Dr. Avery Culbertson, who is passionate about agricultural leadership, joined the University in August in a newly-created position to develop leadership curriculum for the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

“We are building a curriculum from the ground up to eventually create a certificate in Agricultural Leadership and a minor for Jordan College students,” she said.

Culbertson’s interest in agricultural leadership was ignited early in her life through her participation in the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America.

After she earned her doctorate degree in agricultural education and was looking for a job, she met with a colleague who wanted her to start an adult agricultural leadership program at New Mexico State University. At Fresno State, she is working on establishing the Jordan College Student Leadership Program.

“The purpose of the program is to provide leadership training for leaders within student organizations,” she said. “There will be a Student Leaders’ Institute to provide training for leaders of student organizations in the college and a Lead the Leaders Program to prepare faculty members to develop student leaders.

“I guess you could say this field is now in my blood. I am excited to work with both adults (non-formal education) and students (formal classes and programming) alike here at Fresno State,” she said.

Culbertson thinks it is critical not only to be knowledgeable in different fields, but also to know who you are leading.

“An agricultural leadership program is not only [about] understanding our industry, but understanding our customer,” she said. “Leadership is a matter of taking a group of people and accomplishing a collective goal.”

Culbertson holds a B.S. in Agricultural and Extension Education and an M.A. in Communication Studies with a cognate in Management from New Mexico State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural Education and Communication with a Specialization in Agricultural Leadership from the University of Florida. She also completed a post-doc fellowship at Oklahoma State University.

During her down time, Culbertson enjoys traveling, reading, watching college football and spending time with family.