Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma Honors Agricultural Education Instructor and FFA Advisor C.L. McGill

STILLWATER, OK – October 11, 2025 – Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma is excited to make history by honoring an Oklahoma Agricultural Education Instructor and FFA Advisor for the first time ever on the turf at Boone Pickens Stadium during the Oklahoma State University football game on October 11, 2025.

This year’s honoree is C.L. McGill of Tuttle Public Schools.

McGill began his teaching career in 1990 at Lindsay, Oklahoma. In 1997, he moved to Newcastle, where he taught until 2000 before accepting his current position at Tuttle. This recognition comes during a milestone year — 2025 marks McGill’s 35th year of teaching agricultural education and serving as an FFA advisor.

McGill reflected on his career in classic McGill style — amid the sounds of students hard at work in the shop, pausing between thoughts to give them a few quick instructions.

“I love what I do. I enjoy being in the classroom and working with students, whether it’s in the greenhouse or the welding shop. The competitive aspect of FFA keeps me going and pushes students to perform in their areas of interest,” McGill said.

Looking back on his own days as a student at Prague Public Schools, McGill recalled being part of a state-winning Parliamentary Procedure Team.  He also notes Richard Meeks and Gerald Roberts who mentored him while student teaching and in the early years of his career.

Serving as an agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor is far from a typical teaching job. McGill spends many evenings, weekends, and summers investing time in his students and their projects. Over the years, he’s also mentored numerous young agricultural education instructors, encouraging them to embrace the work ethic the profession demands.

“Work harder than your students and they’ll see it. Show them how much you care, and that’ll keep them motivated,” McGill said.

His philosophy has clearly paid off — his students’ accomplishments speak for themselves:

      •     4 National Champion Meats Judging Teams (Denver)

      •     4 Top 5 finishes at the National Land Judging Contest

      •     2 National Champion Livestock Judging Teams

      •     Numerous state-winning public speakers

While hundreds of students passed through his classroom, two were a little different from the rest — because they call him Dad.

“I got to teach both my son and daughter. They were highly involved in FFA and found success of their own,” McGill said. “What they learned and applied through FFA has been an asset to them throughout their adult lives.”

Though ag teachers may not be thought of as traditional coaches, they do plenty of coaching. As John Wooden once said, “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”

C.L. McGill has changed hundreds of lives — through hard work, humility, and genuine care for his students.

Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma is proud to recognize educators like C.L. McGill, whose dedication shapes the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthens the future of rural Oklahoma.

FCWO services 6,400 loans in Western, Central and Southwestern Oklahoma with nine locations in Altus, Alva, Anadarko, Clinton, Enid, Elk City, Guymon, Tuttle, and Woodward.

Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma is a member of the Farm Credit System and comprised of Federal Land Bank Associations and Production Credit Associations financing all types of farms, ranches, and other agriculture needs.  Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma is an equal opportunity lender and equal housing lender.  Learn more at farmcreditloans.com.