AMES, Iowa – The Robert A. Martin agricultural education and studies scholarship fund was set up to honor Robert Martin, a retiring professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Martin began his teaching career in Nigeria and taught vocational agriculture in Indiana before coming to Iowa State University in 1983. Prior to his work at Iowa State, Martin held academic appointments at Purdue University and Pennsylvania State University. At Iowa State Martin taught courses in communication presentation methods, adult education, technology transfer, administration and comparative international education.
Martin has coordinated and directed the Annual Teacher’s Academy on Agricultural Awareness and he assisted in conducting a series of workshops on biotechnology education offered by Iowa State. He also served as chair of the agricultural education and studies department for 12 years and most recently helped students develop and publish the CALS Connections newsletter.
His impact is immeasurable, but evident in the number of students he’s helped, said Dr. Mike Retallick, chair of the agricultural education and studies department.
“Dr. Martin’s experience and expertise has provided a foundation of excellence in agricultural education in our department and has impacted agricultural education at both the international and national levels.”
During his 52-year career in agricultural education his dedication and passion for agricultural education has been inspiring. Martin has served on 270 master degree and doctorate degree committees and advised hundreds of undergraduate students. Many of his former students are high school agriculture teachers, some are working governmental agencies including the Iowa Department of Education and others are faculty members around the world.
Martin has published and presented more than 280 research and professional papers, nine book chapters, and more than ten curriculum projects on agricultural education. He is known in Iowa and nationally for his work related to agricultural literacy, supervised agricultural experiences and student teaching supervision.
Martin also chaired the Iowa Governor’s Council on Agricultural Education and the Iowa Association of Agricultural Education Conference Planning. He is a senior fellow of the American Association of Agricultural Education and served as editor of the Agricultural Education Magazine and member of the editing managing board for the Journal of Agricultural Education. He exemplifies leadership, determination, and dedication.
The scholarship fund will benefit undergraduate students pursuing a major in the areas of agricultural education and agricultural communication. For anyone wishing to donate to the scholarship fund go to www.foundation.iastate.edu/drmartin.