By Dr. Aaron McKim, Associate Professor and Program Lead, Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education, Michigan State University

The Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Education program at Michigan State University (MSU) continues to thrive—growing in impact, innovation and community. From new faculty and national recognition to student achievements and program expansion, the program has maintained remarkable positive momentum.

New Faculty Leadership
This fall, MSU welcomed Dr. Jessica Toombs to the AFNR Education team following a highly competitive national search. A former Missouri agriculture teacher and faculty member at Chico State University, Dr. Toombs brings a dynamic blend of classroom experience, research expertise and contagious enthusiasm for supporting current and future educators.

Celebrating Graduate Success
The team also proudly recognized Dr. Tiffany Marzolino, who recently completed her Ph.D. focused on school-based agricultural education at MSU. Dr. Marzolino accepted a faculty position in agriculture teacher education at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign beginning in Fall 2025—an exciting continuation of her work advancing belonging and engagement within agricultural education.

Current doctoral student Catlin Goodwin earned the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award in Spring 2025—an honor bestowed on one graduate student each year. The award recognizes exceptional teaching and a strong commitment to improving student learning across disciplines.

Program Growth and Statewide Impact
AFNR Education at MSU continues to serve diverse communities of students, teachers and schools across Michigan. Recent highlights include:

• Challenge 24, a recruitment event introducing 10 high school students to the possibilities of AFNR careers.
• A New and Early Career Teacher Workshop supporting 16 educators as they launched their teaching journeys.
• The Fall Professional Development Institute (PDI), which brought together over 130 agriculture teachers from across the state for collaboration and growth.

Enrollment across academic programs remains strong, with 13 master’s students and 40 undergraduate students currently pursuing AFNR Education degrees. In Spring 2026, the program will proudly support six student teachers placed in diverse school settings throughout Michigan.

Honoring a Legacy
As the program looks to the future, it also celebrates the extraordinary career of Dr. Matt Raven, who retired in summer 2025 after 40 years in agricultural education. Dr. Raven’s leadership helped shape AFNR Education at MSU into the thriving, forward-focused program it is today.

From welcoming new faculty to honoring long-time leaders, MSU’s AFNR Education program stands as a vibrant program committed to preparing educators, advancing research and shaping the future of agriculture in Michigan and beyond.