Welcome

Membership is by invitation only.   Usually  upper level students, juniors or seniors majoring in Agricultural Education are  invited  to  join.  They must have a  2.5 overall GPA, have 45 or  more credit hours and  have been observed to be professional in conduct  by the members of the organization.  Lifetime membership dues are $20.00.  Upon invitation to join, there is an new member application form to complete, a test of knowledge about the ATA, and also an initiation ceremonies in which each new member must participate.

History of the ATA

National --  The idea was conceived by A. W. Nolan at the University of Illinois in 1921 and a local chapter was formed.  Soon after  a move began to make this a nation wide organization.   In 1924 a national constitution was approved.    Next chapter to form was the Beta Chapter from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1925).  The Gamma Chapter was next to be formed at the University of California-Davis (1925) .    The Alpha Tau Alphan is the national newsletter for the organization.  It was first  issued in May 1936.  State--  The first chapter organized in Arkansas was at the Arkansas State Teachers College (now called University of Central Arkansas)  in Conway, in 1933.  This chapter was discontinued a few years later when agriculture was dropped form the curriculum.  The second chapter in the state, Chi, was formed at University of Arkansas in 1954.  They are still active.  The third chapter in the state was formed at ASU in 1964.  Read below for more detailed info on our chapter.  The Alpha Epilson Chapter was formed at University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, in 1966.  They have not recorded an initiate since 1980 and are inactive at present.    Southern Arkansas University has applied to have a chapter and will be active by 2003. Local  -- The Alpha Gamma Chapter of ATA, here at ASU, was installed on November 9, 1964 with Jim L. Fowler as President, J.B. Penn as Secretary, and Charles Collier as Treasurer. Dr. O.P. Nail and Dr. A. B. Rougeau served as the original advisors.    Dr. Rougeau served as vice president from 82 to 86 and Dr. Eugene Aist was Vice President from 1986 to 90.  Dr. Tim Wiggins was 2nd Vice President from 1988 to 90.   Dr. David Agnew served as 1st Vice President from 1990-92.   Recent Historical Events/Activities of the Alpha Gamma Chapter 2001-- Tracy Lee, Received ATA Scholarship 2000 -- First ever Valentine Fund Raised   2000 -- ATA Sheep Sale -- Saturday April  15,  Jonesboro  AR 1999  -- Dean Vandergriff  Received ATA Scholarship  1999 -- Alpha Gamma enters essay in the National ATA Essay Contest                       1998  -- Amy Busby  Received ATA Scholarship 1997 -- First ATA Scholarship Given -- Jeremy Robertson 1992-94 -- Dr. David Agnew was elected as Vice President of ATA (national) 1992 -- December, Dr. Amos  Rougeau (former advisor) retires 1992 -- The Alpha Gamma Chapter won the National Debate Contest

Fall 2000

Spring 2000

Scholarship is open to any Agriculture Education Major during the semester of student  teaching/internship.  Click here to see a copy of the application form.  Award is based upon  financial need, academic ability, interest in being an active member of the agriculture teaching profession, and level of participation in the activities of the organization.  Scholarship amount is $500 unless funds are unavailable.

Selection is by a panel of ATA members now teaching, current member representatives, and a faculty from the College of Agriculture, but outside Agricultural Education.

Past winners:   
       
                     2008-09 -- This could be you........
                      2007-2008 -- Micka Hampton
                      2006-07 -- Austin Kennon
                      2005-06 -- Kristyn Woodrow
                      2004 -- Amanda Britton
                      2003 -- Michael Person --He was also selected to tbe Outstanding Member in 2003 for ATA and two other
                                 organizations.  Michael also had his education interrupted by the war in the middle east. Michael is now
                                 working on a doctorate in Animal Science at the University of Arkansas
                      2002 -- Josh Parks -- from Alica, AR
                                 In 2003 began teaching at East Poinsette County H.S. in Lepanto
                                 (one of 4 students to go to Costa Rica in Summer of 2002
                      2001 --Tracy Lee  -- From Ashflat 
                                 Student taught at Batesville
                                 Taught Ag at Biggers Reno 2002
                                 Now teaching adult education in the women's prison at Newport as of fall of 2003
                      2000  --(Member was selected but dropped out of school before student teaching)
                      1999  -- Dean Vandergriff -- Started teaching at Thayer MO upon graduation and then moved to Oak Grove H.S.  in
                                           Ravenden Springs in fall of 2005
                      1998  -- Amy Busby  --Taught Ag at Rosebud H.S., 
                                          then worked in Career Opportunities Office-Paragould
                                   2002 went to Green County Tech to teach ag.
                                           Amy is in the picture above on the left and she is now Amy Cole
                      1997  -- Jeremy Robertson --Teaching at Bradford H.S.

Download an Application

Alpha Tau Alpha Scholarship Application

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new member packet