Intro by King Musa
"Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It's your man, King Musa! Welcome to The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I'm your host, King Musa, and today we’re delving into the exciting world of agriculture and forestry with a true leader in the field.
Joining us today is Dr. Douglas Smith, Chair of the Department of Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University. Dr. Smith is passionate about advancing agricultural education, and we can’t wait to learn about his journey and the innovative initiatives in his department. Let’s dive in!"
Getting to Know Dr. Smith
King Musa: "Dr. Smith, welcome to The CheatSheet! Could you introduce yourself and share your role at SFA?"
Dr. Smith: "Thanks for having me, King Musa. I’m Douglas Smith, the Chair of Agriculture in the College of Forestry and Agriculture at SFA. My role is to support our faculty, staff, and students while ensuring they have the resources needed to excel. I also get to teach a class occasionally, which allows me to interact directly with students and see how we can help them succeed."
Personal Background and Passions
KM: "Tell us a little about your background. Where are you from, and how did your upbringing influence your path?"
Dr. Smith: "I grew up in Katy, Texas, in a farming and ranching family. My parents were both alumni of Sam Houston State University, and agriculture has always been in my blood. We raised cattle and livestock, and from a young age, I was passionate about educating others about agriculture. My upbringing laid the foundation for my career as an educator and advocate for agriculture."
KM: "When you’re not teaching or working on the farm, what are your hobbies or passions?"
Dr. Smith: "My career and passion often overlap. I enjoy analyzing livestock genetics and improving cattle breeds. Even though we sold our cattle when we moved from Nebraska to SFA, we’re still involved in genetic improvement. Agriculture is more than a career—it’s a lifelong passion."
Career Journey and Leadership
KM: "What led you to your current role as Chair of Agriculture at SFA?"
Dr. Smith: "After completing my master’s and Ph.D. in agriculture, I started teaching at the post-secondary level about 14 years ago. My journey has taken me through roles in education, industry, and administration, including positions at Texas A&M and the University of Nebraska. When the opportunity at SFA came up, it felt like the right fit, both professionally and personally."
KM: "What challenges have you faced in your leadership role, and how have they shaped you?"
Dr. Smith: "Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Whether it's navigating complex projects or fostering relationships, I’ve learned to approach every situation as a chance to gain knowledge and improve."
Agricultural Education and Future Goals
KM: "What are some key initiatives happening in the Department of Agriculture at SFA?"
Dr. Smith: "We’re focused on providing high-quality education, staying on the cutting edge of technology, and ensuring our curriculum aligns with industry needs. For instance, we’re conducting innovative research like tracking cattle movement and experimenting with egg yolk coloration. We also work closely with an industry partner group to keep our curriculum relevant."
KM: "What advice do you have for students looking to pursue careers in agriculture?"
Dr. Smith: "Networking is critical. Agriculture may seem vast, but it’s a close-knit community. Introduce yourself, make connections, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Attend events, volunteer, and engage with industry professionals—you never know when those relationships will open doors."
Outro by King Musa
"Dr. Smith, thank you for sharing your journey and insights. Your dedication to agriculture and education is inspiring.
To our listeners, remember: Success comes from dedication and a willingness to learn. Stay tuned for more episodes of The CheatSheet, where we decode success and help you grow your passions. This is your man, King Musa, signing off. Keep grinding and cultivating your goals. Peace!"
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