News

By Alisha Johnson

Brian Crouse is the newest director on the Faculty of Agriculture Alumni Association board. He has already become a valuable asset with his connections, passion for and history of the Agricultural Campus, its students and grads.

In April 2018, Brian retired after a 41+ year career in agriculture. Much of that time being spent exactly where Brian earned his diploma in 1975– at the Agricultural Campus.  

Throughout his fulfilling career, Brian served in numerous positions including student placement officer, manager of Career Services, Scholarships & Awards and Student Recruitment while bringing his career to a conclusion as academic advisor and coordinator of the First Year Experience. He enjoyed his many opportunities to travel internationally -to places like the US, Norway, India, Colombia and Brazil, promoting the AC and developing pathways for students to come to study at the AC.

Brian influenced, supported and advised so many students over his career – making a huge impact for both the students and AC.

Now enjoying gardening and home projects, along with the change of pace retirement has given him, Brian recently took some time to reflect on his student and career days on the Agricultural Campus. Brian’s wife, Liz and one of his two children (Megan) are also proud AC alumni, along with countless extended family members. Son, Tim, is a grad of Dalhousie’s MBA program.

The Agricultural Campus is a pretty special and unique place, as we hear over and over. What’s your favourite characteristic of the Agricultural Campus? 

I always valued the sense of "team" at the AC. The collaboration between faculty and staff from multiple units make it a collegial place. AC students are fortunate to have a wonderful team of academic advisors complementing the staff in Student Services. 

That being said, I also feel the connectedness of faculty and the teaching staff with alumni is truly unique (and special) to the AC. Faculty and staff are often able to speak to current students about the career options of alumni from their respective programs. Many faculty members are active researchers and students have benefitted from having information on research brought into the classroom. Being able to promote the strength of these teachers when encouraging high school students to attend the AC, was something I did with pride.

Overall, the AC has been very student focused – something I have always been proud of.

What do you think has been the most significant change, since you were a student? 

There certainly has been a lot of change on campus since I was a student 47 years ago. The growth of academic programs and the supporting infrastructure and buildings to support a comprehensive university campus is an obvious change.

However, the most significant change for me to note is the shift in student demographics. From a time when students primarily came from Atlantic Canada and were generally from rural and small-town schools, to the present when students come from across Canada and all around the world, in fact.

You dedicated your career making a difference to students at the Agricultural Campus, what are you most proud of? 

​I am proud that students who have graduated in the 45 years since I graduated from the AC have had the same positive student experience during their studies that I had.

I had a wonderful career supporting students. How gratifying it was to support the transition to university studies for students over the years and then to follow their success after they graduated. A highlight of my career at the AC was leading the Student Recruitment program and establishing linkages with agricultural universities in India. I am very proud that these relationships continue to provide pathways for students from India to come to study at the AC.  

This issue of the Agricola News highlights our new strategic plan – Why Agriculture? Why is agriculture important to you, with the work that you did/do at the Agricultural Campus? 

When talking to high school students about studying Agriculture we often defaulted with the phrase that "Agriculture is more than farming" while acknowledging the importance of those producing food in primary agriculture.

 When we think of the food we eat, a greater sense of what Agriculture is gained as we understand that "Agriculture" is the science, business and engineering associated with the food industry. We can work in marketing or quality control in food processing, be a journalist, work in banking or finance, or be involved environmental management - and all of us work in "Agriculture”!  

As the newest member of the Faculty of Agriculture Alumni Association, what do you think alumni should know about the Alumni Association? What do you hope to gain from being involved?

​There's a vital role for alumni to support the AC's recruitment initiatives to encourage high school students in their area to consider the AC. The AC provides a wonderful experience for students who may be interested in its wide range of two- and four-year programs.

However, the Agricultural Campus may not be top of mind for high school students. Alumni can be key influencers by maintaining regular contact with local high school guidance counsellors and can encourage AC students to maintain contact with their home high schools.

The Alumni Association is the bridge between alumni and the AC. I am looking forward to helping the Alumni Association continue to facilitate opportunities for alumni to keep connected with the AC.  The Alumni Association is also a link that provides the common bond for alumni to re-connect.