Donavan Phoenix

Lead and conduct agricultural education and teacher education-related research Teach agricultural education teacher preparation courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels Collaborate with local, national, and international teacher educators in areas related to research and teaching agenda

Assistant Professor of Agricultural Education and Advocacy - University of Kentucky - Lexington, Kentucky

(2026-01)

• Lead and conduct agricultural education and teacher education-related research
• Teach agricultural education teacher preparation courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels
• Collaborate with local, national, and international teacher educators in areas related to research and teaching agenda

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant - University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, Nebraska

(2023-01 - 2026-12)

• Orchestrated and led the experiential learning mock school day, Husker High School Day
• Designed and developed undergraduate teacher preparation programming and coursework
• Led and conducted research design, data collection, data analysis, and publication for failure learning research studies
• Collaborated with faculty members on all aspects of research studies (design, data collection, analysis, and publication)
• Conducted student teacher observations and mentoring
• Advised and guided undergraduate students in the role of an academic advisor
• Guided and mentored ALEC Teacher Preparation Club officers and members

High School Agriculture Educator and FFA Advisor - Hershey Public Schools - Hershey, Nebraska

(2022-01 - 2023-12)

• Established and built the agricultural program and FFA chapter
• Developed curriculum for agricultural-related topics based on student and community needs
• Applied for various grants and funding opportunities related to the agricultural program and FFA chapter
• Taught agricultural-related topics, including agricultural leadership, agribusiness, plant science, horticulture, animal science, veterinary science, and introduction to agriculture, wildlife management, and agricultural mechanics

High School Agriculture Educator and FFA Advisor - Redwood Area School District - Redwood Falls, Minnesota

(2020-01 - 2022-12)

• Designed and developed an industry-based welding certificate program for high school students
• Taught agricultural-related topics, including Small Engines, Welding, Advanced Welding, Carpentry, Construction Trades, Introduction to Business, and Wildlife Management
• Taught community/adult education classes, including Basic Small Engine Maintenance/Repair and Welding

Agricultural Education Intern - Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council

(2018-01 - 2018-12)

• Developed high school agricultural curriculum
• Hosted and led various leadership camps
• Coordinated and supervised student SAE projects and visits

Doctor of Philosophy - Leadership Studies - University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2026-05)

Master of Education - Business - Fort Hays State University (2022-12)

Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Education - Southwest Minnesota State University (2020-05)

Certificate - Grant Proposal Writing - Fort Hays State University (2023-04)