When Lee Tesdell retired from teaching in 2021, he wanted to become more active in rural organizations, particularly ones focusing on sustainable agriculture and keeping rural America running smoothly.
One of the organizations he decided to get involved with was one he’d known about for decades—the Center for Rural Affairs.
Lee learned about the Center from past Board of Directors member Don Reeves and his wife, Barbara, who shaped the way for Lee to make a lasting impact through his time on the Center’s Advisory Committee.
“I worked on their farm in rural Central City, Nebraska, in the summer of 1968, prior to the establishment of the Center,” said Lee. “Later on, when Don became active at the Center, he told me about it, and I became aware of the organization’s activities.”
Lee’s background in education took him all over the world for more than four decades, mostly teaching English language. He began teaching in Amman, Jordan, in 1977, later taught at a university in Saudi Arabia, and then at Grand View College, in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1999, he completed his Ph.D. at Iowa State University, then taught at Minnesota State University, Mankato, as a professor of English (technical communication) until retiring.
His experiences have helped prepare him to serve on the Center’s Advisory Committee. Members are recruited for their special backgrounds and insight into the Center’s program areas. They meet quarterly, along with the Board of Directors and Center staff.
“My participation in meetings—taking notes, looking for the salient points in our conversation, and playing the role of mediator—all serve me well on the committee,” he said. “Advocating at the Iowa State Capitol comes easily as well, since I have had many opportunities to practice my ‘people skills’ in the classroom and with my colleagues. My knowledge of doing research is also a valuable tool in pursuing the Center's work.”
Lee feels the Center provides a good model for rural action on policies that help people live better, safer, fuller, more satisfying lives.
“We are respected for our work after 50 years and show the way for policymakers and decision makers to listen to their constituents and shape rural policy in a democratic direction,” Lee said. “We are from the people, we are the people, and we advocate for our neighbors in the rural Midwest. Our policies are driven by the people of the rural Midwest, including ourselves.”
The Center's programs align with Lee’s own values and practices, so he’s excited to be more involved in the organization now that he has the opportunity.
“The Center's belief in the power of rural people to collaborate, organize, and pursue common progressive goals is critical to the survival of the rural Midwest,” he said. “Having a small say in the policies of the Center is rewarding as well. Getting acquainted with other board/committee members has been a joy; they’re an interesting bunch of folks.”
Lee lives in Slater, Iowa, and joined the Center’s Advisory Committee in 2021.
Photo #2: This summer, Lee hosted a field day to showcase soil health and conservation.
