Trinidad State Dean of Instruction Jack Wiley was recently elected to the 2024 New Mexico Agriculture Teacher Hall of Fame. Jack taught agriculture and Future Farmers of America from 1972-1975 at Moriarty New Mexico and Logan, New Mexico from 1986-1989. Jack then accepted an administrative role in Clayton schools where he served for the next 25 years first as a principal and his last 15 years as Superintendent of Schools. Never one to “retire,” Jack soon accepted a position at Trinidad State College in Alamosa.
The Agriculture Teachers Association of New Mexico Hall of Fame exists to recognize and honor agricultural science teachers whose careers, achievements, and contributions stand exemplary. Inductees are known as well-rounded professionals that have proven their success with FFA activities, in the classroom, as well as community involvement. They have proven their desire to provide students with opportunities for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success over a significant period of time.
Jack is immensely proud of his profession as an agriculture educator and of the humble beginnings in a small rural town in northern New Mexico that made him the man he is today. Jack is an outstanding teacher, leader, advisor, husband, father, grandfather, and a committed member of New Mexico agriculture. He is the role model for students and educators to emulate. Jack takes his responsibility to Agriculture seriously and with an attitude of sincere professionalism. He has been an active member of New Mexico agriculture helping guide young people through the challenges faced in an industry that is more important than ever. The agriculture industry continues to be blessed with someone of Jack’s morals, values, and dedication to his profession. Whether serving as a judge or public speaking coach, advisor to a multitude of state and national award and degree winners, a member of statewide agriculture advisory committees, speaking to the New Mexico state legislature, serving the New Mexico Activities Association as its president, or serving on various committees, agriculture has been a major focus for Jack. Jack has received the Honorary State FFA Degree, Honorary American FFA degree, and the Distinguished Service Award from the New Mexico FFA.
Very early in his career, Jack's passion as an Agriculture Education instructor became clear when he, along with a tenacious group of seasoned Agriculture Education Instructors from across New Mexico, successfully fought to have the State FFA Vocational Agriculture office moved from Santa Fe to its current home at New Mexico State University. Jack’s passion and love for NMSU and its land grant agriculture connection continue even today with his family’s sponsorship of two scholarships for aspiring agriculture students.
When Jack left the traditional classroom environment to become an administrator, he did it intentionally to impact agriculture education on a broader scale. In his new role, Jack lobbied for agriculture education in New Mexico public schools, and for proper funding for agriculture programs in the state legislature. He continued to coach judging teams, judged FFA contests, listened to speeches, evaluated proficiency awards packages, and served as a national FFA judge, where he continues to serve today.
Today, Jack carries his leadership abilities and position as a role model and guide into dual roles. Jack continues involvement in New Mexico agriculture and his current position at Trinidad State College, where he serves as a Dean of Instruction and agriculture professor.