CLEMSON — The North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture awarded Clemson University’s Jean Bertrand with its 2017 Distinguished Educator Award, citing a career committed to enhancing student access to higher education and developing the next generation of educators.
Bertrand, associate dean for undergraduate studies in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, was presented with the award at the NACTA annual conference at Purdue University.
“I have had the good fortune of collaborating with and learning from a wealth of talented educators and administrators during my career, and I am greatly honored to be recognized by my professional peers who I respect deeply for their dedication to advancing higher education in the agricultural sciences,” Bertrand said.
During her career, Bertrand has helped establish an array of student recruiting, orientation, research and internship opportunities; coordinated distance education efforts; and led the development of expanded online course offerings. She is also widely published and has won numerous additional teaching, research and career development awards.
“Jean has remained committed to opening opportunity to all students and leads efforts to enhance the scholarship of teaching and learning through traditional, distance and experiential learning environments,” said Jeffory Hattey, assistant dean in Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
Bertrand also was praised for organizing and leading national teaching workshops in animal sciences, connecting students to industry professionals and preparing graduate students to enter academia. The committee also noted her commitment to reaching Latino students through recruiting and research engagement.
“Jean is held in the highest regard by faculty across many departments, colleges, states and countries. I do not know of anyone in higher education in agriculture that is more deserving of this award,” said NACTA President Mark Russell.
— Jonathan Veit, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; Public Service and Agriculture, Clemson University
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