NDSU Agriculture Announces Department of Agricultural and Family Education

The College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources at North Dakota State University announces the newly formed Department of Agricultural and Family Education. The department is a multidisciplinary unit, wherein faculty and staff lead the academic programs in agricultural education, family and consumer sciences education, agricultural sciences, and extension education, as well as the outreach programs and activities of the NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. 

The fully accredited teacher education programs focus on preparing teachers for the changing school landscape and life skill development of our youth. Further, the academic programs prepare Extension professionals for creating engaging educational environments in our communities. The 4-H Youth Development program creates supportive learning environments for youth and service-learning opportunities for adults in communities across the state. Bringing these programs together combines their strengths and supports creative opportunities for them to serve educators and youth throughout North Dakota.

“The College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources is excited to offer these academic programs as part of our curriculum portfolio to meet the needs of communities in North Dakota and looks forward to the exciting opportunities the future holds,” said Carrie Hammer, interim associate dean of the college. 

Leigh Ann Skurupey has been the chair of the new department since 2023 and has served as the assistant director for the NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program since 2022. Skurupey works alongside Adam Marx, associate professor, who serves as the new department’s academic coordinator. Under their leadership, the department comprises a dedicated and innovative team of five faculty members and eight staff members committed to empowering people with tools to succeed as learners and educators. Their collective efforts aim to inspire and nurture the next generation of leaders across all stages of life. 

"By blending the strengths of Agricultural and Family Education, we're sowing the seeds of knowledge and providing fertile ground for ideas to take root and flourish,” says Skurupey. “Together, we are cultivating talented individuals ready to thrive and make a positive impact in our communities."

Currently, 75 undergraduate and 35 graduate students are enrolled in the department. In fall 2024, 25 new undergraduates will begin their programs.

The creation of this department is a product of the college realignment completed in 2023 under the NDSU Transform plan. Previously, agricultural education, family and consumer sciences education, and extension education existed under the former College of Human Sciences and Education. Since 2018, these programs have seen 56 students graduate with a B.S. in agricultural education and 41 students graduate with a B.S. in family and consumer sciences education. 

For more information: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/academics/academic-units/agricultural-and-family-education