Alumni Success

For Samantha Strodtman, two factors motivated her to choose State Fair Community College after graduating from Fayette High School. She wanted to use her Missouri A+ Scholarship that pays for tuition at a community college, and she had heard great things about SFCC’s Agriculture program. “Attending SFCC was a wonderful experience,” Samantha shared at a January 2020 meeting for high school Agriculture teachers on SFCC’s Sedalia campus. “It was the best two years of my life.” Samantha went on to explain why she felt this way. “Brad Driskill (SFCC’s Agriculture program coordinator and instructor) is amazing. He’s not just a teacher; he is a mentor. I could talk to him about any issues I might have in and outside the classroom. He always has your back. Even after I graduated, he called me to make sure everything was okay and if I needed anything. My other teachers were also great, but Brad is an allaround great person. “He pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of doing. For example, he encouraged me to be active in PAS (Professional Agricultural Student Organization) on the state and national levels, and through that experience, I spoke in front of about 500 people when I ran for the National PAS president-elect office. I never thought I could do that in my whole life. “I didn’t get elected, but it was still one of the best experiences because I never pushed myself like that until Brad encouraged me. I met people from all across the nation because of participating in PAS, and I’m still in contact with them. “Living in the residence hall on campus was another great experience. It gave me more of a college experience and the opportunity to build lifelong friendships. We had a lot of fun, and I still keep in contact with many of them today.” In addition to participating in PAS, Samantha was involved in SFCC’s Agriculture Club, serving as the club’s secretary. She participated in SFCC’s TRiO program that provides free support to eligible students who plan to earn a bachelor’s degree. After graduating in 2014 from SFCC with an Associate of Arts with emphasis in Agriculture, Samantha transferred to Northwest Missouri State and earned her bachelor’s in Agriculture Education in 2016. Participants receive professional develop that focuses on providing early-career Ag teachers with the tools and support needed to grow and flourish in their career. They are challenged to improve their teaching and classroom management, develop time management skills and immerse themselves in activities that support their professional goals. Since the program’s inception in 2003, it has impacted more than 600 teachers across the United. States. “SFCC definitely played an important role in my success in college and as a teacher,” Samantha reflected. “Now, I want to prepare my students for the upcoming district contest and hope they can succeed to the state level and maybe even go to nationals in Indianapolis.

“In my family, we are big State Fair people. My sister Haleigh attended the SFCC Boonville campus and graduated from SFCC two years ago. Now she is working on her master’s in accounting at Mizzou.

SFCC definitely played an important role in my success in college and as a teacher,” Samantha reflected. “Now, I want to prepare my students...

She then began teaching at the high school in Sturgeon where she taught Ag for two years and now teaches at Ballard. In July 2019, Samantha received the 2018-2019 Teachers Turn the Key Award from the National Association of Agricultural Educators for Region IV. This award encourages young teachers to remain in the profession and supports and recognizes their professional development efforts. On the wall at my parent’s house are two pictures, one of me and one of Haleigh, both with Dr. Anderson (SFCC’s president) handing our diplomas to us at commencement. My sister Audrey is still in high school, but I suppose it’s possible, if she chooses State Fair, there could be a third picture on the wall.”