NEW AG INSTRUCTOR

Nathan Wells is a welcome addition to Western Oklahoma State College’s agriculture program and will bring a new animal science dimension, which is expected to generate a lot of interest from students. He joins Zac Estes, full time agriculture and physical science instructor at Western for many years, to greatly expand course offerings.

Most recently an instructor at Blue Mountain Community College in Oregon, Wells began his career as a farm manager for the Oregon State University horse center where he was responsible for approximately 65 head of horses and 15-20 student employees.He was also employed as an animal and equine science instructor at Oregon State University.

With his credentials in animal and equine science, Wells has definite plans to build a high quality program at Western. Along with a solid background in research and several journal articles and proceedings papers to his credit, Wells also has the classroom experience and the lab experience to get the job done. And in the case of animal science, the lab setting can get little messy.

"The students are going to have to be willing to get their hands dirty," Wells said with a smile.

Originally from Greenway, Arkansas, Wells earned a Bachelor in Animal Science from Arkansas State University in 1999 and a Master in Animal Science from New Mexico State University in 2001. In addition to regular classes, Wells is interested in developing workshops on topics such as pregnancy testing, artificial insemination, and colt training. And as more resources become available, he would like to continue expanding the program.

He will be teaching the following classes this fall:

Introduction to Animal Science (AGRI 1124) from 11 a.m. to 12:15 on Mondays and Wednesdays. There is also a required lab for this course on Tuesdays from 1 to 2:50 p.m.

Horse Management (AGRI 2422) from 6 to 7:40 p.m. on Thursdays.

Livestock Feeding (AGRI 2123) 9 to 9:50 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Fundamentals of Food Sciences (AGRI 1133) from 7 to 9:45 p.m. on Tuesdays.

In addition to the courses listed above, other agriculture courses available this fall include the following:

Crop Production (AGRI 1213) from 10 to 10:50 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays with a lab on Wednesdays from 1 to 4:20 p.m. This course will be taught by Zac Estes.

Ag Orientation (AGRI 1011) from 1 to 1:50 on Mondays. This course will be taught by Zac Estes.

Livestock Evaluation (AGRI 1152) {with required one hour lab} 8 to 8:50 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This course will be taught by Guy Smith, new rodeo coach.

Small Engine Repair (AGRI 1003) {with required one hour lab} from 6 to 10:45 p.m. on Mondays. This course will be taught by Derrill Killian.