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Dr. Opat has provided meaningful experiences for students since she began teaching as a doctoral student in 2018. Her background in agriculture has ingrained the importance of experiential and hands-on learning. Whether it be impromptu skits in her business law class or creating campaigns for clients in her advertising and public relations campaigns courses, Dr. Opat ensures students put what they are learning into practice. This not only bolsters students’ ability to recollect information and create an impressive portfolio, it also increases students’ self-efficacy and builds soft skills needed for the workplace.
Upper Left: Dr. Opat and Texas A&M University writing interns during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Upper Right: Master’s student Olivia Robinson successfully defends her thesis. Middle Right: Dr. Vikram Baliga, children’s book author and avid podcaster, guest lectures remotely during the Media in Agriculture course at Missouri State University. Middle Right: Students in Legal Aspects of Agriculture complete an activity in the nice autumn weather. Bottom Left: Missouri State University Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow club members roast hot dogs at Dr. Opat’s annual campfire night. Bottom Right: Dr. Opat at the graduation celebration for her first graduate student.
Texas A&M University Courses
- ALED 640: Methods of Technological Change
- ALEC 399: High-Impact Experience (Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Internship in communications or AgVentures)
- AGCJ 105: Introduction to Agricultural and Life Sciences Communications
- AGCJ 408: Advertising Copy and Design in Agriculture and Life Sciences
- AGCJ 307: Design for Agricultural Media
- AGCJ 306: Theory and Practice of Public Relations in Agriculture and Life Sciences
- AGCJ 406: Public Relations and Campaigns in Agriculture and Life Sciences
- AGCJ 494: Internship
Courses Taught at Former Institutions
Graphic Design
Layout and Design for Agricultural Publications (AGC 333, Missouri State University, Online and In-Person)
Public Relations
Public Relations in Agriculture (AGC 393, Missouri State University, Online)
Advanced Public Relations in Agriculture (AGE 628, Missouri State University, Graduate, Online)
New/Innovative Media
Media In Agriculture (Videography) (AGC 323, Missouri State University)
Online Communications for Agricultural Organizations (Web Design and Social Media) (AGC 373, Missouri State University, Developed course)
Business / Law
Legal Aspects of Agriculture (AGB 314, Missouri State University, Online and In-Person)
Writing/ Journalism
Writing for Agricultural Publications (Feature Writing) (AGB 494, Missouri State University, Online)
News Writing in Agriculture (Underclassmen Magazine Published) (AGC 293, Missouri State University)
Science Communications
Scientific Communications in Agriculture and Natural Resources (ACOM 2302, Texas Tech University)
Professional Development
Professional Development in Agricultural Communications (ACOM 2200, Texas Tech University, Online)
Kelsi Opat, Ph.D. 