Lincoln, Neb. —The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has announced the reappointment of Mark Balschweid as head of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC) for a five-year term.
The action comes following a planned five-year review. Balschweid has served as ALEC Department Head at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln since 2008. He is also a professor in the department and, since July 1, 2019, has served as the interim executive director of the Rural Futures Institute.
“ALEC’s faculty and staff continuously demonstrate innovation and foresight in their mission to develop extraordinary teachers, leaders, and communicators,” said Mike Boehm, vice chancellor and vice president for IANR. “Dr. Balschweid has provided exemplary leadership and helped foster a culture of creativity and collaboration where students thrive.”
Balschweid began his career as a high school agricultural science teacher. He has researched the intersection of science and agriculture in the secondary classroom as a way to enhance student interest in science and increase student knowledge of life sciences. Balschweid spent 10 years teaching and conducting research in teacher preparation for agricultural sciences at Purdue University prior to moving to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
More information about ALEC is available at alec.unl.edu.