FACULTY AND STAFF
Our Mission
The Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence will align students with the resources of academic institutions and industry to develop and sustain the workforce needs of agriculture in Southern Minnesota.
Our Vision
The Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence will serve as a dominant force in the promotion of education in agriculture and agricultural careers, aligning colleges and curriculums across the region.
Staff
Tina LeBrun – Executive Director
Tina has more than 15 years of experience working with faculty, staff and students in higher education and has been a South Central College Farm Business Management instructor since January 2009. She is also past president for the National Farm and Ranch Business Management Educator
Association. She holds a bachelor’s in agriculture economics and animal science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a master’s in education from the University of Minnesota.
Tina was born and raised on a dairy/crop farm in south-central Minnesota; she and her husband are active producers and live on a cattle farm in Lafayette.
She looks forward to continuing work with farm producers, supporting ag educators and students, and strengthening relationships with the ag business and industry.
Nathan Hanel – Program Coordinator
Nathan is the Program Coordinator for the Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence and grew up on a family farm in rural Mankato. His family was in the popcorn business, Hanel Popcorn, and he was an active part of all aspects of the operation until his dad retired in 2007. As a kid, he was in 4-H and couldn’t wait to get home from school and help out on the farm. Nathan also has had horses from an early age and one of his favorite activities is camping and trail riding with friends. Over the years, he’s ridden his horse in 8 different states.
Not far from home, Nathan graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College earning a B.A. in organizational management. A few years later, he attended Concordia University, St. Paul and graduated with a M.A. in organizational management. Over the past 20 years, Nathan has been in leadership roles in customer service and technical support in the printing, telecommunications and publishing industries.
Presently, Nathan enjoys living on his family farm and is an active volunteer within our community. He is a board member for Junior Achievement and also serves on committees for GreenSeam, Farmamerica as well as an AFNR advisory member for Mankato Area Public Schools. He also helped establish the Mankato FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter. Nathan is proud to share his passion and enthusiasm for ag education!
Courtney Spence – Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator
As the Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator with Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence, Courtney will primarily focus on targeted outreach initiatives and strategic recruitment efforts, aiming to bridge the gap between academia and industry, empowering young talents to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Courtney grew up on a Century Farm near LaSalle, Minnesota where she still thoroughly enjoys spending time at whenever the opportunity allows. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State Mankato. Over the past 20 years, Courtney has developed leadership skills through programs such as Leadership Minnesota, Blandin Leadership Program, Cooperative Communicators Association and most recently, Elizabeth Kearney Women’s Leadership Program.
Outside of work, you can find Courtney behind the lens of a camera, parenting two amazing young men, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Courtney looks forward to empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders, building lasting relationships with industry partners, and helping to create a sustainable future for agriculture.
Dr. T.J. Brown Agriculture Instructor T.J. is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. Prior to teaching at the College, T.J. taught high school agriculture for twelve years in Springfield, MN. T.J.’s teaching responsibilities include courses in Agribusiness Financial Management, Employability Training, and Welding.
Kevin Dick Agriculture and Diesel Service Instructor
Joel Hansen Agriculture Instructor
Farm Business Management
Denise Reeser (218-330-7355) Previously, Denise taught agriculture and FFA for 18 years at Brainerd High School. Denise holds a B.S. in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota. She is a member of the MAAE, an MN FFA Honorary Degree holder and a past MN State FFA Officer. Denise and her family show horses, and she also serves as a horse judge and 4-H volunteer.
Eric Kinsley (507-332-5813) Eric Kinsley is a Farm Business Management Instructor in the Faribault area.
Brent Roiger (507-380-8269) Brent is one of the newest faculty members at South Central College. He has worked as an agriculture loan officer, a financial and credit analyst for AgQuest, and an accounting analyst for Wakefield Pork. He and his wife Lori, have 2 children. Brent is also a member of the GFW FFA Alumni Association, a Legion baseball coach, the GFW Athletic Boosters President, and is a board member for the Winthrop Game Protective League.
Kristina McVicker (507-227-5893) – Kristina is a Farm Business Management Instructor in the Sleepy Eye area.
Jason Schroeder (507-766-3263) Jason has been a Farm Business Management Instructor with South Central College since 2019 in the New Ulm/Mankato area. Previously, Jason farmed in partnership on his family’s dairy and crop farm for 18 years. Jason and his wife, Michele, and their 3 children, Alex, Aiden and April, continue to custom raise dairy heifers, finish hogs with a local integrator, and grow corn, soybeans, and alfalfa on the family farm. Jason has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Civically, he serves as a township supervisor, was recently elected president of New Ulm Farm-City Hub Club (the local agriculture club), and has served on county dairy boards. Jason and his family enjoy showing dairy cattle at local and state levels.
Todd Stencel (507-521-1232) Todd has been with South Central College in the past as a Farm Business Management, but recently joined the FBM team again in 2016. He serves the Waldorf-Pemberton area.
Pam Uhlenkamp (507-351-0463) Pam is a Farm Business Management Instructor at South Central College. Pam earned her B.S. in Agriculture Education from the University of Minnesota. Prior to working at South Central, Pam worked for Land O’Lakes as a Livestock Production Specialist. Pam serves on various local and state boards and is an active MN Farm Bureau member. Pam has 2 children that are active in 4-H and FFA. They all enjoy working with 4-H and FFA programs. They take every opportunity they can to share the story of agriculture. Pam enjoys gardening- vegetables and flowers, and watching her children play football, baseball and softball.
Mark Wehe (507-332-5836) Mark is a Farm Business Management Instructor in the Faribault area.
Jeff Schultz (507-332-5837) Jeff is a Farm Business Management Instructor in the Faribault area and started in 2015. Prior to that, he worked as an Agronomist for 10 years and as a Commodity Broker and Marketing Advisory for 15 years. Jeff has a B.S. in Agronomy and Agricultural Economics. Jeff serves as secretary of the Dakota/Rice Corn and Soybean Growers, treasurer of National Farm and Ranch Business Management Educators Association and a church trustee. Jeff’s family has a red angus beef cattle herd where they sell breeding stock and freezer beef. He and his wife Kathryn, have 3 children.
Ryan Brudelie (507-848-5527) Ryan is a Farm Business Management Instructor in the Blue Earth area.
Paul Carr (507-525-2149) – Paul is a Farm Business Management Instructor in the Blue Earth area.
Becca Herberg (507-508-4709) Becca is a Farm Business Management instructor at South Central College. Becca earned her B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota and Master of Arts degree in Education from Bemidji State University. Prior to working at South Central College, Becca taught science and agriculture classes in Cleveland and Saint Peter, MN. Becca and her husband currently farm in partnership with his parents on their family’s dairy and crop farm. Becca and her husband also raise angus beef cattle where they sell direct to consumer. Becca enjoys gardening, floral design, and spending time with their two children in her free time.
Brianna Schwarzrock (507-508-1733) Brianna is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Fairfax area. Brianna earned her double B.S. at South Dakota State University in Agricultural Business and Business Economics. Before South Central College, Brianna worked at a bank in the lending field. Brianna brings a strong background in financials and livestock to her students as SCC. Growing up on a cow-calf operation, Brianna continues to help on the family farm often. Brianna and her husband farm and run a small herd of registered Angus cattle at their home in Gibbon MN.
Austin Davis (612-751-0794) Austin is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Glencoe area.
Philip Berg Lamb & Wool Management Instructor Philip Berg was born and raised on a Pipestone area sheep farm and continues to work with his family’s sheep operation. He graduated with an Animal Science degree from South Dakota State University and also received a Master’s Degree in Animal and Range Science from North Dakota State University. After receiving his Master’s Degree, Philip worked for the North Dakota State University Research Center in Hettinger, ND. After six years with the NDSU Research Center, he returned to Pipestone where he was employed by the University of Minnesota Extension Service in Pipestone County for eleven years. Philip began his role as a Lamb and Wool Instructor in June of 2005.
Jeff Rogers Production Agriculture Instructor
Dusty Neugebauer Production Agriculture Instructor
Georgina Cavin Small Business Management Instructor Georgina Cavin was born and raised in Lennox SD. She has a BS in Accounting from National American University and a MBA from the University of Sioux Falls. She has over 15 years of industry experience that includes general ledger accounting, payroll and benefits accounting, financial statement preparation, financial statement analysis, bank auditing, both internal and external auditing, individual tax preparation, in addition to over 25 years as an instructor in post-secondary education. For 15 years she also owned and operated a mobile food service/concessions business. As an instructor, she has taught in the classroom setting, in a hybrid format, and also in an online format. She really enjoys creating curriculum delivery that meets the needs of her audience. As a certified Soft Skills trainer, she has created and delivered several professional development training seminars to various organizations. Georgina began her role with Minnesota West College as a Small Business Management instructor in February of 2023.
Farm Business Management
Mike Boersma (605-690-5336) Mike is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Marshall area.
Brian Boomgaarden (507-825-6829) Brian is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Pipestone area.
Aaron Brudelie (507-728-8400) Prior to joining Minnesota West, Aaron was a Farm Business Management instructor at South Central College. He serves the Waldorf-Pemberton area.
Linda Carter (507-828-6651) Linda is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Walnut Grove area.
Deron Erickson (320-808-5187) Deron is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Barrett area.
Shawn Meyer (320-249-1958) Shawn is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Litchfield area.
Mike Dierks (507-847-7937) Mike Dierks has been a Farm Business Management Instructor at Minnesota West for 14 years. He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Business and a B.A. in Commercial Economics from South Dakota State University. He also holds an MBA from Southwest Minnesota State University. He is also a certified Risk Management Consultant through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Mike has been awarded the MAAE Region 6 Outstanding Beginning Adult Farm Management Instructor, and the program has been awarded the MAEE Region 6 Outstanding Adult Farm Management Program.
Mike is married and has 3 children. He enjoys spending time on his farm, playing sports and taking part in many outdoor and sportsman activities. In his previous life before Farm Business Management, he was an agricultural lender for 15 years.
Kent Janssen (507-220-8176) Kent has been a Farm Business Management Instructor at Minnesota West for the past 7 years. Prior to joining the team at Minnesota West, he worked as a high school agriculture teacher. Kent has his MEd in Agricultural Education. Kent and his wife Jolynn, have 4 children. In his spare time, he enjoys working outside and fishing.
Troy Otto (507-530-5238) Troy is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Marshall area.
Lori Van Overbeke (507-530-8344) Lori started teaching Farm Business Management in July of 2015. Prior to this, she taught agribusiness and economics at SMSU. She holds a BS in Ag Business and Business Administration and a Masters in Business. Lori and her husband have 5 children, and she enjoys gardening and reading.
Brad Verly (507-828-8506) Brad is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Marshall area.
Zach Rada (605-695-1668) Zach is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Canby area.
Brad Milbrath (507-847-7936) Brad is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Jackson/Lakefield area.
Jeremy Daberkow (612-269-0334) Jeremy is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Welcome area.
Jenna Davis (507-847-7964) Jenna is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Hutchinson and McLeod County area.
Chase VanKeulen (507-828-3576) Chase is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Granite Falls area.
Jonah Mayo (507-848-5048) Jonah is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Sherburn area.
Southwest Minnesota State University, located in Marshall, Minnesota, is a four-year public university offering a high quality education in the liberal arts and professions to prepare you for a life that is successful both personally and professionally.
On July 1, 2014, SMSU permanently established the School of Agriculture. The School of Agriculture is a part of SMSU’s College of Business, Education and Professional Studies.
Within SMSU’s School of Agriculture is the Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics (AAE). The AAE Department is the home for SMSU’s BS in Agribusiness Management, BS in Agronomy, and BS in Agricultural Solutions programs, as well the transfer-friendly BAS Degree in Agriculture Program. Beginning in January 2015, the BS in Agricultural Education Degree will also be a part of SMSU’s School of Agriculture.
The vision for the School of Agriculture is to encourage multi-disciplinary educational opportunities for SMSU students. The goal for the School is to help the agricultural economies of our state, region and world meet the need for responsible and educated professionals who will make smart decisions for productive and sustainable growth in the 21st Century. The School’s emphasis on integration among the applied agricultural disciplines also dovetails well with SMSU’s regional service mission.
Please visit the SMSU School of Agriculture website for additional information.
Riverland Community College, with campuses in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, has a new beginning in agricultural education after offering Farm Business Management education for many years.
Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, who holds a doctorate in agricultural engineering, and his team created Riverland’s 2013 strategic plan, “The Blueprint for Excellence,” that identified agriculture as a top priority over the years ahead and identifies Austin campus as the anchor site for the programs that will serve students across the region. The Hormel Foundation collaborated with Riverland and conducted three Ag Summits in 2014, 2015, and 2016 to discuss possibilities through discussions with local business leaders, producers and educators.
Riverland has six new agricultural programs including Precision Agriculture, Food Science, Food Science Technology, Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology, and Agribusiness. These programs join Riverland’s established Farm Business Management program, one of the college’s most popular programs.
Nick Schiltz Ag Science Instructor Nick Schiltz has a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education from South Dakota State University.
Sue Gorman Food Science Instructor Sue Gorman has a BS degree in Food Science and Technology from UWRF and MED initial licensure in Ag Ed from the U of MN.
Farm Business Management
Traci Nelson (507-383-3225) Traci is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Austin/Albert Lea/Ellendale/Adams area.
Tom Anderson (507-259-6269) Tom is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Plainview area.
Kyle Huneke (507-438-4924) Kyle is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Wanamingo area.
Rex Quam (507-301-1140)Rex is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Wanamingo area.
Jennifer Smith (507-384-8676) Jennifer is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Wanamingo area.
Lynn Hoffmann (507-320-8193) Lynn is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Adams area.
Ryan Steele (507-320-2278) Ryan is a Farm Business Management instructor in the St. Charles/Lewiston area.
Jillian Dicke (507-402-8986) – Jillian is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Rochester area.
Courtney Duxbury (507-460-9735) Courtney is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Adams.
Marc Huneke (507-320-8680) Marc is a Farm Business Management instructor in the Plainview area.