The agricultural education community is mourning the passing of Jackie “Jack” Dean Staats, a longtime educator, FFA leader, and mentor whose career shaped generations of students across the state. Born December 15, 1951, Staats dedicated nearly 50 years to agricultural education, becoming one of Oklahoma’s most influential figures in youth development and career training.
Raised on a farm and ranch between Laverne and Buffalo, Oklahoma, Staats developed a lifelong connection to agriculture early in life. He was an active member of the Future Farmers of America, serving as chapter president before pursuing a career in agricultural education. After studying at Panhandle State University and graduating from Oklahoma State University, he began what would become a decades-long commitment to teaching and leadership in agriculture.
Staats spent 34 years in the classroom, teaching at Freedom High School, Buffalo High School, and most notably Alva High School, where he served from 1977 to 2007. He later transitioned into statewide leadership as Oklahoma’s State FFA Advisor and program manager for agricultural education with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. In this role, he guided thousands of students and educators, promoting leadership, personal growth, and career success.
After retiring from state service in 2020, Staats continued mentoring future educators as a faculty member at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. His influence extended into major agricultural programs, including long-term involvement with the Oklahoma Youth Expo, where he served in leadership and advisory roles.
Staats was widely recognized for his contributions, including induction into the Oklahoma CareerTech Hall of Fame and receiving the National FFA VIP Citation in 2021. Leaders across Oklahoma described him as a transformative educator and advocate who strengthened agricultural education programs and inspired lifelong dedication among students and teachers.
The Oklahoma FFA Association issued a statement honoring his legacy, calling him a servant leader whose work impacted countless lives. State leaders, including lawmakers and educators, also praised his mentorship, advocacy, and commitment to improving agricultural education policy and opportunities.
Speaker of the Oklahoma House Kyle Hilbert and Representative Carl Newton both highlighted Staats’ influence on education policy and his role as a mentor to many who now serve in leadership positions across the state.
Services are scheduled to be held at the Salt Fork Event Center in Alva, Oklahoma.
Staats is remembered as a teacher, leader, and advocate whose life’s work strengthened agricultural education across Oklahoma and left a lasting legacy through the students, educators, and programs he helped build.