Aide brings knowledge, commitment to ag field

Dr. Michael Aide, chairman of the Department of Agriculture at Southeast Missouri State University, has been selected to receive an Honorary American FFA degree.

It's an award that recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in preparing a new generation of agricultural leaders. At its most basic level, the accolade represents Aide's work to help make America's food supply a viable enterprise far into the future.

Not only has he touched the lives of his many students, but indirectly Aide has touched the lives of anyone who consumes produce, fiber and other agricultural products grown or raised by the people he has taught or influenced.

Members of the National FFA Organization's board of directors approved the nomination, and Aide will receive the award at the 2015 National FFA Convention and Expo this month in Louisville, Kentucky.

"I am very thankful to the FFA for the honor," Aide said in a statement from Southeast. "Throughout my entire adult career, agriculture has represented to me one of the most noble of all occupations. I am delighted that by working in a university setting that I can instill that back in young people."

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 610,240 student members who belong to one of the 7,665 local FFA chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Dr. Aide is a big part of that vast chain of people, labor and events. We would like to thank him for his service.