Amy Harder, Assistant Professor

Dr. Amy Harder is an assistant professor in Extension Education in the Department of Agricultural Education at Communication. Although native to the Chicagoland area, she went west to receive a bachelor’s degree in equine science and a master’s degree in extension education, both from Colorado State University. Dr. Harder then went to work as a 4-H agent for three years in Boulder County, CO prior to beginning her Ph.D. program in agricultural education at Texas A&M University. Her research interests include the recruitment and retention of extension agents, professional development competencies, and county program evaluations.

Education

• Texas A&M University, Ph.D., Agricultural Education, 2007
• Colorado State University, M.Agr., Extension Education, 2001
• Colorado State University, B.S., Equine Science, 2000

Research Areas

• Academic Development of Extension Agents
• Competency Development for Extension Agents

Recent Publications

Harder, A., & Dooley, K. (2007). Perceptions of important competencies for early-career and established 4-H agents. Journal of Southern Agricultural Education Research, accepted for publication.

Harder, A., Wingenbach, G., & Rosser, M. (2007). Developing international research partnerships. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, accepted for publication.

Harder, A., Goff, S., & Roberts, T. G. (2007). Research productivity in the Journal of Agricultural Education from 1996 to 2005. Journal of Agricultural Education, accepted for publication.

Harder, A., & Wingenbach, G. (2007). Texas 4-H agents’ perceptions of selected competencies in the 4-H Professional Research, Knowledge, and Competency model. Journal of Agricultural Education, accepted for publication.

Awards

• 2006 Outstanding Doctoral Student, Department of Agricultural Education, Texas A&M University
• 2005 TYRO Award (Outstanding Agent, 1-3 years experience), Colorado Association of Extension 4-H Agents
• 2005 University Regents’ Fellowship, Texas A&M University

Courses Taught

• AEE 3313: Role and Development of Cooperative Extension
• AEE 4500: Program Development and Evaluation
• AEE 4506: Nonformal Teaching Methods and Delivery Strategies
• AEE 6426: Development of a Volunteer Leadership Program
• AEE 6512: Program Development in Extension Education