The Agricultural Education Program welcomed two new staff members this fall. Lee Thompson is teaching the program’s ag technology & mechanics courses, and Juleah Tolosky is the new Minnesota FFA Executive Secretary.

Lee Thompson

Lee received his B.S. in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota before beginning his teaching career in Goodhue, Minnesota. He taught agricultural education at Goodhue High School from 1979 until 2014. During this time, he also taught CIS Animal Science through the University of Minnesota, and served as the advisor of the Goodhue FFA chapter and student council.

Besides teaching AFEE 2051: Current Technical Competencies and AFEE 3112: Building Construction Technology at the U of M, Lee is keeping busy with various other jobs he enjoys: “I’m subbing during the school year (I’ve subbed for every grade level except kindergarten), consulting for the Cannon River Watershed Partnership, mowing fairways at Mount Frontenac Golf Course, and working at Sargent’s Nursery in Red Wing. Now I can add ‘teaching Ag Mechanics at the University of Minnesota’ to the list,” he says.

Lee and his wife Julie have three adult children, and he enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, and gardening. Welcome, Lee!

Juleah Tolosky

Juleah joined the Minnesota FFA leadership team in late October, and will be working closely with Jim Ertl to learn the ropes of the Executive Secretary position until his retirement in January. Her office is housed in the Ag Ed suite in 146 Ruttan, and we couldn’t be happier!

Juleah previously served the New York FFA Association as the Executive Director. She has experience in organizing, developing, and implementing new and existing trainings for student growth. In her new position, she will be responsible for the operation, delivery, communication, and marketing of all Minnesota FFA programs.

“As we transition toward FFA in January and beyond, I am looking forward to learning from each of you about the traditions, successes, and hopes for Minnesota Ag Ed in the near and distant future,” she said. “I'm so impressed by the team you have here and the strong systems and values that make students and programs so successful.”

Juleah has a B.S. in Communications with a concentration in Organization and Planning from Cornell University. Welcome, Juleah!