DMACC Announces 2025-26 Class of Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholars

DMACC is pleased to announce its 2025-26 class of Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholars, which includes a total of 27 outstanding students from across Iowa. The group features 14 first-year students and 13 returning students, with each attending DMACC on a full-tuition scholarship during the 2025-26 academic year through the competitive scholarship program.

The Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholars Program has awarded more than $2.5 million in full-tuition scholarships to qualifying DMACC students since its founding prior to the 2016-2017 academic year at the College. The scholarship program was established in honor of beloved ag broadcaster Mark Pearson, who passed away suddenly in 2012 at the age of 54.

"Some of the greatest leaders in Iowa, across many different industries, have an FFA background," said DMACC President Rob Denson. "DMACC is proud to help the next generation of leaders prepare themselves for their careers, and we are honored to continue sharing Mark Pearson's legacy and passion for his profession with today's students."

Returning scholar Caleb Lentz, a Liberal Arts major and former Iowa FFA state officer, said the scholarship has helped him balance both leadership and academics.

"When I first got the scholarship, it provided a moment of relief going into college," said Caleb Lentz, a second year Liberal Arts major. "I thought I'd have to work multiple jobs to stay in school, but this has allowed me to serve my time as a state officer with the Iowa FFA, as well as being a full-time college student here at DMACC."

The Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholarship at DMACC was officially created in April 2016 during an announcement made in the Formal Office of then Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. Pearson was the host of Iowa PBS' "Market to Market" program for more than 20 years and was the host of WHO Radio's "The Big Show." Pearson was a Madison County farmer who also served as an Assistant Secretary of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and was the Markets Editor for Successful Farming Magazine.

"Mark had a deep belief in the power of young people and the future of agriculture in Iowa," said Eden Pearson, the wife of the late scholarship honoree. "This scholarship ensures his passion and commitment live on by supporting FFA leaders who are ready to take the next step in their education and leadership journey."

Each year, up to 15 eligible first-year students at DMACC are awarded a Mark Pearson FFA Leadership scholarship, including one student from each of Iowa's six FFA districts. The scholarship recipients can enroll in any degree program at DMACC, and the scholarship will pay for the completion of their degree.

"The impact of this scholarship goes far beyond tuition," said Andrea Rouse, DMACC Agribusiness professor and coordinator of the Pearson Scholars program. "It provides students the confidence, resources, and freedom to focus on leadership, academics, and service - just as Mark valued in his own career."

To qualify for the competitive Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholars Program, students must 1) serve as president of their FFA chapter during either their junior or senior of high school; 2) apply for the program during their senior year of high school; and 3) commit to attending DMACC the fall following their high school graduation. The application period for the scholarship runs from Dec. 1 to March 1 each year, with scholarships awarded in April/May for the upcoming fall semester.

For more information about the Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholarship, visit the Pearson Scholarship page.

Introducing the 2025-26 Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholars

• Delaney Peterson of Reinbeck, Liberal Arts, second year
• Lexi Cochrane of Tipton, Agribusiness, second year
• Abigail Thompson, of Gilbert, Marketing, first year
• Adeline Stone of Leon, Agribusiness, first year
• Natalie Ausdemore of Minden, Elementary Education, second year
• Rylee Vohs of Moville, Agribusiness, first year
• Delaney Bulechek of Frytown, Agribusiness, second year
• Cailey Wallace of Liberty Center, Elementary Education, first year
• Kathryne Arthur of Story City, Agribusiness, first year
• Janelle Clark of Albia, Nursing, second year
• Lillian Bru of Gladbrook, Agribusiness, second year
• Autumn Wild of Ames, Liberal Arts, second year
• Paige Whitt of Ames, Fitness-Exercise Management, first year
• Allison Mueller of Harwarden, Agribusiness, first year
• Stacia Linder of What Cheer, English, first year
• Caleb Cook of Pleasantville, Agribusiness, second year
• Ethan Graber of Mount Pleasant, Agribusiness, first year
• Lily Henderson of Nevada, Liberal Arts, first year
• Kynsie Lyman of Rockford, Agribusiness, second year
• Jadyn Joyce, Graettinger, Agribusiness, first year
• Jamison Kramersmeier, Buffalo Center, Agribusiness, first year
• Caleb Lentz, of Plainfield, Liberal Arts, second year
• Caleb Vanessen, Pella, Agribusiness, first year
• Lane Kool, of Moravia, Agribusiness, second year

For more information about the Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholarship, contact Andrea Rouse at [email protected]