Strengthening AFNR Education in Minnesota
Save the Date: January 15, 2027
Join post-secondary agriculture, food and natural resources educators from across Minnesota for an afternoon of inspiration, collaboration and connection at the 2027 Post-Secondary Summit.
The Summit will take place Friday, January 15, 2027, at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in conjunction with the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators Winter Ag Tech Conference.
The Post-Secondary Summit brings together faculty, instructors, advisors, program leaders and partners who help shape AFNR education throughout the state. Participants will have opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges and explore ways to strengthen educational programs and career pathways.
Keynote Speaker: Mark C. Perna
This year’s keynote speaker is Mark C. Perna, a nationally recognized generational and performance expert, bestselling author and leading voice in education and workforce development.
Perna has devoted his career to helping educators and employers understand, connect with and motivate younger generations. His practical and inspiring message explores how education with purpose can lead to employment with passion, helping young people recognize the connection between their education, career goals and desired lifestyle.
He is the author of the award-winning bestseller Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations and founder of the national Education with Purpose & Employment with Passion movement. His work connects education, employment and economic development to help communities strengthen career pathways and prepare young people for a changing workforce.
Learn more about Mark C. Perna
Who Should Attend?
Whether you teach, advise students, develop curriculum, lead a program or build education and industry partnerships, the Post-Secondary Summit offers relevant ideas and statewide connections to support your work.
Event Details
Friday, January 15, 2027 – 1-5 PM
Best Western Plus Kelly Inn
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Additional schedule and registration information will be announced soon.
Reverse College Fair
Post-secondary institutions are also invited to participate in the Reverse College Fair held in conjunction with the MAAE Winter Ag Tech Conference. The fair gives colleges and universities an opportunity to showcase their agriculture, food and natural resources programs and connect directly with Minnesota agricultural educators.
The Reverse College Fair will run from 7-9 PM.
Additional participation information will be available with Summit registration.
Presented in Partnership
The Post-Secondary Summit is presented in partnership with the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence, the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, the University of Minnesota Crookston and the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators Winter Ag Tech Conference.
For questions about the Summit, contact Tyler Grunewald at 218-894-5141 or tyler.grunewald@clcmn.edu.
2026 Summit Recap
More than 40 postsecondary educators and partners gathered in St. Cloud for the 2026 Post-Secondary Summit.
Dr. Kevin J. Fleming led a keynote conversation focused on career-connected learning, changing workforce demands and helping students make informed decisions about education and employment. An industry panel featuring representatives from AURI, the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers and Centra Sota Cooperative shared perspectives on emerging agricultural careers, workforce expectations and the skills employers need.
Participants also collaborated with colleagues from across Minnesota and explored opportunities to strengthen programs, partnerships and student pathways throughout Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources education.
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