Shelly Legg, professor of agricultural communications at Oklahoma State University, received the Distinguished Educator Award from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture organization. She is an Allied Industry Council member of NAFB.
Legg grew up in northeast Oklahoma on a cow-calf operation, and she knew from an early age that she would end up in an agricultural career.
“I came to OSU to earn a degree in agricultural communications, and at the time, they didn’t have an academic advisor,” Legg said. “I remember telling my friends that it was my dream job. I had been out of school for two and a half years when an instructor role opened up.”
She started her new position in 1992 and never left Oklahoma State University. She pursued her Ph.D. while working full-time and graduated in 2000. She has taught at least one class every semester for over 30 years.
“The best part of teaching in higher education is working with students who know what they want to do and are focused on learning those skills,” Legg said. “I teach the advanced classes, and students at that level have a better understanding of what they’re learning. They’re willing to listen to why they need to know these things.”
Legg enjoys teaching students in the agricultural field specifically.
“I love working with students who are passionate about agriculture because I share their passion,” Legg said. “I get to teach them about all the different ways they can learn how to share the message of agriculture and natural resources with internal audiences and consumers.”
She was honored to be recognized for her teaching efforts.
“Receiving the NACTA Distinguished Educator Award was extremely humbling because it is not an application award,” Legg said. “NACTA is one of my favorite organizations because the faculty are incredibly passionate about helping young people, regardless of their discipline. So, to be recognized by my peers was very humbling.”
Legg was also inducted into the Livestock Publications Council Hall of Fame and named an Oklahoma FFA VIP in 2024.
