Distance Delivered Program 2007 Cohort Directory
Michelle Alday, Agricultural Education
alday26@aol.com
Why did you select this program?
To become a teacher with varied teaching techniques and improve myself while continue to teach.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Communication with faculty and balancing/managing time
Personal biography
I am a fourth year ag teacher at Brandon High School where the demographic does not include any farming background. I love the challenge of teaching these types of students. I am not married and involved in many different hobbies and activities. I have many supportive friends and family. I attend the First Baptist Church Dover.
Keitha Barnhorst, Agricultural Education
Keitha.barnhorst@polk-fl.net
Why did you select this program?
It will help me become a better classroom teacher
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Working with other professionals from across the state—the distance between us all
Personal biography
Completed 5 years of teaching in Polk County. Earned a BS in horticulture from UF in 1998.
John Bender, Agricultural Education
b4farm@aol.com
Why did you select this program?
University of Florida’s academic excellence, this has been goal since I received my bachelor’s degree.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Finding the time for class work
Personal biography
Attended high school in Plant City, active in FFA, football and tennis. Attended UF from 1970-1974, member AGR fraternity, and Student Senate. President and co-owner of Gro-Mor, Inc. from 1974-2001. Began teaching at East Bay High School in 2001. Married to Jane, have two children; William and Sara.
Kevin Campbell, Extension Education
kscampbell@ifas.ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
Flexible “class” times
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Forcing myself to block out time to do course work
Personal biography
I graduated from Auburn University with degree in Animal Sciences. I’m married with a daughter. My wife, Christa, is an FCS agent with the University of Georgia. We have a small farm we hope build a house on one day.
Heather Carr, Agricultural Education
heather.carr@sdhc.k12.fl.us
Why did you select this program?
I thought a distance program would be the best way for to get my master’s degree.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Funds to pay for it.
Personal biography
I’m a vet teacher at Tampa Bay Technical High School
William Dukes, Agricultural Education
wdukes@ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
Professional and financial incentive, convenience
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Fitting in assignments with building a new agriscience program
Personal biography
I grew up on a farm in Union County and was active in FFA and served as State Secretary in 1999-2000. Majored in Ag Ed at UF and graduated in June 2004. I began teaching at JAF Senior High School as a new teacher in a brand new program.
Marie Fussell, Agricultural Education
marie.fussell@polk.fl.net
Why did you select this program?
I selected this program because it seems to be tailored to a teacher’s schedule
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
The biggest challenge will be time management.
Personal biography
Graduated from UF in 1991, with a degree in Agricultural Education; Ag teacher/FFA advisor 1992-1997, Bartow Middle School. Ag teacher/FFA advisor 1997-present, Bartow High School. Married to Michael Fusell, Mom to Wes and Reed.
Belinda Gran, Agricultural Education
Belinda.gran@sdhc.k12.fl.us
Why did you select this program?
I believe that a successful teacher is one this is willing to change, obtain new information and take advantage of the possibilities that are open to them. I want to be that teacher, and I believe this program will help me get there.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Time. I serve on the FAAE board, a member of the 2004-05 Agriscience Leadership Team, and I have two small children.
Personal biography
Married to Stephen Gran, 6 years, daughter, Paige, son, Tate. Hillsborough County Traditional 4-H Agent (1996-1998). Agriscience teacher at East Bay High School, 1998-present.
Jodi Geiger, Agricultural Education
jhgeiger@mail.volusia.k12.fl.us
Why did you select this program?
I want to earn my master’s and hopefully become and better teacher
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Time management
Personal biography
17 years of teaching experience, currently teaching/FFA advisor at Pine Ridge High School. Served on FFA, FFA Alumni, FAAE, and FACTE Boards, currently FACTE State President. I was 2002 National Syngenta Ambassador for Ag Education, NAAE Outstanding Educator. I'm a graduate from the University of Florida.
Sharon Guest-Tagliavento, Extension Education
sgt@ifas.ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
Appropriate for my career path
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Access to university resources
Personal biography
4-H agent, Flagler County, 3 years; born in Pottstown, PA and raised on dairy farm; worked at the dairy complex at Cornell University for 19 years, transferred to CU Veterinary school for an additional 2 years while working in a DNA lab.
Julie Johnson, Agricultural Education
Juliea.nail@sdhc.k12.fl.us
Why did you select this program?
I wish to become further educated in the field of agricultural education, and I feel UF has the best program to do that.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Time management will be my biggest challenge. My job takes most of my time. I will have to improve upon my time management skills.
Personal biography
I was born and raised in Lakeland. Throughout high school and college I worked on a golf course as a spray technician and helped with a 200-head cow/calf operation. I received my B.S. from the University of Florida in Agricultural Education. I am married and reside in Lakeland.
Jesse Kelly, Agricultural Education
jkelly@dcboe.com
Why did you select this program?
I selected this program for convenience and family ties to the University of Florida.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
My biggest challenge will be balancing home, work and school. I am not a good time manager, so this might be a big problem.
Personal biography
I am 23 years old and grew up in rural southwest Georgia. I graduated high school in 200 and recently from the University of Georgia with a BSA in Agricultural Education. I am a first year teacher at Hutto Middle School in Bainbridge, GA. I am married to a pharmacy student at UGA.
Lynne Middleton, Extension Education
lcmiddleton@ifas.ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
Distance & WebCT based—more convenient.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Time- The challenge for all 4-H agents
Personal biography
26 years old, married, BS in FRE: Agribusiness Management from the University of Florida in 2000. I enjoy reading, hunting, camping, and shopping
Michael Swindle, Agricultural Education
mswindle@hotmail.com
Why did you select this program?
To enhance the quality of my instruction and teaching
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Time management; making sure I manage my time to complete the course work and remain devoted to my current obligations
Personal biography
I'm married (4 years) to Amy, and I have a son, Connor. I received my B.S. from UF in 1993. I've been teaching 11 years.
Mary Suralis, Agricultural Education
kadiddle@ufl.edu
No other information available at this time.
Chris Verlinde, Extension Education
christinav@co.santa-rosa.fl.us
Why did you select this program?
Great opportunity to complete degree online and this program will enhance my skills as an extension agent.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Time management—although I feel I will be able to integrate my extension activities into the program
Personal biography
I was born in Green Bay, WI. I have lived in Florida since 1979, so I consider Florida my home! My son, Jake is a senior at West Florida Technical HS.
John (Chris) Wilder, Agricultural Education
wilderc@levy.k12.fl.us
Why did you select this program?
I’ve always wanted to earn my Master’s Degree; this method using WebCT is very easy for me to use.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Balancing time for assignments with time for family
Personal biography
Married to Amy, two daughters; Kaley (10) and Lindsey (4). I’m in my 13th year of teaching after receiving my B.S. in Agricultural Education from UF. I’m a nationally certified teacher. My father taught ag for 33 years.
Kim Willis, Agricultural Education
Kimberly.willis@sdhc.k12.fl.us
Why did you select this program?
To further my education in my field of interest and it is the most flexible program I’ve found.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
The time to dedicate to course work and to continue working full time.
Personal biography
Graduated from East Bay High School, attended UF, and married to Joe Willis (tomato & watermelon farmer). We live on a farm in Wimauma with our 10 dogs, 4 cats and a small herd of Limousin/Hereford beef cattle. No children—yet! I’ve been teaching ag foundations, animal science, and recently, vet assisting at East Bay High School.
