CATA Hall of Fame - Class of 2015

Ken Harris
Hughson High School, 1964-1981, CATA Executive Director 1981-1992,

San Joaquin Region Supervisor 1992-2011
Teacher of Excellence
Honorary American Degree
CATA Founders Award 1993

Ken Harris began his teaching career in Hughson in 1964. After 17 years, he was selected as the first CATA executive director. In Sacramento, Ken initiated legislation that led to the establishment of Agricultural Education Standards. Following the adoption of these standards, Ken helped to establish a funding source for agriculture programs. His efforts led to $3 million being set aside for agriculture programs meeting the standards. To date, over $120 million have gone into agriculture programs. After spending 11 years in Sacramento, Ken became the supervisor for the San Joaquin Region. Ken annually mentored over 150 teachers and 18,000 students, as well as two national and 31 state officers; he also served on the National Proficiency Committee. In Washington D.C., Ken was an advocate for a national incentive grant program. Upon his retirement, Ken had been engaged in agricultural education for 47 years, all of which were to promote opportunities to enhance the quality of agricultural education.