Dane Grossnickle, Lindsay Barranco, and Chris Slack Join the IAA
The Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) is thrilled to welcome three exceptional individuals to its team of dedicated higher education professionals. Lindsay Barranco, Dane Grossnickle, and Chris Slack have recently joined the IAA, each bringing their unique expertise and passion to enrich the learning experience and strengthen the IAA’s commitment to excellence in agricultural education.
As the Experiential Learning Coordinator, Barranco plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. As an IAA alumna, Barranco not only holds a Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture but a B.S., J.D., and soon-to-be M.S. She notes, “I loved being a student in the IAA because the focus was on practical experience and learning…reading about topics is very important, but is only part of it – the real-life, hands-on experience, in my mind, is where the learning really begins!”
As the Agricultural Business Management Lecturer and Advisor, Grossnickle is eager to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive market and strategize their next career move. “This next generation of Maryland's ‘agripreneurs’ is bringing a roaring momentum of change to our country's agriculture industry – we can't stop it, we can only fuel it!” said Grossnickle. He is a two-time Terp alum, having earned a B.S. in Agriculture Science and Technology and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.
As the Business Manager, Slack is responsible for overseeing the IAA’s operations, ensuring seamless day-to-day functioning, and spearheading strategic initiatives. Slack holds a B.S. Financial Economics and soon an M.P.S. in Innovation, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship from UMBC.
The IAA is thrilled to welcome these new members to its family. With their combined expertise and unwavering commitment, IAA is confident that they will play a significant role in shaping the agricultural leaders of tomorrow.
