New leader will be on campus for Fall 2026 semester
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has named Joy Rumble as head of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications. Rumble currently serves as the interim chair of the Division of Plant Science and Engineering Technology at The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute as well as the Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership at Ohio State. She will join the UT campus community in August 2026 just in time for the fall semester.
Chris Boyer, chair of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics who is also serving as the interim head of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, announced the appointment in a May 7 note to faculty and staff. Boyer says Rumble is the leader the department needs as it shapes a dynamic future for the students and public it serves.
The mission of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications is to develop educators, leaders, and communicators to meet the grand challenges society is facing in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. The department supports studies in agricultural education, agricultural and natural resources communication, community engagement and leadership development as well as interdisciplinary agricultural and communications studies. Degrees awarded include bachelor’s and master’s of science as well as doctorates. There are online degree programs for B.S. and M.S. degrees. The department includes 14 teaching and research faculty as well as five Extension professionals and supporting staff.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Rumble to the Knoxville campus,” said Keith Carver, UT Institute of Agriculture senior vice president and senior vice chancellor. “She brings a tremendous depth of experience in communication, education and leadership, along with a passion for preparing students to become strong voices for agriculture and its impact on communities here and around the world.”
Rumble has published more than 100 scientific papers on the role of communications in influencing policy about the science of agriculture or the role of consumer opinions on food and agriculture, including through social media. She has also been a frequent presenter at academic and professional conferences.
“I’m honored to serve UTIA in this capacity,” said Rumble. “While interviewing, I was impressed with not only the talent of the department’s faculty and staff, but also the students and culture throughout the Institute. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and I’m excited to be a part of the Volunteer family and help others be a part of something great.”
Rumble holds a doctorate in agricultural education and communication from the University of Florida and a master of science degree in agricultural communication as well as a bachelor of science in animal science from The Ohio State University. Her research examines how communication shapes understanding and perceptions of agriculture practices to inform policy.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.