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A Full Circle Moment: Alvin Wilkerson’s Fast Track Farming Journey
Alvin Wilkerson, now serving as an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator for Central State University Extension (CSUE), began his agricultural journey in a community garden he tended with his family. Although he had no formal agricultural education at the time, his hands- on involvement in local gardening projects fostered a growing interest in sustainable food systems. Encouraged by a friend, Wilkerson enrolled in CSUE’s Fast Track Farming program a decision that would prove to be transformative both personally and professionally. Its engaging curriculum and supportive environment made a lasting impression on Wilkerson. While he appreciated the technical instruction, he emphasized that the most impactful aspect was the sense of community fostered among participants and mentors. The program’s structure, particularly at the Edgemont host site, offered a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application that gave Wilkerson the confidence to imagine agriculture as a long- term vocation. As Wilkerson became more involved, his initial curiosity deepened into a purposeful commitment to agriculture. There was no singular defining moment of realization; instead, it was a series of cumulative experiences, workdays, workshops, and thoughtful conversations that gradually redirected his career path. These interactions eventually led Wilkerson and several program graduates to co-found NuSol Farms, an urban
regenerative agriculture initiative rooted in principles of sustainability and community resilience.
Emphasizing patience and lifelong learning, he helps students understand that growth is as much about personal development as it is about crop cultivation.
In December 2024, Wilkerson joined CSUE as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator in the Southwestern Ohio region. This role marked a significant milestone in his professional journey. Having once been a student in the same program, Wilkerson described his transition into an educator as a “full-circle moment,” filled with both gratitude and purpose. His appointment reflected the university’s land-grant mission of extending educational resources to underrepresented populations, an ethos that closely aligned with his values. “Give it a try. Even if you aren’t sure or don’t feel ready, you never know what door might open or what lesson might prepare you for your next step.” -Alvin Wilkerson
Over time, Wilkerson has witnessed transformative shifts in his students, observing increased self-confidence and a growing respect for environmental stewardship. These changes, whether reflected in improved farming practices or deeper self-awareness, reinforce his commitment to education and community-based agriculture. As an alumnus of the Fast Track Farming Program, Wilkerson views his role as both an educator and cultural steward. He is particularly passionate about reframing the narrative surrounding Black Americans and their role in agriculture. For Wilkerson, reconnecting communities with the land represents not just historical reclamation but also a pathway to collective resilience and improved quality of life. To those considering enrollment in the Fast Track Farming program, Wilkerson offers thoughtful advice: “Give it a try. Even if you aren’t sure or don’t feel ready, you never know what door might open or what lesson might prepare you for your next step.”
Wilkerson’s experience as a former program participant informs his approach to mentoring new cohorts. He is intentional about creating inclusive and non-intimidating learning spaces and encourages students to view agriculture as a broad and dynamic field.
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