Smith selected for Ferguson College of Agriculture Early Career Teaching Award
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
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Nathan Smith, instructor and coordinator of field placement for the OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership and the OSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, has received the Ferguson College of Agriculture Early Career Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Smith has been a member of the Ferguson College faculty since 2018 and previously served 10 years as an agricultural education and FFA instructor. He serves as an academic advisor and currently teaches an agricultural education course paired with student teaching field experience. The other half of Smith’s instruction appointment is designated for agricultural systems technology courses that develop students’ knowledge and skills while providing teaching methods and supervisory techniques.
Smith has co-authored three journal manuscripts, six refereed conference papers and nine refereed conference posters about teaching and learning while pursuing a doctorate in agricultural education with a concentration in teacher education. He is expected to complete his degree in May 2023.
Rob Terry, agricultural education, communications and leadership department head, said Smith is a model teacher with innovative approaches and enthusiasm for teaching.
“Mr. Smith creates structured learning, allowing students to experience the content,” he said. “Students have benefited from his problem-solving abilities, awareness of career opportunities, empathy, wisdom and pervasive caring.”
Smith has been recognized in the Today’s Agriculturalist Under 40 award program by the Oklahoma Youth Expo and has received the Excellence in Academic Program Assessment award at OSU.
“Mr. Smith has displayed an intuitive nature of teaching and learning with both undergraduate and graduate students,” said OSU alumnus Kristopher Rankin. “His wealth of knowledge on working with pre-service agricultural education teachers has aided numerous students wanting to pursue employment in education and Extension education. I would not be the student nor human being I am today without his guidance and wisdom.”
Smith’s teaching philosophy involves understanding what intrinsically motivates a student to succeed.
“Mr. Smith takes a holistic approach to teaching and mentoring students,” said Cynda Clary, associate dean of the Ferguson College of Agriculture. “His dedication to providing diverse learning experiences that meet the needs of all learning styles is one of the many qualities that help his students excel.”
Smith said the best part of his career in education is watching students flourish in their endeavors.
“My goal is to provide my students with experiences that will make them both confident and competent to apply the skills they acquire within whatever career field they choose to pursue,” he said. “A teacher’s legacy is their students, and that legacy is enhanced when students know their teachers cared enough to teach them.”
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.