Ag program
Search begins for agriculture instructor
By Courtney Denton
A search is going on for a full-time agriculture instructor as a part of a process to revitalize the agriculture program. The college plans to add agriculture courses and to develop certificate programs.
Ron Groleau, chair of the natural science division, said the new instructor will be the program coordinator which includes recruiting students.
A few years ago, enrollment in agriculture courses was so low that the College Board considered cutting the program, Groleau said. There was such a response from the community that the program was kept, but with only one part-time instructor, Doug Stockley. He will continue part-time in agriculture in the fall.
"One reason for the low enrollment in our program is that programs other places have recruited heavily in our area," Groleau said.
The College Board decided to expand the program following recommendations by an Agriculture Advisory Committee, comprised of local agribusiness professionals, college staff and high school faculty, and a needs assessment conducted by a consultant.
"The process will be slow at first," Groleau said, "and courses will be added as the program builds."