History of the Journal

The Journal of The American Association of Teacher Educators in Agriculture first made its debut in 1961, with its initial two issues produced in mimeograph format. Throughout its evolving journey, numerous pivotal changes have shaped the Journal of Agricultural Education into the leading, peer-reviewed journal within the field. Key milestones included its initial publication in an 8½" by 11" newsletter format in 1961, scaling down to a 6" by 9" format in 1970, increasing its frequency from two to three issues per year in 1971, and forming an editing-managing board in 1975, the same year it achieved refereed publication status. Further noteworthy developments comprised the inaugural Distinguished Lecture publication in 1976, constituting an Editorial Review Board in 1983—which also marked the first time outstanding articles were recognized—hiring the first business manager in 1986, adopting the title Journal of Agricultural Education in 1989, reverting to the 8½" by 11" format in 1994, launching the first electronic issue in 2009, celebrating its 50th volume the same year, and shifting entirely to an electronic format in 2011. As of Volume 66 in 2025, the journal has embraced a continuous publication model to further its legacy of disseminating pivotal research and insights in agricultural education.

Many editors have served the organization throughout its history. They have included:

1961-64: R. W. Cline, University of Arizona

1965-66: Gordon L. Swanson, University of Minnesota

1966-69: J. C. Atherton, Louisiana State University

1970-73: John Crunkilton, Virginia Tech

1974-76: Larry Miller, Virginia Tech/University of Missouri

1977-79: Jasper Lee, Mississippi State University

1980-82: Ron Brown, Mississippi State University

1983-85: John Hillison, Virginia Tech

1986-88: R. Kirby Barrick, The Ohio State University

1989-91: Phil Buriak, University of Illinois

1992-94: Al Kahler, Iowa State University

1995-97: Jamie Cano, The Ohio State University

1998-00: Joe Kotrlik, Louisiana State University

2001-03: Blannie Bowen, Pennsylvania State University

2004-06: Greg Miller, Iowa State University

2007-09: Rama Radhakrishana, Pennsylvania State University

2010-12: Grady Roberts, University of Florida

2013-15: D. Barry Croom, North Carolina State University/Oregon State University

2016-18: Harry N. Boone, Jr., West Virginia University

2019-20: Catherine Shoulders, University of Arkansas

2021-23: Don W. Edgar, New Mexico State University

2024 Editorial Team

  • Managing Editor: Brian E. Myers, University of Florida
  • Submission Editor: Rebecca Lawver, Utah State University
  • Publication Editor: Don W. Edgar, University of Idaho

2025 & 2026 Editorial Team

  • Managing Editor: Rebecca Lawver, Utah State University 
  • Submission Editor: J.C. Bunch, University of Florida
  • Publication Editor: Brian E. Myers, University of Florida
  • Indexing Editor: Amanda Bowling, The Ohio State University