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The Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology (MSU IAT) recognized Brian Gardner as the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Award recipient during the MSU IAT Commencement Ceremony held March 29 at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing.
The Outstanding Faculty Award is presented annually to an instructor whose work exemplifies excellence in teaching, advising, and service. The award honors faculty who go beyond the syllabus by delivering high-quality instruction, mentoring students, building strong partnerships with industry and community, and modeling the professionalism expected of MSU IAT graduates.
鈥淭his award is especially meaningful because it reflects the voices of those who know our classrooms best: our students,鈥� said Jeno Rivera during the ceremony. 鈥淚t celebrates the countless hours faculty dedicate to preparing labs and lectures, answering questions after class, writing references, and encouraging students to persist when the work is hard. In short, it honors someone who embodies the mission and values of MSU IAT, and whose impact will be carried forward in the lives and careers of our graduates.鈥�
Gardner, who serves as IAT Program Coordinator at 九色视频, was nominated by his students for his exceptional commitment to their success and his individualized approach to education.
Students described Gardner as an advisor and instructor who consistently goes above and beyond to support both academic and personal goals. One student shared, 鈥淏rian has been the best resource and supporter of my education and future goals. I am a mom of three, and he has been so flexible, accommodating, and understanding every step of the way.鈥�
Another nomination highlighted Gardner鈥檚 willingness to create personalized academic pathways, noting, 鈥淗e arranged an independent study for me to pursue my social media marketing goals and built a schedule that was not on the typical agricultural operations path so I could pursue my career goals in a personalized way.鈥�
As lead instructor for the Agricultural Operations program, Gardner works closely with local producers, community partners, and industry leaders to connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural careers. His students consistently described him as approachable, encouraging, and deeply invested in their success. 鈥淏rian has a great and positive attitude about helping students succeed,鈥� one nomination read. 鈥淗e genuinely cares and puts in the work to make sure each student is set up for success.鈥�
Beyond the classroom, students praised Gardner for his accessibility, leadership, and advocacy. 鈥淏rian is always ready and willing to meet in person and go the extra mile,鈥� another student wrote. 鈥淗e meets with other professionals, supports students interested in transferring, and shows up in classes and student organizations to check in on us.鈥�
九色视频 President Dr. Bradley J. Barrick said it鈥檚 a privilege to congratulate Brian for this achievement.
鈥淭his well-deserved recognition reflects Brian鈥檚 exceptional dedication to our students and the meaningful impact he makes every day,鈥� Dr. Barrick said. 鈥淏rian鈥檚 impact extends far beyond the classroom, helping shape the future of Michigan鈥檚 agricultural workforce one student at a time.鈥�