LAS CRUCES, N.M. —Trinidad State Dean of Instruction Jack Wiley was recently elected to the 2024 New Mexico Agriculture Teacher Hall of Fame. Wiley taught agriculture and Future Farmers of America from 1972-1975 at Moriarty New Mexico and Logan, N.M., from 1986-1989.  He then accepted an administrative role in Clayton schools where he served for the next 25 years first as a principal and his last 15 years as Superintendent of Schools. Never one to “retire,” Wiley soon accepted a position at Trinidad State College in Alamosa.

The Agriculture Teachers Association of New Mexico Hall of Fame exists to recognize and honor agricultural science teachers whose careers, achievements, and contributions stand exemplary. Inductees are known as well-rounded professionals that have proven their success with Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities, in the classroom, and community involvement. They have proven their desire to provide students with opportunities for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success over a significant period.

Wiley is immensely proud of his profession as an agriculture educator and of the humble beginnings in a small rural town in northern New Mexico. Wiley is an outstanding teacher, leader, advisor, husband, father, grandfather, and a committed member of New Mexico agriculture. He is the role model for students and educators to emulate. He has been an active member of New Mexico agriculture helping guide young people through the challenges faced in an industry that is more important than ever

Whether serving as a judge or public speaking coach, advisor to a multitude of state and national award and degree winners, a member of statewide agriculture advisory committees, speaking to the New Mexico state legislature, serving the New Mexico Activities Association as its president, or serving on various committees, agriculture has been a major focus for Wiley. He has received the Honorary State FFA Degree, Honorary American FFA degree, and the Distinguished Service Award from the New Mexico FFA.

Early in his career, Wiley's passion as an Agriculture Education instructor became clear when he, along with a group of seasoned Agriculture Education Instructors from across New Mexico, successfully fought to have the State FFA Vocational Agriculture office moved from Santa Fe to its current home at New Mexico State University. His passion and love for NMSU and its land grant agriculture connection continue even today with his family’s sponsorship of two scholarships for aspiring agriculture students.

Wiley continued to coach judging teams, judged FFA contests, listened to speeches, evaluated proficiency awards packages, and served as a national FFA judge, where he continues to serve today.  

His current position is at Trinidad State College in Alamosa, where he serves as a Dean of Instruction and agriculture professor.