Smalley named department chair for ag education

AMES — Inspired by his high school agriculture teachers and his experiences as a former 4-H and FFA member, Scott Smalley is taking his agricultural education career to the next level.

Smalley, professor of agricultural education and studies at Iowa State University, will become the next chair of the university’s Department of Agricultural Education and Studies, effective April 1.

Jeff Iles has been serving as the department’s interim chair since August 2025, following former chair Mike Retallick’s appointment as associate dean of personnel and finance for Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“Iowa State’s Department of Agricultural Education and Studies has a long and distinguished history on this campus with thousands of alums doing great things in Iowa and around the country. It has been my honor and privilege to have served this department as its interim chair, and I know Dr. Smalley is eager to get started and propel the department to new heights,” Iles said.

“I urge everyone in the agricultural education, communications and studies communities to offer their support and best wishes to our new leader and department chair.”

Smalley has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Michigan State University. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural education from Iowa State.

After completing his doctoral degree, Smalley served as the agricultural education instructor and FFA adviser for Oelwein Community Schools in northeast Iowa for six years before accepting an assistant professor position at South Dakota State University’s Department of Teaching, Learning and Leadership.

He has been with Iowa State’s AGEDS department since 2016.

“Dr. Smalley is well-positioned to advance and continue the success of the department as a national leader. Under his leadership, the department will continue to prepare Iowans and people worldwide to meet today’s challenges through innovative agricultural education and communication research, teaching and outreach,” Retallick said.

Smalley currently teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in agricultural education. He also coordinates the teacher education program and supervises student teachers.

He has received several awards for his teaching efforts, including the American Association of Agricultural Education Distinguished Teacher Educator, the Golden Owl Award, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Early Career Teaching Award and Ag Online Teacher of the Year Award.

In addition to teaching, Smalley helps recruit students to the department and maintains relationships with high school agricultural educators and community college transfer programs. He also advises students, guiding them as they prepare for future careers as agricultural educators.

As chair, Smalley wants to continue strengthening the department’s three undergraduate and two graduate programs and its treasured Ag 450 Farm.

“It’s an honor for me to be selected to serve as the department chair for agricultural education and studies. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with the high-caliber students, faculty, staff, alums and stakeholders of this department,” Smalley said.

“As an alum and faculty member of the department and a former educator in Iowa, it makes this opportunity to serve Iowa State and the state of Iowa tremendously meaningful.”

“I want to thank Dr. Retallick and Dr. Iles for their leadership and service to the department during this transition period. Their commitment has strengthened the department and positioned it well for the future,” said Daniel J. Robison, endowed dean’s chair for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Smalley to his new role. His extensive background in agricultural education, his passion for preparing students to be the next generation of thinkers and doers in agriculture and his strong connections within the college and across Iowa make him well-suited to lead and move the department forward in all its missions and dimensions.”