Dr. Steven Rocca

Department Chair - Agricultural Education / Agricultural Communications

Office: Ag Sciences 112
Phone: (559) 278-5088
Email: srocca@csufresno.edu

Courses: AGED 120S Leadership & Communication, AGED 135 Introduction to Agricultural Education, AGED 150 Agricultural Resources & Computer Applications, CI 161 Content Area Methods & Materials in Secondary Teaching - Agriculture

Education: BS - California State University, Fresno, MS - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, PhD - University of Florida

Biography: Dr. Steven J. Rocca grew up near the small community of Easton located in Fresno County. He attended Washington Union High School where he was a very active FFA member. Dr. Rocca attended California State University, Fresno completing his Bachelors of Science degree in agricultural education in 1995 and his teaching certification in 1996.

Dr. Rocca began teaching secondary agriculture at Washington Union, his alma mater, in 1996. During his tenure, his peers honored him with several awards for his teaching and program management skills. While teaching, Dr. Rocca also completed his Masters of Science degree in Agricultural Education at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2000.

In 2001, Dr. Rocca accepted a lectureship in Agricultural Education at California State University, Fresno. In this position he taught agricultural education courses, supervised the College s Ambassador Program, and co-advised the student committees that coordinated the FFA Field Day and California State FFA Leadership Conference.

Dr. Rocca s career interests in higher education led him to pursue his doctorate. He accepted an Alumni Fellowship at the University of Florida and began his doctoral program in agricultural education in 2003, with an emphasis in teacher education. During his time at the University of Florida, he served as a graduate teaching and research assistant. He taught and assisted with various undergraduate courses and assisted with the development and teaching of graduate distance education courses.

After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Rocca accepted his current position at California State University, Fresno. In August of 2005, he began teaching undergraduate courses in agricultural education, coordinating outreach activities and the College's Ambassador Program, and co-advising the student organizations responsible for the State FFA Leadership Conference and the FFA Field Day and State Finals Career Development Events. Additionally, Dr. Rocca conducts research related to the factors that affect students college choice decisions and preservice agriculture teachers career decisions.