Gary Aycock
Las Cruces,USA
Summary
Accomplished and collaborative leader seeking the role of Dean of Workforce Development to drive comprehensive credit and non-credit career technical programs, customized training, and adult/continuing education. Aiming to leverage a broad knowledge of technical education and regional workforce initiatives, along with proven experience in grant management, strategic partnerships, and student success. Committed to strengthening relationships with local and state stakeholders, ensuring compliance with all relevant guidelines, and fostering a high-performing team that delivers impactful workforce solutions to meet evolving industry and community needs.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Agriculture Education Supervisor & Department Head
New Mexico State University
01.2021 - Current
- Develop a clear vision for the future of agricultural education in New Mexico, aligned with state goals and industry needs
- Create a strategic plan outlining priorities, actionable steps, and measurable outcomes
- Implement a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of agricultural education programs across the state
- Identify areas for improvement and provide guidance for continuous development
- Ensure all students, regardless of their background or location, have access to high-quality agricultural education programs
- Address and overcome any disparities in access to resources and opportunities
- Develop strong partnerships with industry leaders to create internship and mentorship opportunities for students
- Encourage career exploration and prepare students for diverse agricultural careers
- Advocate for increased funding and resources for agricultural education programs
- Communicate the program's value and impact to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public
- Negotiate clear and comprehensive contracts with chosen vendors, outlining all purchase details, specifications, delivery timelines, payment terms, warranties, and risk mitigation strategies
- Conduct thorough due diligence on all potential options, including property inspections, financial audits, and legal reviews
- Ensure all purchases align with departmental state budgets, regulations, and policies
ACCESS Online Virtual Instructor
Alabama State Department of Education
01.2012 - Current
- Ensure equitable access to the online program for all students, regardless of their location, technology limitations, or learning needs
- Utilize multimedia elements, interactive activities, and real-world applications to keep students engaged and motivated
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching effectiveness.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Encourage students to develop a growth mindset and embrace lifelong learning as a key to success in a changing world
Lead Agriscience Teacher/FFA Advisor
Albertville City Board of Education
01.2010 - 01.2020
- Organize social gatherings, career fairs, field days, or workshops tailored to industry data
- Planned and coordinated excursions to the National FFA Convention for more than 30 FFA chapters
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Allocate and manage the budget effectively, prioritizing resources for equipment, materials, professional development, and student projects
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
- Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
Agriscience Teacher/FFA Advisor
Pell City Board of Education
01.2004 - 01.2010
- Pell City Agriscience Education program was proudly named the ALSDE 2007 Program of the Year, reflecting our innovative curriculum and dedication to student success
- Galvanized PCHS FFA Alumni into action to actively advocate for FFA and Agriscience Education
- Developed strong relationships with industry and stake holders by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a real-world learning environment.
- Train volunteers to guide and supervise Kids Day on the Farm educating first graders on animals in everyday life
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
Agriscience Teacher/FFA Advisor
Blount County Board of Education
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Enhanced students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning.
- Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
Agriscience Teacher/FFA Advisor
St. Clair County Board of Education
01.1996 - 01.2004
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
- Guided students through college application process, increasing number of students accepted into their first-choice institutions.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
Education
Ph.D. - Higher Educational Administration
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM05-2026
Organizational Leadership Courses
Nova Southeastern University
Miami, FL01.2003
M.S. - Agriculture Education
Alabama A&M University
Normal, AL01.1999
B.S. - Agriculture Education
Auburn University
Auburn, AL01.1996
Skills
- Stakeholder relations
- Departmental budget administration
- Statewide program assessment
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Statewide organizational leadership
- Personnel management
- Project management
- Data analysis for decision making
- Career Technical curriculum planning
- Staff development
- Statewide teacher evaluation
Accomplishments
- 2006-2012 State Secretary, Alabama Association of Agricultural Educators
- 2006-2007 Alabama State Department of Education Agriscience Program of the Year
- 2008-2009 Alabama State Department of Education Plan of Instruction (POI) Committee
- 2009 Alabama Association of Agriscience Educators(AAAE) Outstanding Teacher of the Year
- 2015-2020 Alabama Youth Livestock Foundation Committee
- 2018 Alabama FFA Advisor of the Year
- 2018-2024 National FFA Proficiency Judge
- 2019-2020 Alabama State Department of Education Agriscience Course of Study Committee
- Supervised team of 134 Agriculture teachers in 92 schools across New Mexico.
- Designed and implemented new academic programs or specializations aligned with industry trends and student demand.
- Engaged efforts to revise curricula to meet accreditation standards and improve learning outcomes with Advanced CTE.
- Developed and executed a clear departmental vision and strategic plan aligned with the university’s mission.
- Formed strategic alliances with industry, government agencies, and nonprofits to create hands-on learning and employment opportunities for students.
Timeline
Agriculture Education Supervisor & Department Head
New Mexico State University
01.2021 - Current
ACCESS Online Virtual Instructor
Alabama State Department of Education
01.2012 - Current
Lead Agriscience Teacher/FFA Advisor
Albertville City Board of Education
01.2010 - 01.2020
Agriscience Teacher/FFA Advisor
Pell City Board of Education
01.2004 - 01.2010
Agriscience Teacher/FFA Advisor
Blount County Board of Education
01.2001 - 01.2004
Agriscience Teacher/FFA Advisor
St. Clair County Board of Education
01.1996 - 01.2004
Ph.D. - Higher Educational Administration
New Mexico State University
Organizational Leadership Courses
Nova Southeastern University
M.S. - Agriculture Education
Alabama A&M University
B.S. - Agriculture Education
Auburn University
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