Skip to main content

BUAN Associate Professor, Dr. Kebatenne Hulela, returns to Iowa State

Keba HulelaDr. Kebatenne Hulela, associate professor at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources is no stranger to Iowa State University. Dr. Hulela received her Ph.D. in Agricultural Education and Studies from Iowa State University in 2007 and continues to take pride in the education and experiences she gained from the university.

“As an educator myself, the Ph.D. program taught me how to create teaching content and curriculum for the courses I teach, prepared me to work with different departments in curriculum development, and exposed me to academic research and professional writing at the collegiate level. I take my experience from Iowa State with me as I give lectures to students, create assignments and activities, and also provide mentorship to other faculty, staff, and students.”

In September 2022, Dr. Hulela returned to Iowa State as a visiting scholar to complete a 4-month sabbatical. As part of her sabbatical, Dr. Hulela worked with Dr. David Kwaw-Mensah, associate teaching professor in the Department of Agronomy, Dr. David Acker, associate dean of Global Engagement; and Dr. Michael Retallick, department chair of Agricultural Education and Studies; to complete, edit, and publish a book titled "Agricultural Education in Botswana Schools: Teacher Education."

Another task of Dr. Hulela’s sabbatical was to produce two research articles for publication. The first is an AIAEE article, “Moodle platform adoption by class of 2021 for e-learning at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources” which she has been asked to present at the AIAEE Conference in Canada in April 2023. The second article is, “The Historical Development of Agricultural Education: An Analysis of Professional and Work Ethics Issues for Botswana.” Kebatenne acknowledges Dr. Fallys Masambuka-Kanchewa, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies for her guidance and assistance in the completion of the two research articles, and Dr. David Kwaw-Mensah for editing the articles.

Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources logo
Photo credit: www.buan.ac.bw

Dr. Hulela returned to her home country of Botswana on February 1, 2023, where she continues to teach undergraduate and graduate courses with an emphasis on agricultural education and studies. Kebatenne will also continue conducting research on how faculty can better integrate technology in the classroom, and works with the public, the Ministry of Education in Botswana, and local farmers to provide extension and outreach.

Dr. Hulela is appreciative of her time at Iowa State University and thanks her host Dr. David Kwaw-Mensah, associate teaching professor in the Department of Agronomy for his hospitality and support. Dr. Hulela would also like to acknowledge Dr. Acker and the Global Programs office for their support and assistance in making her sabbatical a possibility.