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About Us

Mission Statement

The Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech dedicated to advancing the institutional priorities related to community viability by engaging in critical and evaluative social science processes that address local and global challenges through three core areas: agricultural and extension education; leadership and social change; and community leadership and development. 

 

ALCE-2019

The Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education at Virginia Tech is committed to preparing students for success in professions that include formal and non-formal teaching and learning in agriculture, as well as skills for leading agricultural organizations and communities. 

Our two degree options build a unique program that allows students to work with a faculty advisor to experience an interdisciplinary program of study designed to address the growing needs of today’s evolving agricultural and food systems. These degrees complement and support several new innovative minors on campus, including leadership and social change, and civic agriculture and food systems. These degrees prepare students for entry into exciting career fields, or graduate and professional programs.

Graduate degrees in the department are grounded in a personal relationship between student and advisor. Completing a graduate degree in agricultural, leadership, and community education at Virginia Tech will give students a distinct advantage in the job market as well-prepared professionals.

Our Leadership and Social Change minor is designed to give students a head start in attaining leadership positions as young professionals.  Not only do students learn the basics of leadership theory and practice, but they apply leadership concepts in a experiential environment so the leadership lessons “stick” and are there to draw on in a future career.

We hope that you continue to explore our department on the web, by talking to people, and most importantly, through personal contact with us.

We look forward to discussing your future as a student in agricultural, leadership and community education at Virginia Tech!

Facilities

The department is located in Litton-Reaves Hall which is also home to the CALS Office of Academic Affairs, the two-year Ag Tech Program, and other departments in CALS.  In addition to offices, the department facilities also include a contemporary teaching and learning research laboratory and classroom facilities designed to support the department’s research, teaching, and Extension programs. The department is able to provide off-site research, teaching and learning, as well as leadership experiences for graduate students through formal and non-formal partnerships with local school systems and other educational organizations throughout Virginia.