Golden Owl Spotlight: Andrea Rouse

Defining Moments

It is hard to pick just one defining moment from my time as an Ag Educator. The small moments that I get to experience add up to bring me great joy. I am beyond grateful to students who stay in touch after graduation. Some reach out for a reference or recommendation letter, but I’m always pleased to hear from those who simply want to stay in touch.

This promotes their continuation of their professional network, allows me to assist in job searches, and demonstrates that the relationships built during their college career were impactful. I appreciate former students who reach out for both professional and personal advice years after graduation, and I’m proud when they serve on the DMACC Agribusiness Advisory Committee — giving back to the department that helped prepare them for their careers.

Guiding Values

My career is guided by my desire to inspire students. Each year, we have students who decide to continue their education beyond DMACC when they initially didn’t believe they were capable of doing so. Their success here proves they can complete a four-year degree. I enjoy seeing students explore internships or jobs they never thought they could do.

In my Biotechnology in Agriculture class, many students start fearful, but by the end of the semester, they are excited to learn more — and some even choose biotechnology as a career path.

Advice to Current & Future Ag Educators

Look at the big picture. Yes, it’s important to teach content and skills, but it’s equally important to recognize that educators help shape lives. Teach responsibility, commitment, hard work, honesty, leadership, and communication — not only through words, but through example and action.

On Being a Golden Owl Finalist

Being a finalist for the Golden Owl has inspired me to continue looking for ways to improve my teaching style. I believe that good educators continually innovate and seek new ways to reach their students. I’m grateful to learn from the triumphs of other finalists and take inspiration from their successes.