J.R. Cullison Scholar Program

The J.R. Cullison Scholar Program stands as a living legacy established by Jerry Wheeler Cullison in honor of his father, Joseph Ralph “J.R.” Cullison to support and inspire students pursuing careers in agricultural education. After J.R. came to Arizona from his native Illinois, he taught vocational agriculture in Tolleson, then moved on to the University of Arizona where he taught agricultural education from 1938-1946. He later joined the Department of Education and served in several capacities, among them State Supervisor of Agricultural Education.  That position made him the state FFA advisor and State Director for Vocational Agriculture.

J.R.’s soon Jerry attended West Phoenix schools and graduated with honors from the University of Arizona with a degree in agriculture and distinction in 1959 and went to the Welton-Mohawk Valley in Yuma County to farm 180 acres of land owned by his parents. That soon grew into 3000 acres. 

Jerry earned his State FFA Degree and went on to receive his American Degree from the National FFA Organization. He had the distinction of serving as vice-president of the National FFA organization in 1957-58. Jerry was named the Agribusiness Person of the Year by the AZ Vocational Ag Teachers Association in 1987 and received the University of Arizona Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. He received the Arizona FFA Foundation’s Inaugural Blue & Gold Award 2017. Jerry served on the Arizona FFA Foundation Board from 1987 - 2020 . He served as President of the Foundation for a few terms. Jerry passed away August 13, 2020, at the age of 82.

Each year, Arizona agriculture education teachers nominate outstanding students they believe have the potential to become future educators, recognizing them as J.R. Cullison Scholars. These students are honored at their local banquets, invited to participate in a special program during the State FFA Leadership Conference, and provided access to continued growth through eligibility for J.R. Cullison Scholarships toward an agriculture education degree. Scholars may also participate in the Teach Ag Academy, which is supported through the Arizona FFA Foundation and coordinated by the Arizona Agriculture Teachers Association. Rooted in a deep commitment to education and service, the J.R. Cullison Scholar program and scholarships cultivates the next generation of agriculture teachers while honoring the lasting legacy of J.R. Cullison and Jerry Cullison.