Agricultural Education at Western Illinois University: A Growing Trend
As agriculture continues to evolve, agricultural education is expanding through advancements in technology and growing student interest, a trend reflected at Western Illinois University. With new faculty and staff joining the School of Agriculture, Director Keela Trennepohl reports that enrollment in the university’s agricultural education programs has increased.
“There’s a lot of new faces around and a lot of new energy. We just brought on Dr. Dusti Ingles in Ag Ed. Last year alone, she tripled the size of the incoming students coming into her program. The ag teachers around her are seeing her incredible potential and are sending us more students,” Trennepohl noted.
“Animal Science has remained strong, but we are seeing revitalized efforts in Ag Ed and Agronomy, complementing our soil scientists and plant breeders. Our Ag Business program also remains strong. Students interested in Ag Business, Agronomy, Animal Science, or Agricultural Education—we have great strength in these areas and are heading in a truly positive direction,” Trennepohl added.
Earlier this year, WIU transitioned into a two-college system, creating the College of Business, Health, and Community Programs (CBHCP) and the College of Humanities, Arts, Science, and Education (CHASE). The School of Agriculture is now part of CHASE.