Thomas receives Honorary State Degree

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 17, 2026 – The Missouri FFA Association named Rich Thomas as an Honorary State FFA Degree recipient at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention.

Thomas has served as an agriculture educator and FFA advisor for 16 years, dedicating his career to developing students into leaders in agriculture and their communities. As the advisor of the Oak Ridge FFA Chapter, he has guided students to success at the district, state and national levels through career development events, leadership training, supervised agricultural experiences and community service initiatives.

Under his leadership, the chapter has earned recognition through the National FFA Organization’s National Chapter Award program, for community service projects and strong participation in state and national conventions. Thomas emphasizes hands-on agricultural learning experiences in areas such as livestock production, greenhouse management, agricultural mechanics and natural resources.

He is also active in professional organizations, including the Missouri FFA Association and the Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, where he has served in leadership roles supporting agricultural educators across the state.

Through his commitment to student growth, community engagement and agricultural advocacy, Thomas continues to make a lasting impact on agricultural education in Missouri.

The Missouri FFA Association recognizes Honorary State FFA Degree recipients for their valuable efforts and contributions to the FFA organization and its members. Those eligible to receive the Honorary FFA Degree include farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of the board of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agricultural education, business professionals, and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and the FFA.

The Missouri FFA has 27,000 members representing 369 chapters. The national organization has more than 1,042,245 members representing 9,407 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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