COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The newly hired senior coordinator for the FFA in Tennessee has fond memories of being a member of the organization while in the Dyersburg school system.

“As a student, FFA gave me an opportunity to learn valuable skills that have greatly impacted my future,” Stuart Watson explained. “Parliamentary procedure helped develop my critical thinking skills while livestock evaluation helped me to develop quick reasoning skills that help me today with decision making. The greatest gift, though, this organization provided me was a network in an industry that is based in helping and providing for others.”

In his new job, Watson will now get the opportunity to impact the organization. He was hired by the Tennessee Department of Education College Career and Technical Education division. He started his job July 7.

“My duties will correlate with the three circle model (FFA, classroom and supervised experience program) that roots agriculture education,” he explained. “I hope to increase support for all agriculture teachers in our state by offering high quality professional development and training, assist our FFA leaders across our state, and develop opportunities for students to develop high quality SAEs.

“I would love to see our state improve its resources for all students to develop SAEs. Our focus should always be based in agricultural opportunities with the understanding that our ideas of SAEs must evolve as our industry evolves. Agricultural and forest products are our state’s leading commodity.”

Watson worked for the Tennessee Department of Education from 2016 to 2018 as a regional consultant for FFA responsible for the western part of the state.

“I was drawn to this position based on two factors, the opportunity to work more closely with teachers to develop high quality programs and the energy and commitment the Tennessee Department of Education has shown to give this role the opportunity to accomplish our goals by providing the best opportunities for all students.”

Before rejoining the Department of Education, Watson was an FFA adviser and agricultural educator for Obion County, Tenn., High School. He has an agriculture business degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Watson said the opportunity to become an educator at the high school spawned his career.

Watson said his family has a deep connection with agriculture. His family started raising market lambs when his brother joined FFA his freshman year.

“In the 8th grade, we moved to a small hobby farm where my father afforded me the opportunity to expand my flock. At its peak, I had around 20 commercial and registered brood ewes, along with two separate show strings. I cannot express how grateful I am that my father allowed me to cultivate my passion. The sacrifices he made, just as many of our parents make, is unimaginable.”

Watson said FFA has avenues for students from every background and offers tools members will need to foster success.

“With its roots in agriculture, our organization teaches students the importance of being service oriented. From biochemistry, animal husbandry and genetics, horticulture and turfgrass science, and agricultural mechanics and engineering, this organization can positively impact the lives of all students.”