Jacob Hunter of Davenport, Iowa, has been named the 2018 Emerging Iowa Leader by the Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Hunter is the agricultural educator and FFA advisor at North Scott High School in Eldridge in eastern Iowa. In his role, he leads the only high school agriculture program in Scott County, which includes students from neighboring school districts. He formerly served as the director of Iowa education programs for the World Food Prize Foundation. Hunter received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and life sciences education from Iowa State in 2011.

 “Through his earlier work with the World Food Prize Foundation, to his current role at North Scott High School, Jacob inspires future leaders with his informed, passionate and steadfast commitment to the challenges facing global agriculture,” says Joe Colletti, interim endowed dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The award was presented at center court at Hilton Coliseum during the Cyclone women’s basketball game Feb. 10, sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Selection of the Emerging Iowa Leader Award is based on efforts to advance agriculture and life sciences in Iowa through communications, education, relationship-building, engagement and outstanding alumni service to the college. Honorees must be age 40 or younger at the time of nomination, live or work in Iowa, and demonstrate high potential for future professional growth.

Source: Iowa State University