New Digital Agronomy Concentration Now Available at Motlow

July 1, 2021

Beginning this Fall, Motlow State Community College will offer a concentration in Digital Agronomy as part of its current Associate of Applied Science Degree in Entrepreneurship. 

“This new degree pathway is part of Motlow’s commitment to developing a new pipeline of agricultural professionals equipped to support the technology needs of today’s farmers,” said Dr. Melody Edmonds, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs at Motlow.

“Digital agronomy uses technology, such as drones, sensors and other monitors, and the data they provide to make informed decisions and recommendations to farmers,” added Stacy Dowd, an assistant professor and the Curriculum Chair for Natural Science at Motlow. “Students will study conventional and regenerative agricultural practices, learn GIS mapping precision agriculture, and the latest in crop management and irrigation practices.” 

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Covington began a certification program in digital agronomy in 2019. In collaboration with TCAT, Motlow further allows TCAT students to transfer into a degree program. 

“This is an exciting opportunity that will fuel the entrepreneurial spirit and technical skill sets needed to meet our region’s growing demands for skilled workers in middle Tennessee’s growing agriculture industry,” Edmonds said.

Motlow will recognize a student’s level of knowledge, either through industry-recognized certifications, prior learning assessments, or challenge exams. 

“This credit for prior learning means students can enter Motlow’s degree concentration in digital agronomy with fewer classes to complete,” explained Edmonds. 

Motlow is recruiting new faculty leadership for this new pathway. Current openings can be found at Motlow’s website for employment opportunities. Position inquiries should be directed to: humanresources@mscc.edu. 

“We have seen a lot of enthusiasm from students who are excited about the combination of entrepreneurial coursework and agriculture,” Edmonds said. “We’ve also received a resounding affirmation from leaders in the Middle Tennessee Nursery Association who have asked for us to collaborate with them to explore adding agricultural apprenticeship opportunities.”

To further expand the program, Motlow is also working with the Warren County School System to develop agriculture and drone pilot certification to help support remote crop management technology. The College is also working with Tennessee State University in Fayetteville to take students from certificates to apprenticeships and associate degrees to bachelor degrees and beyond.

“The A.A.S. in Entrepreneurship will provide students with the skills needed to start and successfully run their own business,” said Dowd.

Edmonds added, “Most of all, we want to prepare our students to be ag entrepreneurs of the future.”

Tennessee’s Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient, and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. The system offers associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs, and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tbr.edu or visit Motlow at mscc.edu.