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Faculty Academy Creates Enthusiasm for Irrigation Careers FALLS CHURCH, Va. (Aug.
16,
2007) — Twenty-five instructors from the U.S. and
Canada attended the Irrig ation Association Education Foundation faculty academy
to enhance training of future irrigation industry professionals.
The high school, college and university teachers learned about pumps, pump systems,
precipitation rates, electrical troubleshooting, scheduling, alternative water
supplies and design capacity. The group also toured a Netafim facility and the
Center for Irrigation Technology in Fresno, Calif. The faculty academy, in its fifth year, is a two-day intensive irrigation
seminar providing instructors with in-class and hands-on field irrigation
experience.
“This was one of the best faculty academies we have had so far due, in part, to
the professionalism of the instructors and the attendees,” said IAEF Trustee
Lynda Wightman. “Quality instruction is the key to bringing professionals into
the irrigation industry who are well-trained and capable of meeting growing
demands for the most efficient and effective irrigation.”
Participant David Gerken, an associate professor at Oklahoma State University,
Oklahoma City, said he comes away from the academy each year with information he
can immediately put to work in the classroom. Last year’s hydraulics lessons
have already been incorporated into course work, and information from the latest
session will be added in the coming school year.
The impact of the academy continues as instructors get to know their
counterparts from
all over North America.
“Any time you are with people doing the same thing you are doing, you can always
learn,” said Cathie Lavis, an assistant professor from Kansas State University,
Manhattan, Kan., who has been involved with the Faculty Academy since its
inception. “It’s great finding out what other people are doing.”
The academy also generates enthusiasm and awareness of the wide variety of
career opportunities in the irrigation industry.
“This has turned out to be my favorite conference of the year because I get to
learn from the best in the country,” said Lou Anella, Associate Professor, Oklahoma
State University, Stillwater, Okla.
Participating schools: Capilano College; Center for Irrigation Technology,
California State University, Fresno; Clemson University; El Paso Community
College; Front Range Community College; Hawaii Community College; Hinds
Community College; Illinois State University; Joliet Junior College; Kansas
State University; Kwantlen University College; Northern Alberta Institute of
Technology, Fairview; New Mexico State University; Oklahoma State University;
Oregon State University; Ozarks Technical Community College; Reedley College;
St. Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology; Texas State University, San
Marcos; Thompson Rivers University; University of Florida; University of
Arizona; University of California, Riverside Extension; University of New
Hampshire; Utah State University, and Victor Valley College.
Netafim hosted a dinner for participants.
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Irrigation Association
Education Foundation