youth resiliency and policy in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been named a distinguished professor by Penn State’s Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.

02/27/2026

Charlene Paquette, academic adviser, senior supervisor in the College of Agricultural Sciences’ Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education, whose nominator wrote: “Charlene went above and beyond to help me complete my degree. After walking at graduation without finishing coursework, she guided me step by step through community college credits and Penn State World Campus. Her constant support ensured I finished my degree.” 🥳

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 19 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.

02/18/2026

Congratulations, Dannyl! 🥳

Distinguished professor of youth and family resiliency and policy, College of Agricultural Sciences, Daniel Perkins studies youth and family resiliency, prevention science and military family well-being. As founding principal scientist of the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, Perkins has led major research initiatives that have shaped national policy and practice, including the PROSPER project and the VETERANetwork. His work supports research and outreach that has benefited communities, service members and veterans nationwide.

Penn State's Office of Faculty Affairs has named 14 new distinguished professors for 2026, recognizing outstanding academic contribution to the University.

02/13/2026

Featuring: Deanna Behring, Matthew Kaplan, Daniel Perkins & Kim Boonie!

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences recently celebrated 26 faculty and staff members who have been with the college for 25 years.

Each recipient is given the opportunity to select a gift, such as the iconic 25-year chair, in recognition of their commitment.

College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Troy Ott was on hand during the ceremony to recognize these individuals and thank them for their service.

“Faculty and staff are the foundation of this college’s excellence,” said Ott, Peter and Ann Tombros dean of the college. “For 25 years, their behind-the-scenes dedication, professionalism and care for our people and mission have made everything we do possible. They truly make us great, and I am proud to serve as their dean.”

The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences recently celebrated 26 faculty and staff members who have been with the college for 25 years.

02/06/2026

Very sad new of one of our own. A great student and a better person, Lakan continued to support AGBM students as a Hort/Veg industry career advisor and a regular participant in my 102 zoom Friday classes. 😢

View Laken Mae Bankert's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/30/2026

Featuring one of AESE's very own Alumni, Katie McLaughlin.

Katie McLaughlin, a graduate of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, brings with her a lifelong connection to agriculture to her current role in the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Transformation and Opportunity.

01/23/2026

Remembering Stan Lembeck: A Life of Purpose in Community Planning ...

01/20/2026

The project brought together Penn State undergraduates in Community, Environment, and Development 409: Land Use Planning and Procedure, and high school students to explore opportunities across five dimensions: locations, activities, benefits, partnerships and policies, explained Frans J.G. Padt, teaching professor of environmental policy and planning in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology and Education.

In early December, students enrolled in a Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences course partnered with high school students in the South Fayette Township School District in McDonald to design innovative outdoor learning spaces that promote wellness and hands-on learning.

01/12/2026

Maria Spencer & Paige Price featured.

In early November, Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and the College of Engineering partnered to host a BUILD Night at the Penn State Learning Center. Attendees worked in teams to map challenges, brainstorm solutions and build prototypes to combat food insecurity by reducing post-harve...

01/12/2026

Jan Scholl-Kennedy - CONGRATULATIONS! 🥳

Jan Scholl-Kennedy, associate professor emerita of agricultural and extension education and former 4-H extension specialist in the College of Agricultural Sciences, has been recognized nationally for a project she spearheaded to document the existence of research that undergirds the 4-H youth develo...

01/12/2026

Daniel Foster, Laura Rice & Mia Sullivan are featured in this article. CONGRATULATONS! 🥳

Penn State's agricultural and extension education program was well represented at this year’s National Association of Agricultural Educators National Convention, where multiple faculty, students and alumni participated in workshops and were recognized with awards.