Curtis Rains Honored With 2025 Visionary Impact Award

MOUNT OLIVE – Dr. Curtis R. Rains, Ed.D., Agricultural Recruiting Liaison at the University of Mount Olive (UMO), has been awarded the 2025 Visionary Impact Award by the South Carolina Association of Agricultural Educators (SCAAE). The award, presented at the organization’s annual banquet, honors administrators, businesses, and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions to the advancement of agricultural education in South Carolina.

Under Dr. Rains’s leadership, UMO has forged strong partnerships with SCAAE and South Carolina FFA, working to strengthen the future of agricultural education by recruiting, educating, and training the next generation of agriculture teachers. His efforts have been pivotal in addressing the state’s critical shortage of qualified agricultural educators.

“I was surprised and deeply honored to be recognized,” Rains said. “It’s a privilege to encourage teachers to continue promoting agriculture and to help improve the educational opportunities for young people.”

Currently residing in Kinson, NC, Rains’s path to agricultural education began on his family farm in Johnston County and was inspired by his high school agricultural teacher. After earning his degree in agricultural education from North Carolina State University, he taught agricultural courses for nine years before serving in various administrative roles as a principal, superintendent, and educational consultant.

He joined UMO in 2005, initially visiting 98 high schools across North Carolina in his first year to promote the University’s Agribusiness Program. In 2011, he expanded his recruiting efforts into South Carolina, forging relationships with state agricultural education leaders and building a steady pipeline of students who have gone on to teach or work in agriculture across the state.

Over the past two decades, Rains has helped connect countless teachers and students to opportunities at UMO. His work has also led to significant milestones, including a partnership with Piedmont Technical College in South Carolina, which allows students to transfer seamlessly into UMO’s agricultural degree programs.

“Agriculture has no boundaries,” Rains said. “We must work together to educate and train future leaders in the field. These partnerships ensure we have skilled, passionate educators to meet the needs of our communities.”

One of Rains’s greatest joys is seeing former students excel. He points to graduates like Edward Olive, now Director of the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center, as proof of the lasting impact of UMO’s programs.

Rains credits his wife, Rachel, for her support and partnership in visiting classrooms, attending conferences, and building relationships across the region. “We continue to demonstrate our love for people and our love and belief in what UMO offers for personal growth and education,” he said. “We give God all the glory for the blessings of support from the community, our colleagues, and our families.”

UMO Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications Tim Woodard praised Rains’s dedication, “Dr. Rains has been an extraordinary ambassador for UMO and for agricultural education. His tireless efforts have inspired countless students to pursue careers in agriculture and have strengthened the profession across the state lines.”

As agricultural programs expand and demand for ag teachers grows, Rains remains committed to recruiting and mentoring the next generation. “The growth of UMO’s School of Agriculture from just a handful of students to around 300 has been incredible to witness,” Rains said. “New programs, innovative technologies, and hands-on experiences on our farms keep the work exciting and energize my mission to share these opportunities with future students.”