By Blake Jackson
The William H. Darr College of Agriculture at Missouri State University is making a significant move to strengthen agriculture education by adding two accomplished educators to its School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership.
This fall, Dr. Kendrick Spencer and Jon Wilson will join the faculty, bringing a powerful combination of academic research and classroom experience. Their addition supports Missouri State’s continued dedication to preparing outstanding educators for future careers in agricultural education.
“These appointments represent an important opportunity for our college,” said Dean Dr. Melissa Bledsoe. “Dr. Spencer and Mr. Wilson have decades of experience that will greatly benefit our students and grow our programs.”
Dr. Spencer, joining in August, has nearly 10 years of high school teaching experience in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he built strong agricultural science programs and oversaw more than 150 supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects. Dr. Spencer has expertise in teaching floriculture and animal systems.
Spencer earned his PhD in Agricultural and Extension Education from Virginia Tech, where he also taught courses on teaching methods and curriculum design. Dr. Spencer research centers on integrating STEAM science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into agriculture education, offering a modern and innovative approach to teacher training.
Dr. Spencer also holds degrees from the University of Florida and Texas A&M University and is certified in agricultural science and technology in Texas.
Wilson will begin as a part-time instructor for the 2025-26 academic year before moving into a full-time role in summer 2026. With over 26 years in the classroom, Wilson is a respected figure in Missouri’s agricultural education field. Wilson has mentored numerous student teachers and early-career educators through Missouri’s state mentoring program.
Wilson has served as president of both the Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association and the Missouri Association of Career and Technical Education, contributing significantly to agriculture education statewide.
Together, Spencer and Wilson are expected to strengthen both the undergraduate and graduate agriculture education offerings at Missouri State.
“Both appointments reinforce our commitment to maintaining a strong agriculture education program,” said Dr. Kara Wolfe, director of the School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership. “We’re excited to welcome them to campus and build the future of ag ed at Missouri State.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-artiemedvedev
Categories: Missouri, Education