Date/Time
Date(s) - July 15, 2021
8:30 am - 9:30 am

Categories No Categories


Topic: Rhodes State College: New Certificates and Technical Associate Degrees in Agriculture

Agriculture has changed significantly over the last 50 years, and the educational foundation of those growing crops also had to adapt. The industry needs employees who are skilled in cutting-edge technology and authentic agricultural communicators who can solve problems and be well managed. Students need local training leading to jobs that are in-demand in the region that support rural lifestyles with a good wage.

Rhodes State College’s new industry-supported certificates and technical associates degrees in agriculture were created through a partnership with northwest Ohio agriculture employers and high school agriculture teachers in the 10-county region. As part of the partnership, all students will complete field experience internships to apply their learning. 

This partnership helped Rhodes design a program that both meets the needs of industry and students. Dr. Jim Uphaus, the Agriculture Program chair and Lori A. Dyer, the Agriculture Program director, will be presenting a brief history on the changing ag industry in Ohio and how Rhodes has shifted learning opportunities for students.

Register for this online event.

About the Speakers

Dr. Jim Uphaus, Agriculture Program chair, has extensive experience in production agriculture from working on his family farm in Leipsic where they use conservation and regenerative farming practices. Uphaus earned his bachelor’s degree in agronomy from The Ohio State University and master’s and doctorate degrees in plant genetics and breeding from Purdue University. He worked as a corn breeder for AgReliant Genetics and hybrid wheat breeder for Pioneer HiBred providing his 15 years of experience in agricultural research across North America.  Additionally, he has agronomy experience in working with prescription mapping and agricultural consulting. Uphaus has worked with large genomic and agricultural data sets across computer platforms and has a strong understanding of complex issues in agriculture.

Lori A. Dyer, Agriculture Program director, has broad experience as an agriculture educator, farm owner, and educational consultant. She earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics and education from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree from the University of Delaware in economics. Dyer retired from teaching agriculture in local high schools. She co-wrote a textbook on agriculture mechanics and technology and consulted on agriculture training for online delivery with K-12 schools and teacher training programs nationwide. Dyer came to Rhodes State College to manage internships for business, IT and engineering students and develop the basis of the agriculture program.