Jones honored with Award for Excellence in Teaching
Monday, April 25, 2022
Media Contact: Jami Mattox | Agricultural Communications Services | 405-744-8061 | jami.mattox@okstate.edu
Rodney Jones, professor in the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics, was recognized with the Award for Excellence in Teaching at the Ferguson College of Agriculture Scholarship and Awards Banquet.
Jones joined the department in 2013 and is responsible for teaching introduction to agricultural economics, agricultural finance, advanced agricultural finance, and advanced farm and ranch management. He serves as curriculum and assessment coordinator for the department. Jones is an academic advisor for approximately 80 undergraduate students and helps mentor new faculty as academic advisors. He is also co-advisor for the Farm Credit Student Board.
Prior to joining the OSU family, Jones held a faculty position in the agricultural economics department at Kansas State University from 1995 to 2008, where he developed a reputation as an outstanding college instructor. He also previously served as the Northwest Oklahoma Area Extension agricultural economist.
Jones owns and operates a crop farm in northwest Oklahoma. He utilizes this hands-on experience to enhance learning opportunities for his students. They appreciate the real-world knowledge application offered in his classroom.
“The vast majority of classes taught in the Ferguson College of Agriculture have direct applications to skills and knowledge that lead to success in jobs in the agricultural industry,” Jones said. “This is certainly true for the classes that I teach.”
He said, for example, many students take concepts and applications directly learned in agricultural finance or advanced farm management classes into their careers.
“Employers often tell me students are learning what they need in my classroom to hit the ground running in their new careers,” he said.
Jones’ students also value the real-world knowledge they gain in his classes.
“Students appreciate Dr. Jones’ ability to bring personal experience and practical application to the classroom,” said Cynda Clary, associate dean for academic programs. “His passion for the field of agricultural economics makes it easy for his students to gain a solid foundation of knowledge.”
Dr. Cheryl DeVuyst, department head for agricultural economics, said that evaluations and comments demonstrate Jones’ excellence in the classroom and reflect how he continually makes the effort to improve his instruction and mentoring efforts for students.
“Dr. Jones not only participates in workshops for himself, but he also regularly mentors new instructors, graduate students and teaching assistants as they begin teaching and evaluating student learning,” DeVuyst said.
Teaching at OSU gives Jones the opportunity to develop relationships with great students from Oklahoma, from across the U.S. and from around the world, he said.
“When you have students who have a strong desire to learn and a supportive environment to work in, success flows naturally,” Jones said. “We get to know our students on a personal level, and along with that comes a strong commitment to help them succeed in their academic endeavors.”
The Ferguson College of Agriculture emphasizes hands-on learning and prioritizes a well-rounded student experience. The college’s award-winning faculty members are dedicated to developing students and are passionate about adding value to the total educational experience. With a diverse set of majors and study options, plus more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at agriculture.okstate.edu.