Pavelock Receives National Ag Education Award

Dwayne Pavelock

These are just a few of the words used to describe Dwayne Pavelock, Sam Houston State University assistant professor of agriculture, who recently accepted one of the top national awards in ag education.

Pavelock was presented the American Association of Schools and Colleges of Agriculture and Renewable Resources (AASCARR) Teaching Award for New Teachers (less than seven years experience). One recipient per year is selected from 55 AASCARR member institutions in 18 states.

Bobby Lane, chair of SHSU's Department of Agricultural Sciences, included quotations from three students in his letter of recommendation for the award:

"Dr. Pavelock shows what it takes to be a great teacher."

"This class is great! Dr. Pavelock makes the class exciting and I have learned so much that will be useful in my future as an ag educator."

"Pavelock is one of the best teachers I've ever had. I love his teaching style and his tests are fair. I also enjoy being around him outside of class. He is always there for his students."

A former student, Miriam Smith, said this in her recommendation letter:

"I found myself being inspired by his professionalism and knowledge...The classroom knowledge Dr. Pavelock taught me will always be a part of my career growth, however it is his actions and inspiration that will be with me for the rest of my life."

A colleague, Doug Ullrich, said this in his nomination letter:

"He has interesting, well-prepared lectures and demonstrations, he teaches with enthusiasm and humor, his level of knowledge is on the cutting edge and his organizational skills are truly amazing."

Pavelock was raised on a ranch near Iola, which is located northwest of Huntsville between Bedias and North Zulch. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Sam Houston State in 1986 and his doctorate from Texas Tech University in 2000. He has taught at SHSU since the 2001 fall semester.

In addition to teaching, Pavelock is involved in various activities including co-authoring the teacher preparation text "Responsibilities of the Professional Educator," authoring district, area and state FFA chapter conducting problems, co-coordinating or directing FFA career development, leadership and speaking development events, serving on the Texas Education Agency Agricultural Education Field Staff, and working with organizations including Texas Young Farmers, the Delta Tau Alpha ag honor society, Texas Collegiate Agricultural Students and the SHSU FFA chapter.

He is the recipient of numerous grants including $150,000 recently from the Texas Education Agency, with two other SHSU ag faculty members, to evaluate career and technology education programs in Texas.

He and three other professors completed a 2005 assessment of a new Texas public school nutrition policy, finding that the program resulted in more nutritious foods in schools and accounted for weight losses by participating students.

Sam Houston State faculty member Stanley Kelley received the AASCARR new teacher award in 1999. SHSU has also provided leadership for the organization through the years, with retired faculty member and ag chair David Moorman serving as its president in the 1982-83 academic year and Lane holding that position in 2003-04.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Nov. 9, 2006
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