Many may not recall, but Jim Schulte embarked on a new chapter of his educational journey in August 2005, transitioning from a 30-year legacy of shaping minds at Esparto High School to enriching the academic landscape at Woodland Community College.
Since joining Woodland College, Schulte has been a formidable educator in environmental horticulture and plant propagation, among many other topics. His dedication to educating and inspiring students has been a cornerstone of his recognition as an Eagles of Excellence Award recipient, an accolade celebrating his impactful tenure as an adjunct faculty member, now retired.
Remarkably, this isn't the first accolade for Schulte from the college. Back in 2019, as part of what was then known as Founders Day – now succeeded by the Eagles of Excellence – the Master Gardeners were celebrated for their contribution under Schulte's guidance.
They crafted numerous stunning and functional demonstration gardens that have become invaluable resources for the college's horticulture program and a treasure for Yolo County's gardening community.
These gardens, a testament to Schulte's and the Yolo County Master Gardeners' dedication, continue to flourish, offering both beauty and practical learning opportunities to the college and its surrounding communities.
Schulte will be recognized at the Eagles of Excellence Award ceremony scheduled to begin with a reception at 4:30 p.m., Friday, April 12, in the new Performing Arts and Culinary building at the college, 2300 E. Gibson Road. Tickets are $50 per person and can be obtained by emailing foundation@yccd.edu or calling Carid Servin at 661-5711.
Other award winners for 2024 include adjunct faculty member Paul Dilley, alumni Christina Thomas, classified employee Ray Sandoval and community member Elyse Doyle-Martinez.
Schulte was nominated by Cherie Schroeder, a member of the Fund Committee at Woodland College, which sponsors the awards ceremony.
"There are countless stories of people who have worked with him and enjoyed his kindness when he has brought them plants," Schroeder reported.
Growing up in his early years with his mother and sister in Dyersville, Iowa, while his father served in the military fueled Schulte's agricultural interest on his uncle's farms.
Finally settling in Gilroy, Schulte attended Gilroy High School and excelled in the FFA program: He served two years as chapter officer, State FFA Degree recipient and was awarded the FFA member of the year his senior year. He received his associate of arts degree from Hartnell Community College in Salinas and his bachelor of science and teaching credential from Fresno State. In 1991, he completed his master's in agricultural education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Although Schulte is known for his work at Esparto High and later at Woodland College, he is also credited for putting a lot of time into FFA, taking many teams to FFA championships.
Through his leadership and love for the FFA programs he has had more than 100 state FFA degree and 13 American FFA degree recipients along with numerous sectional, regional and state officers.
Schulte also wrote the international exchange grant with the Republic of Georgia that sent students during the summer on an agricultural international exchange. He has also hosted five students from Russia, Ukraine and Republic of Georgia.
He has been three times honored for Outstanding Program by Yolo County Schools, four times nominated Who's Who of America's High School Teachers, holds the Honorary American FFA Degree, 2005 Yolo Section Star Advisor and is this year's Central Region nominee for California Agriculture Teacher of Excellence.
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