By Heather Baltis, Professor of Agriculture Business, Agriculture Faculty Chair, Bakersfield College
Bakersfield College’s Agriculture Department is very excited to welcome a new addition to our team, Professor of Animal Science, Julie Beechinor. Professor Beechinor’s family has deep roots in Kern County’s cattle industry, and this is where she found her love for agriculture. She pursued a degree in Agriculture Education and has served the community well by opening Frontier High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. Frontier’s program has grown to serve over 400 students and has been consistently ranked as one of the top FFA program in the nation.
Julie describes how much teaching has influenced her in the following. “Being a teacher has been the most humbling experience of my entire life. My students are ‘my kids.’ They are my life. Each night as I leave school and lock the door to my room I always turn back and look one last time before I close the door. As I quickly capture the image of this empty room and the stillness of life that was present earlier that day, I always say thank you for being allowed to do the one thing that brings me such great joy. Teaching is a gift and I have been given this gift to share with others. It is an honor and privilege to know that I have helped shape the lives of students who will become unique and valued citizens in our communities.” – Julie Beechinor
Professor Beechinor has come to Bakersfield College at the perfect time. Our department is in the process of updating and expanding our laboratory facilities to be more in line with industry standards and practices. Professor Beechinor’s knowledge of animal science and her extensive industry expertise will be essential to the success of the modernization projects. Our department is also focusing on different outreach activities, and we are excited to introduce our Renegade Rodeo Club. It is a good day to be a Renegade!
Professor Beechinor is a respected member of the agriculture industry, and Bakersfield College’s Agriculture Department is very fortunate to welcome her!
