By: Heather Hough
Agriculture science teacher, veterinarian, art teacher: all are hats that Nic Hurbough, Iredell ISD’s new agriculture science teacher, wears. Having graduated from Tarleton State University in the Spring of 2021, Hurbough is tackling his newly acquired job at Iredell with goals of adding opportunities for his students and building a program that will take the state by storm.
When asked why he chose to move to Iredell, he gave several reasons, including administrator support for the agriculture program, many opportunities for growth in the chapter, and students who are passionate about agriculture and have good morals.
“This is a good place to be an agriculture science teacher, so that’s why I picked Iredell,” Hurbough said.
Coming into a chapter lacking in involvement, Hurbough has hit the ground running on adding things for his students to get involved with.
Some of the opportunities added have been reworking the officer team, establishing supervised agricultural experiences and record books for each student, establishing a floral design program, and adding contests for sixth and seventh-grade students.
“It’s the little things, and they all add up in the end,” Hurbough said while discussing the added programs.
One of the things Hurbough highlighted was that his goal is to have his students be prepared to succeed in life when they leave Iredell ISD. He is helping students achieve this by offering real-world skill-building and experiences.
Since arriving in Iredell, Hurbough has added American Welding Society welding certifications, hunters’ education, boaters’ education, Ducks Unlimited Wildlife Ecology
Management certification, floral certification, equine management evaluation certification, and entrepreneurship certification.
He also has what he calls an “Opportunity Lottery” where students can earn tickets to be put into a drawing. If their name is pulled from this drawing, they will get to go on a field trip to a local agricultural event where they will see agriculture in the real world. They may also have opportunities to meet producers and make connections in the industry.
Being a Tarleton alumnus, Hurbough praised his experience at the university for preparing him for this career.
“I don’t even know where to begin because I can’t thank everyone at Tarleton enough for how well they prepared me for this career,” Hurbough said. “I think that, compared to other universities, they keep it real.”
With the endless praise for his alma mater, a piece of advice he wants current students to take is to get involved.
“You can sit in a lecture hall and go to class, but until you’re doing it, you won’t ever put the pieces together,” Hurbough said.
Overall, Nic Hurbough is making waves and enjoying his career in Iredell, TX.
“I think having a career in agriculture is one of the most rewarding professions out there,” Hurbough said. “The thing that fills my heart the most is being able to see the smile or the laugh on my kids’ faces.”
Coming into an established FFA chapter and adding opportunities that allow students to earn certifications, life skills, and state honors is no small task, but Hurbough is thriving in his chosen career in the small town he now calls home.