Dr. Samuel Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Education at California State University, Fresno, where he prepares the next generation of agriculture teachers through coursework, student teacher supervision, and research focused on equity, inclusion, and teacher development. He holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Agriculture, and multiple teaching and administrative credentials from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and Fresno State.

Across more than two decades in agricultural education, Dr. Rodriguez has served as a high school agriculture instructor, community college professor, grant principal investigator, program manager, advisor, and national presenter. His career includes extensive leadership in FFA, teacher preparation, CTE program design, and statewide agriculture advisory committees.

Dr. Rodriguez’s scholarly work examines the lived experiences of Hispanic agriculture teachers, the agriculture teacher pipeline, and the development of industry-aligned pathways. He has presented research at national conferences, including AAAE, ACTER, NSF ATE, and the International Self-Determination Theory Conference.

Deeply committed to community engagement, Dr. Rodriguez serves on multiple advisory boards, mentors graduate students across research and applied projects, and contributes significantly to regional agriculture programs. His longstanding service includes leadership roles with the Kings County Fair Board, Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni Association, and the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association.

Dr. Rodriguez’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing agricultural education, supporting diverse learners, and strengthening pathways that prepare students and educators to thrive within California’s agriculture industry.