STILLWATER, Okla. ­– Dwayne Cartmell is more than an agricultural communications professor at Oklahoma State University. He also is a skilled photographer and world traveler. His enthusiasm for developing global competency with his students is evident in his teaching, advising and international experiences.

A professor in the department of agricultural education, communications and leadership, Cartmell was honored for his efforts with the Distinguished International Educator award at the 2016 Western Region American Association for Agricultural Education Conference in Tucson, Ariz.

The purpose of the award is to recognize an individual AAAE member for outstanding accomplishments as an agricultural educator in an international setting.

“It means a lot to be recognized by my peers for my hard work,” Cartmell said.

Cartmell received both his bachelor of science degree in agricultural communications in 1994 and his master of science degree in agricultural education in 1998 from OSU. He continued on to earn his Ph.D. in agricultural education in 2001 from the University of Missouri before returning to OSU to join the agricultural communications team.

Cartmell said anytime you win an award like this, it represents, hopefully, the good work being done as far as engaging students, research and other projects.

Robert Terry, department head for AECL and Rodger Howell Memorial Professor of Agricultural Education, said Cartmell has been incredibly engaged in international work with a variety of projects on the international front.

“To me, that makes him worthy of such an award,” Terry said.

As a researcher, Cartmell has been a principle investigator or co-principle investigator of five internationally focused projects. Three of those projects were funded through the U.S. Department of State for a total amount in excess of $1.4 million. Each DOS project partnered agricultural professionals from Oklahoma with “fellows” from Africa, creating mutually beneficial relationships, which have endured long past the completion of the formal programs.

He has produced eight journal articles, 15 refereed research papers and 16 refereed poster presentations related to international agricultural education and/or international agricultural communications.

“His enthusiasm for leading various trips and development of a quality program has really polished his reputation with students,” Terry said. “It has made him in high-demand. Students enjoy traveling and engaging in international opportunities with him.

“The chance to see a different part of the world, to see the similarities and differences of other cultures, especially those of agriculture students and their approaches to agriculture, is a vital part of our students’ higher education,” Terry said.

Cartmell said it is important for students to understand the global marketplace of today. He thinks at least one international experience is vital in order for students to gain an appreciation for at least part of this global economy.

“Every trip is different. I have led a number of study abroad trips to different countries, and each one changes depending on the location and the students who travel with me,” Cartmell said. “I learn more by watching the students grow and develop than I learn from anything else.”

Cartmell’s favorite trip to date was a recent study abroad trip to Thailand.

“It was really fun for me to watch three sisters experience Thailand together and also engage with the other students who went,” Cartmell said.

Sara Honegger, second-year graduate student in the Master of International Agriculture Program, studied abroad with Cartmell and said he went above and beyond to make sure everyone had the experience of a lifetime.

Honegger traveled to Thailand two weeks before the rest of her study abroad group.

“Dwayne set up my entire two weeks before the rest of the group got there and made sure I was safe and had every possible opportunity and connection,” she said. “He combines experiencing culture and enjoying the connections OSU has all over the world. I think Dwayne is more proud of CASNR's international connections than anyone, and constantly works to promote and celebrate those connections.”

Cartmell said his favorite study abroad trips have had to do with the places he has been and the scenery and landscapes he has been able to capture through a camera lens.

“The South Island of New Zealand is beautiful and I would put the Scottish Highlands in the same category,” Cartmell said. “Having the opportunity to see the landscape and capture images from them is really cool.”

Cartmell’s nomination will now be moved to the national level, competing against other region winners for the 2016 National Distinguished International Educator at the National AAAE Conference in San Luis Obispo, Calif., this month.

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REPORTER:
Paige Crawford

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Mourer
Communications Coordinator
Agricultural Communications Services
144 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-3737
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: melissa.mourer@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating: Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.