Since 1987 SFCC has recognized an outstanding alumnus at spring commencement. Read about the latest award winner and nominate a graduate for the next year’s award.
Patricia “Patty” Wood
State Fair Community College is pleased to recognize Patricia “Patty” Wood of La Monte as the 2023 Distinguished Alumni. Wood has served on SFCC’s Board of Trustees since 2012 and currently is president of the board.
Wood graduated from State Fair Community College in 1972 with an Associate of Arts degree. Later she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1974, a Master of Science in Education in 1998, and additional hours towards a Specialist Degree, all from the University of Central Missouri. Her 32-year career in education includes pre-K and elementary teaching, K-12 Library Media Specialist and Technology Coordinator at Pettis County R-V and Sedalia school districts. She is a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.
Wood attributes her success to the educational foundation she received at SFCC. She serves on the SFCC Foundation Campaign Committee and is helping to raise funds for a new advanced agriculture and transportation technology center. Additionally, Wood has served on other committees including SFCC’s 25th, 40th and 50th anniversary celebrations.
In addition to the college, Wood supports agriculture locally, in Missouri and nationally. Recently, she was appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. In 2021, she served as Missouri Cattlemen’s Association president and is the University of Missouri (MU) Extension of Pettis County council president. She is a member of the Pettis County Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri CattleWomen, Missouri Farm Bureau, American National CattleWomen, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the Missouri State Fair Foundation. Since 1994, Wood and husband Pat have welcomed fairgoers to the Missouri Cattlemen’s Beef House on the Missouri State Fairgrounds.
In 1990, the Wood family was named MU Extension of Pettis County State Fair Farm Family, and in 1991, was named Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce Farm Family. Wood and Pat received Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Cattlemen of the Year Award in 2007, and Wood received Missouri CattleWoman of the Year Award in 2016.
The Woods own and operate a diversified farm with a cow-calf operation and row crops. They have two children, Stacey Follis (Chad), Brian Wood (Becky) and four grandchildren.
“We are extremely proud of alumna Patty Wood, who has provided exemplary leadership within the SFCC Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Brent Bates, SFCC president. “She is passionate about SFCC and cares deeply about student success. Patty’s educational and career accomplishments are outstanding, making her a wonderful honoree for the SFCC Distinguished Alumni Award.”
Distinguished Alumni Recipients
| 2022 | Dr. Rhonda Hutton Gann | Class of 1982, 1983 |
| 2021 | Lana Kay Kelly | Class of 1980, 1983 |
| 2020 | Lenny Freund | Class of 1980 |
| 2019 | Celso Doria | Class of 1992 |
| 2018 | Lt. Col. Justin Secrest | Class of 1993 |
| 2017 | Dr. Kristee Lorenz | Class of 1986 |
| 2016 | Jorge R. Guevara | Classes of 2005, 2006, 2009 |
| 2015 | Dr. Jennifer Hargrave | Class of 1998 |
| 2014 | Roger C. Austin | Class of 1986 |
| 2013 | Dr. Dean Dohrman | Class of 1987 |
| 2012 | Tom Gerke | Class of 1976 |
| 2011 | James Trujillo, Jr. | Class of 2004 |
| 2010 | Saundra Overton | Classes of 1984, 1989 |
| 2009 | Debbie Noland | Class of 1972 |
| 2008 | Nellie K. Owen, DVM | Class of 1991 |
| 2007 | Marlin G. Hammond | Class of 1972 |
| 2006 | David C. Furnell | Class of 1981 |
| 2005 | Peggy Richardson | Class of 1977 |
| 2004 | Susan Horton | Classes of 1979, 1980, 1994 |
| 2003 | Elaine Paxton | Class of 1971 |
| 2002 | Dennis Shull | Class of 1980 |
| 2001 | Eric Yazell | Class of 1987 |
| 2000 | Brad Schnackenberg | Class of 1989 |
| 1999 | Brad Dittmer | Class of 1979 |
| 1998 | James Rennison | Class of 1974 |
| 1997 | Jane Luper | Class of 1975 |
| 1996 | Patricia Gillman | Class of 1988 |
| 1995 | Evelyn Jorgenson | Class of 1972 |
| 1994 | Tony Claxton | Class of 1980 |
| 1993 | Barry Guier | Class of 1977 |
| 1992 | Leonard Dixon | Class of 1977 |
| 1991 | Ruth Elmore | Class of 1982 |
| 1990 | Cam Jennings | Class of 1974 |
| 1989 | Thomas Deuschle | Class of 1978 |
| 1988 | Josephine Dey | Class of 1979 |
| 1987 | Debbie Biermann | Class of 1973 |
