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Story by Gabi Joos

In 2014, Jacob Englin walked across the graduation stage at South Dakota State University with a bachelor's degree in agricultural education and a dream to help shape the next generation of agricultural leaders. 

Over a decade later, he’s back at SDSU not as a student, but as a full-time assistant professor helping to guide the very program that once shaped him.

Englin joined the agricultural education program at the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year in a temporary professorship role. Fresh from completing his Ph.D. at Louisiana State University in May 2025, and with years of classroom teaching experience behind him, Englin came back to Brookings prepared to invest long term in the program’s future.

“A lot has changed since I was a student here, the faculty, the coursework, even the building layouts,” Englin said. “But what’s stayed the same is the strong sense of community and the meaningful experiences students get throughout the program. That really made my time as an undergrad special, and I’m excited to help continue that tradition.”

Now housed in the School of Education, Counseling and Human Development, SDSU’s ag ed program gives students a wide range of experiences by incorporating coursework from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and other academic units. This interdisciplinary structure allows Englin to teach not only ag ed majors, but students from other disciplines as well.

During the academic year, Englin teaches three courses — Work-Based Learning, Methods in Agriculture Communications and Teaching and Learning II — while also serving as a student teacher supervisor and faculty adviser for the Collegiate FFA/Ag Ed Club. His presence has already had a noticeable impact on the program, according to Laura Hasselquist, associate professor of agricultural education.

“It’s always been a two-person gig,” Hasselquist explained. “With 63 undergrad majors and more than 20 grad students, the workload is too much for just one faculty member. For a while, we struggled to keep two full-time instructors, which burned out a lot of people. But with Jacob on board, we’re seeing what’s possible with the position that is now fully supported.”

Englin’s appointment represents a step toward long-term stability within the program, reinforcing the university’s commitment to supporting agricultural education.

Jacob’s years in the high school classroom prior to his return have brought more than just teaching experience; they’ve brought credibility, Hasselquist said.

“In ag ed, you typically don’t get into a Ph.D. program without at least three years of classroom experience, and honestly, it should be that way across all education fields,” she said. “Jacob knows what it’s like to manage a class, engage students and adapt lessons on the fly. That kind of experience is invaluable when you’re preparing future teachers.”

Beyond the classroom, Englin has continued to make his mark through collaboration and genuine enthusiasm for the work.

“He’s already made valuable suggestions, and he’s really engaged with both students and faculty,” Hasselquist said. “He’s the kind of colleague who asks the right questions and isn’t afraid to take on new challenges, like teaching a graduate-level class for the first time.”

For a program that has faced instability in recent years, Englin’s transition into a permanent faculty role has brought a renewed sense of energy and direction.

“Historically, ag ed here has been a bit of a meat grinder,” Hasselquist admitted. “We’ve had a hard time keeping faculty long term. But the administration sees the value now. They’re committed to supporting this position, and Jacob’s presence proves why that’s so important.”

For Englin, returning to SDSU represents more than a career milestone — it’s a meaningful return to his roots.

“I’m just really thankful to be back,” Englin said. “To teach in the program that helped launch my career, and to give back to students who are walking a path I once walked, it’s incredibly rewarding.”