Shelly Legg

Dr. Shelly Legg is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Education, Communication & Leadership at Oklahoma State University. She has been with the university since 1992, initially as an instructor before advancing to her current rank. Her primary responsibilities include teaching courses in agricultural communications, overseeing internships, and serving as an academic adviser. She manages the Cowboy Journal magazine, a student-led publication produced in her capstone course (AGCM 4413). Active in professional organizations, she is involved with the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) and contributes to community service through FFA and Payne County 4-H.

Dr. Legg holds a Ph.D. (2000), M.S. (1988–1989), and B.S. (1984–1988) in Agricultural Education and Communications from Oklahoma State University. Her research focuses on publication readership needs, ethics in communications, and curriculum development in agricultural communications. She has published widely on topics ranging from brand equity in higher education to food security in Africa and interdisciplinary education.

Her recent work includes studies on readability in agricultural communications, perceptions of African American students in agriculture, and food business legitimacy. In 2022, she received the Distinguished Agricultural Communications Educator award from the American Association for Agricultural Education. Dr. Legg has advised numerous students and taught courses such as Features Writing and Editing, Internships in Agricultural Communications, and Layout and Design for Agricultural Publications.

Her outreach efforts include international collaborations, such as training programs in East Africa, and she leads experiential learning initiatives like the Cowboy Journal magazine project. She also contributes to professional development through presentations at national conferences like NACTA and AAAE.