UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A love of teaching and working with youth is what initially attracted Tracy Hoover to a career in agricultural education. After about 40 years of impacting the lives of aspiring agriculturists, her passion for ag education has not dimmed as she retires from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, effective Jan. 16, 2026.
“I’ve had great role models and instructors who were committed to and excelled at teaching,” said Hoover, who was the college’s associate dean for undergraduate education for nearly 15 years. “I was motivated by the opportunity to assist in the preparation of future agricultural science teachers and FFA advisers, as well as supporting our in-service teachers, who in turn reach students in their programs and classes.”
“Tracy’s leadership has had a lasting and transformative impact on our college, particularly in fostering a culture where excellence in teaching and student advising is both expected and celebrated,” said Troy Ott, dean of the college. “Her dedication, vision and commitment to our students and faculty have helped shape who we are today, and we are deeply grateful for the legacy she leaves behind.”
Hoover received her bachelor’s degree in animal science from Delaware Valley College in 1982 and her master's degree in animal science from Penn State in 1983. She served as an agricultural science teacher at Big Spring High School in Newville before earning her doctorate in agricultural education from Penn State in 1990, when she joined the college as an assistant professor of agricultural and extension education.
She headed south in 1993 to become a faculty member in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida. In 2001, she returned to Penn State, where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses, advised students, and supervised interns in teacher and leadership education. Her research focused on youth leadership development and on teaching and learning.
In 2004 and 2005, Hoover was named interim and then permanent head of what was then the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education. She became the college’s interim associate dean for undergraduate education in 2011 and assumed the role on a standing basis a year later.
As associate dean, Hoover and her team were responsible for overseeing an academic enterprise that includes 17 majors, 25 minors, and eight associate degree and certificate programs. Including students enrolled in ag sciences programs at other Penn State campuses and in majors offered jointly with other academic colleges, the College of Agricultural Sciences serves about 3,000 undergraduates.
In September 2025, Hoover was succeeded as associate dean by Penn State alumna Elizabeth Karcher, who had been a professor and undergraduate program coordinator at Purdue University. However, Hoover decided to stay on for several months to ease Karcher’s transition and to assist the college at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show in January.
Over her Penn State tenure, Hoover said she saw the college evolve in several ways.
“There has been greater recognition and support for the scholarship of teaching and advising,” she explained. “There’s also been a growth in experiential learning opportunities that we offer to students. This would not have been possible without support from our faculty, staff, alumni, administration and generous donors.”
Hoover noted that another significant change has been the adoption of new educational technologies that enhance student learning.
“Through technology, we have greater access to science-based information, innovations and multiple resources to enhance teaching for use in classrooms, educational programs and laboratory settings,” she said.
Among Hoover’s accomplishments was helping the college through an academic restructuring, which in 2012 reduced the number of academic departments from 12 to nine and eventually contributed to changes in majors and other programs. In announcing her standing appointment as associate dean, the college’s dean at the time, Bruce McPheron, praised Hoover for her “thoughtful and steady leadership” and her “outstanding job of guiding our Office for Undergraduate Education during a time of change and transition.”
Hoover credits her successes to “being part of a talented and creative team of individuals and students who are truly Penn State proud,” which she also pointed to as the source of her greatest satisfaction as a teacher, researcher and administrator.
“I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated group of individuals who are committed to student success and who are willing to continually promote opportunities for careers in food, agriculture, human and natural resource sciences,” she said.
Hoover said her retirement plans include spending time with grandchildren and other family and pursuing various hobbies. And, in keeping with her virtually life-long interest in ag education, she said she plans to stay involved with and support the College of Agricultural Sciences.