Penn State Ag Education Leader Tracy Hoover Retires After 40 Years
A passion for teaching first drew Tracy Hoover to agricultural education. That passion never faded during her 40-year career.
Now, Tracy Hoover retirement marks the end of an impactful chapter at Penn State. She will retire from the College of Agricultural Sciences on Jan. 16, 2026. Hoover credits inspiring mentors for shaping her path.
Therefore, she focused her career on preparing future educators and FFA advisers. She also supported in-service teachers who guide students every day. As a result, her influence reached far beyond the classroom.
Leadership, Innovation, and Lasting Impact
Hoover earned degrees from Delaware Valley College and Penn State. She later taught high school before completing her doctorate.In addition, she joined Penn State as an assistant professor in 1990.She later served at the University of Florida before returning in 2001.
Over time, Hoover took on key leadership roles. She became associate dean for undergraduate education in 2012.In that role, she helped oversee 17 majors and 25 minors.The college now serves about 3,000 undergraduate students.However, her impact extended beyond numbers.She championed experiential learning and modern teaching technologies.For example, new tools expanded access to science-based resources.
These innovations strengthened classrooms and laboratories alike.Hoover also guided major academic restructuring.As a result, programs became more focused and responsive.In September 2025, Elizabeth Karcher succeeded her as associate dean.Still, Hoover stayed on to support a smooth transition.Looking ahead, she plans to spend time with family and hobbies. However, she will remain connected to agricultural education.
