Alumni Opinions on Recruitment and Curriculum in Agronomy

Concern for the undergraduate program at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, has led us to survey our alumni for opinions upon which to base modifications in recruiting and curriculum. Our objectives were to obtain alumni opinions on (i) the advisability of continued recruitment, (ii) the job market for agronomy graduates having completed B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, and (iii) revisions needed in our undergraduate curriculum. Alumni recommended continued recruitment, and indicated that jobs are available for agronomy graduates. They named information courses such as soils, chemistry, and crops as most important in undergraduate education but also emphasized that, to be successful employees, graduates need professional capabilities in communication skills, self‐motivation, and practical application of knowledge.