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Andrew Larson has touched many students during his 27 years teaching and coaching in the Agriculture Department at Black Hawk College East Campus. He taught numerous agricultural production/business and agriculture transfer classes while leading the champion Soil Judging Team. He went out of his way to make a connection with all students, whether they spent time with him or not.
Andrew Larson graduated from Galva High School then served in the U.S. Navy for four years. After his military service, he attended Black Hawk College East Campus before earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in agronomy from the University of Illinois.
During his time at the University of Illinois, Larson met his wife, Dr. Colleen Lewis, who also teaches at the East Campus in the Veterinary Sciences program.
Larson worked in the industry for a few years before returning to the East Campus in 1998 to teach. He began coaching the Soil Judging Team because of his passion for the NACTA (North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture) competition. He coached both soils and crops, however decided on soils because he enjoyed learning and travelling the world.
“Dan Hoge (long-time animal science professor and livestock judging coach) told me I had to get a team that was competitive – that could win, so that’s what we did,” Larson said.
Over the years, Larson led the team through more than 50 competitions, winning roughly 15 national titles.
His favorite thing about Black Hawk College East Campus is the students. He enjoys the fact that there are new students every year.
“They all come with energy and excitement. They bring energy and excitement to me,” he said.
“It’s fun to see them follow their dreams and be part of that.”
We spoke with several former students who know Andrew Larson well, primarily soil judgers, and asked them to share their thoughts and experiences about their time with him.
Fortunately, my first introduction to Mr. Larson came long before I ever set foot at
Black Hawk College. His wife was doing some veterinary work for my grandfather at his farm, and I was just a kid. Though young at the time, I can distinctly remember Mr. Larson’s quirky personality and how he and my grandfather shared a hearty laugh throughout the visit. Mr. Larson cornered me at my grandfather’s farm sale and asked, “So, what’s next?”
Many people had asked me that same question, but there was something different in Mr. Larson’s tone. His sincerity, his genuine concern for my future, and his desire to help were immediately evident. Without hesitation, he invited me to attend an Ag Visit Day at Black Hawk College. I agreed, unsure of what to expect.
Looking back, I can confidently say that day at the farm sale changed my life. If Mr. Larson hadn’t taken the time to care about my future and encourage me to visit Black Hawk College, I honestly don’t know where my path would have led.
While at Black Hawk East, I was fortunate to have Mr. Larson as both an instructor and a mentor. But it wasn’t just the classroom lessons that made Mr. Larson is such an influential figure in my life. Mr. Larson pushed me to be my best, not only in class but in every aspect of my life. His commitment to my success, and that of many other students, extends far beyond the classroom and the soil pits. His mentorship is truly lifelong.
— Brandon Hall
“My favorite memory of Larson is going to NACTA with him. He built my confidence so much for this contest, especially my sophomore year, and I still think about this experience when I need some encouragement. The entire contest was great, and too many memories were made to count. One of the funniest things about this contest my freshman year is when he went through the ditch to take the off-ramp on the interstate to avoid stopped traffic.”
— Kayla (Humphres) Schultz
The experiences with Andrew were always “You had to be there” moments which most of our peers didn’t understand and just thought he was a crazy guy talking about dirt all the time. But to his true soils kids, who knew him a little deeper, he is the most supportive and caring guy you could have around. He believes in reaping what you sow and if you don’t have what it takes, then get out of other’s way. As a student I always looked up to him and now as an alum who still has a relationship with him, I have great respect for him as a professor, parent and spouse. Anyone who’s been lucky enough to receive an education from him knows it extends far beyond the classroom and beyond just the two years at BHE, and I’m sure glad I got to be a part of that.”
— Lizzy (Schoenlein) Huntsman
After a lot of time well spent with Andrew Larson, it’s difficult to pick a favorite memory. Not because there were few of them, but because most of my interactions with him were memorable. Larson put his students first, always offering a helping hand (4.5 fingers worth, anyway), and words of affirmation (in the form of “Get some grit!”), and completely exemplifying the ideology that if you want something bad enough, you do what it takes to get it. During the 2018 Regional Soil Judging Competition in Prairie du Chien, WI, it was in true Larson fashion that he would rip open an entire bus full of gear and luggage, in a stranger’s driveway, for one … free shoe. He found that pair of shoes, and somehow managed to get them for free from a local Wisconsin sporting goods store. He was over the moon, to say the least. After the competition was over, with our spirits high, all of the muck boots taken off and put away – ready to make the trip home – Larson only had one shoe. And as we all should’ve expected, the next 15 minutes were spent ripping the entire bus apart for the other shoe. Luggage everywhere, everyone laughing, dropping bag after bag out of the luggage compartment, he was determined to find that shoe. And finally, a “WOOOHOOO BUDDY BOY! That sucker was WAY in there!” He found it.
— Makenzie (Snyder) Cochran
To me, Professor Larson has made a huge impact on my career. I have chosen to become a high school agriculture teacher, and the things I’ve learned through Larson will forever affect the things I do as a teacher. I remember asking him if he had any advice for me, and he said, “Never give up, especially on the students, and work hard every day. It will make every day seem more fun.”
Larson, it has been an honor to have you as a teacher, mentor, and coach! Thank you for your 27 years of hard work and dedication to Black Hawk East!
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