Alum of the Month: Evan Alderman, Program Chair and Instructor, Horticulture and Turfgrass Management Program, Southeast Community College, Beatrice, Nebraska
November 2, 2018Evan Alderman graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture in the Spring 2014. Evan is from Waterloo, Iowa.
Evan’s major job responsibilities are being both a program chair and instructor which means that he has a wide variety responsibilities. For his program chair role, he is responsible for class scheduling, catalog and curriculum development, recruiting potential students, and managing the day-to-day requirements of the program (i.e. making sure a student’s graduation requirements are met). As an instructor, he is responsible for teaching, the development, implementation, and evaluation of new classes, managing the day-to-day production and operations on their two-hole golf course and greenhouses, and lastly advising and mentoring students.
We asked Evan what he likes most about his position. What I like the most about my job is the opportunity to engage with the students whether that be through teaching or advising. Each day, I have the opportunity to share my passion and education for Horticulture and Turfgrass Management; similarly to my professors during my time at Iowa State. Being able to advise and mentor diverse groups of students who will be the next generation in our professional industry is truly rewarding. The students drive me to not only keep challenging them, but also to challenge myself to continue to grow professionally.
Following is the advice Evan offers to current students: My experience in the post-secondary education system wasn’t always easy, and I didn’t take the most direct route. It took a long time for me to find myself and figure out what my passions in life are. I owe that to my experiences at Iowa State University. I think the one piece of advice I would give students is to take full advantage of any opportunities given to to you while at school, and if you’re not given any – go out and find them. Success isn’t always a one-way street, but it’s the journey you take and the experiences you have that make you the best version of you.
Loyal, Forever, True.