GHS ag teacher to begin teaching courses at MSU College of Agriculture

This fall, Gainesville High School ag teacher and FFA advisor Jon Wilson joins the staff at the William H. Darr College of Agriculture at Missouri State University in Springfield. 

Wilson will teach as a per course instructor for the college for the 2025-26 academic year as he continues his role at Gainesville High School and will transition to a full-time faculty role in summer 2026 following his retirement from GHS after this school year.

Wilson, who grew up in Eminence, started his teaching career in 1999 at Chadwick High School. After one year there, he accepted the agriculture teaching position at Gainesville High School and has been there for 25 years. With over 26 years of classroom experience, Wilson is a widely respected figure in Missouri’s agriculture education community, and has “decades of experience that will greatly benefit our students and grow our programs,” said Dean Dr. Melissa Bledsoe. 

Throughout his career, Wilson has mentored countless student teachers and new professionals through Missouri’s state mentoring program, supporting educators during the pivotal early years of their careers. His leadership has extended across the state and beyond, serving as president of both the Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association and the Missouri Association of Career and Technical Education.

Wilson’s deep roots in Missouri’s agriculture education landscape and his passion for mentoring will be an invaluable asset for student teaching placements, statewide collaboration and program development said a press release from the college.

Wilson joins Dr. Kendrick Spencer from the Dallas Fort Worth as new additions to the MSU staff. “Both appointments reinforce our commitment to maintaining a strong agriculture education program,” said Dr. Kara Wolfe, director of the School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership. “We’re excited to welcome them to campus and build the future of ag ed at Missouri State.”