For nearly a decade, Dr. Kendrick Spencer, assistant professor in the School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership at Missouri State University, has contributed to agricultural education in Texas.  

With strong research expertise and a passion for developing the next generation of agricultural educators, his arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the university.  

From a family farm to academic excellence 

Spencer grew up on a family-owned farm in rural east Texas, where he cultivated a love for agriculture.  

“I come from a small town and a family of cattle and pea farmers, which gave me a deep connection to agriculture,” he said. “While teaching in suburban and city school districts, I became passionate about educating students with little exposure to agriculture.”    

He graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education in 2012. He went on to earn a master’s degree in agricultural education and communication from the University of Florida in 2014.  

For seven years, he taught in high schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, creating robust agricultural science programs and supervising various animal science projects. His desire to make a lasting impact in his community inspired him to attain a PhD in Agricultural and Extension Education from Virginia Tech in 2025.  

Joining Missouri State  

According to Spencer, he was drawn to Missouri State because of the many experiential learning opportunities and the close-knit agriculture community. 

“After seeing the innovation hub and everything in the Darr Agricultural Center, I was excited about the hands-on learning opportunities the college offers its students,” he said. “I was also impressed by how connected and invested the faculty and alumni are to the programs and its students.”  

Preparing future ag educators 

For Spencer, being able to inspire, support and encourage positivity in his students is the most rewarding aspect of his career.  

“What happens in your classroom and the way you encourage students to think and see the world affects them long term. As educators, we can shape people’s futures and lives,” he said. 

He focuses on being a responsive educator who prioritizes students’ needs, goals and professional aspirations. His classes are active and collaborative, preparing students to become supportive future educators. 

“My students engage in different activities where they interact and reflect on the kind of teachers they want to become,” Spencer said. “Through this process, they build a professional learning community where they form friendships and professional connections while supporting each other’s development.”  

What lies ahead 

Spencer looks forward to continuing his research in teacher education and pedagogy, as well as exploring the impacts of food, energy and water systems in America.  

He also hopes to host summer camps, where students can explore the integration of agriculture and art, helping them understand their place in the world. 

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