News

Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer, PhD, director of the Center for Predictive Analytics (C-PAN) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been appointed to the Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education (ICAE).

The ICAE, which serves under the office of Illinois Deputy Governor for Education Martin Torres, advises the Illinois State Board of Education on agricultural education. The 13-member committee includes representatives from various educational sectors and agricultural organizations.

“This was a happy surprise,” said Butts-Wilmsmeyer, who learned the news from SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, that she had been requested to serve a one-year appointment on the committee.

“It’s super exciting for me, because the ag world is the reason I'm here today.”

During the past eight years, Butts-Wilmsmeyer as Principal Investigator has led three USDA education and workforce development programs across Illinois, focusing on undergraduate students. Two of the programs targeted undergraduates, and one involved a range of participants from junior high school students to the current workforce. Through C-PAN, she works with industries vital to the St. Louis and Illinois regions, emphasizing agriculture's significant contribution to the local GDP.

Butts-Wilmsmeyer, who grew up on a farm raising cattle and hay, has a personal connection to agricultural education. In high school she became a member of the National FFA, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, which taught food and science production, and leadership skills.

"The agricultural community provided me with educational opportunities and financial support as both an undergraduate and graduate student, but even more importantly, they gave me a place to belong and accepted me as one of their own," she said. "Serving on this committee is a chance to give back to a community that has meant so much to me."

In her committee role, Butts-Wilmsmeyer will collaborate with the Deputy Governor and the Illinois State Board of Education to review and recommend curricula for agricultural education, particularly at the high school level.

"SIUE's commitment to workforce development and preparing students for the future aligns with the goals of the ICAE," said Butts-Wilmsmeyer. "I'm excited to support our students and the agricultural community through this appointment."

PHOTO: Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer, PhD, newly appointed to the Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education (ICAE)