Image Credit: Becky Jones
As the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) welcomed the new academic year, we also welcomed four new faces to the IAA team! Each of them eager and excited to begin their new journey with Terps. This particular group of individuals brings a wealth of diversity, experience, and passion for higher education.
Traveling across the country with her furry friend, Briggs, from South Dakota is Shala Larson. Larson is a recent graduate of South Dakota State University where she received her master’s in Communication Studies and Journalism. For her undergraduate work, she majored in Agricultural Leadership. As an Oral Communication Lecturer and Advisor for Agricultural Leadership and Communication, she brings a myriad of opportunities for the growth of the newest track.
Saying goodbye to colder weather and hello to warmer weather is George Kurtzweil. Kurtzweil is not your typical Oral Communication Lecturer; how many lecturers do you know who scuba dive with sharks? He joins our team after teaching Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Kurtzweil also taught Conversational English in Vitoria Brazil. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Superior and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. His diverse background and plethora of experiences are sure to keep his students engaged.
Bringing an abundance of international, financial, and farming experience is Tope Fajingbesi. While also being the Lecturer and Advisor for Agricultural Business Management, Fajingbesi is an Africa-focused social entrepreneur and a published author. She studied accounting at the University of Lagos, Nigeria and holds an MBA from Emory University. She excels in applying her knowledge, drive, and enthusiasm in the classroom.
Joining us from across campus is Luisa Cortes. Cortes has been with the university for 16 years, managing departmental financial and administrative functions of different academic and research units. As the IAA Business Manager, she will be an invaluable asset by handling our departmental finances.
“We’re lucky to have attracted such talent to amplify our already strong team,” says IAA Director Glori Hyman. “This new group of faculty and staff are so full of energy and joy; they make me smile every day and I anxious to see the new ideas they bring to our learning communities.”
We encourage you to visit our faculty/staff page for contact and more information!
