Distance Delivered Program 2008 Cohort Directory
Alice DuBois, Agricultural Education
alice.dubois@tangischools.org
Why did you select this program?
I am interested in becoming a better teacher and I feel this program offers me the opportunity to improve my Agriscience teaching skills in a manageable way while I continue to teach.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Time management.
Personal biography
I have been a teacher for 16 years. Six of those years were spent teaching high school and junior high science and the rest were spent at my current high school teaching Agriscience. I live on our farm 45 miles north of New Orleans, Louisiana with my husband Bruce and my two daughters, CC (20 year old junior at LSU majoring in agribusiness and political science) and Shelly (15 year old sophomore).
Shelia Dunning, Extension Education
sdunning@ifas.ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
Distance delivery allows me to complete a Master’s without excessive commuting.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Budgeting my time for all my commitments.
Personal biography
Married. Mother of two. Born in Wisconsin. Moved to Florida in 1976. Avid softball player, animal lover. Employed in the nursery industry for over 20 years.
Julie England, Extension Education
julieeng@ifas.ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
To gain knowledge in extension and teaching. Also for the distance programming to better balance work and school.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Balancing school/work/personal life.
Personal biography
Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Resource Economics from UF. Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Rollins College. Married for over 12 years. Worked for over 25 years in the food service industry before joining Extension in April 2005. Interests: travel, reading and gator football.
Lawrence (Larry) Figart, Extension Education
Lfigart@coj.net
Why did you select this program?
I though it was a convenient way to earn a Masters Degree and maintain a full time job.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Like everyone else, balancing the time between work, family, and now school.
Personal biography
I am married with 2 children. They are both boys ages 8 and 15. I graduated from UF in 1985 with a Bachelors Degree in Forest Resources and Conservation. I worked 18 years for the Florida Division of Forestry, starting out as a Ranger/Forester and working up to a Senior Forester. I started in 2004 with the Duval County Extension Service as an Urban Forestry Extension Agent.
Corien Heykoop, Extension Education
cheykoop@ifas.ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
I work full time so I believe this program will allow me to continue my job and be able to earn a Masters degree successfully.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Managing my time between work, school, and free time.
Personal biography
I’m 24 years old, not married, have 5 brothers and 2 sisters. I like to read, play & watch sports, and spend time with family and friends.
Richard (Brantley) Ivey, Extension Education
BIvey@ifas.ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
I selected this program in hopes that the scheduling would best fit my work schedule. I think that graduate school is important, but time constraints make it tough to pursue further education. This program, I hope, is the answer.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Balancing school time with work and personal time.
Personal biography
After high school graduation I enlisted in the USMC. I did a four year tour of duty, saw many different countries, and couldn’t wait to get home. I worked for a couple of years before deciding to go on to college. I got my bachelor’s degree from UF and not work for UF/IFAS as a livestock Extension agent in Polk County.
Amanda Kacal, Agricultural Education
akacal08@ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
My professor at Texas A & M, Dr. Grady Roberts, highly recommended it. It was an opportunity to receive my Master’s while working full time, at a top-notch institution.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
The biggest challenge I foresee is having enough time to do all coursework but the flexibility of meeting-times allows me to overcome this. The availability of staff to help me is also a concern.
Personal biography
I graduated from Texas A & M University in August 2005 with a degree in Agricultural Science and a Teacher certification. I took a teaching job at Boling High School, which is where I completed my student teaching. I am looking forward to earning my MS degree and exploring the possibility of a PhD.
Rachel Kudelko, Extension Education
f4mel@ifas.ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
Because I am currently employed in Extension and I am a firm believer in its purpose to educate and serve the public.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
I think devoting the necessary time to my school-work and studies while still serving my community to the fullest extent will be the biggest challenge, but I’m prepared to face it “head-on.”
Personal biography
I am originally from Largo, Florida and I have been a FL resident all my life. I attend UF for my undergraduate studies and earned my BS in Food and Resource Economics in May of 2004. I decided on a career in extension after interning in the Pinellas County office. I have been the 4-H agent in Madison County since February of 2005.
Jean Rogalsky, Extension Education
jrogalsk@ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
A distance delivered program reduces travel time, freeing study and course time. I also wanted a UF Master’s program, one that directly relates to my Extension career.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
The challenge will be coordinating work, school and family-as always.
Personal biography
Pinellas County, 4-H Youth Development Agent; B.A. in Organizational Studies from Eckerd College; Married over 25 years to Michael Wrobel, Daughter Monica Wrobel, Son Ben Wrobel; Formerly Children’s Librarian; 4-H Leader for 10 years, 4-H member in Dade County
Geralyn Sachs, Extension Education
gmsachs@ifas.ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
I selected this program because I am employed full-time and I feel it will give me the flexibility I need to pursue a master’s degree in my area of interest.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
I am excited about being a part of the distance education program and plan to give it my best. Because I have been out of school so long, I am sure I will need to adjust to setting time aside for study and projects.
Personal biography
I grew up on a farm in Western Iowa. I moved to St. Augustine in 1983 with my husband Paul. We have 3 children, two of which attend UF. My BA is from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
Reta Scott, Extension Education
reta@ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
As a 4-H volunteer I realized how much I enjoyed the program and decided I also wanted to work in the area.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Time management and anticipating unscheduled activities. Also setting priorities.
Personal biography
I was born and raised in Florida (Levy County) and attended FSU. I have held jobs in the State University System for more than 20 years, as well as private industry. Began working in 4-H since 1999 and enjoy it very much.
Edward Skvarch, Extension Education
eask@ifas.ufl.edu
Why did you select this program?
I’m an extension agent and teach a good amount of adult agriculture education. This program will fit in with my programming quite well.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Balancing family, work and classes.
Personal biography
I was born in Syracuse, New York. In 1980 I settled in Ft. Pierce, FL. In 1983 I married Karen and we and have 3 children. During this time we owned and operated a lawn and landscape management company and I earned my AS, AA, and BA degrees. In 1999 I sold the business and became a Program Assistant for UF. I have elevated myself to Extension Faculty Commercial Horticulture Educator. Hobbies: racquet ball, sailing and boarding up windows for hurricanes.
Jessica Sullivan, Extension Education
jsul@osceola.org
Why did you select this program?
I wish to strengthen my skills as an Extension educator.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Finding enough time! Also, not having face to face interaction with instructors and other students.
Personal biography
Grew up in Kansas, did an internship as a garden coordinator at Disney, and then started working for Osceola County Extension as the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods coordinator. I have a BS from Kansas State University in Horticultural Therapy. I enjoy hiking, canoeing, cycling, garage sales, photography, traveling, and of course, gardening.
Susan Swartzfager, Agricultural Education
swartzs@nealitybrand.net
Why did you select this program?
I believe that the more training I have the more qualified I will be to teach my students.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
The biggest challenge will be fitting in all the activities and work in my life with continuing education.
Personal biography
I love Hoya plants and raising large fish. I have three teenage children that are all involved in FFA and pursuing Agricultural careers. I live on a 1550 acre working ranch with cattle, greenhouses and other livestock.
Wendy Vidor, Agricultural Education
gardenlovr@aol.com
Why did you select this program?
To continue my education in Agricultural Education.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge in completing this program?
Organizing my time to be on-line and also the financially concerns of tuition.
Personal biography
I have been an Ag Teacher for 3 years. I returned to teaching after several years in the Greenhouse/Nursery industry. I owned my own wholesale greenhouse business outside of Chicago. I moved to Florida 2 years ago and decided to return to teaching because of family. I am hoping to complete my Master’s and eventually my Doctoral degree. I have thoroughly enjoyed being an Ag Teacher.
