Ruth Mischler

As the Teaching Farm Manager, Ruth blends deep academic expertise in agronomy with over fifteen years of international, hands-on agricultural experience to lead the Merry Lea Teaching Farm. Dedicated to experiential, apprentice-style education, Ruth mentors the next generation of land stewards by working directly alongside her students in the field, classroom, and research plots.

Prior to joining Goshen College in 2017, she conducted international agronomic research as a U.S. Student Fulbright Grantee in partnership with the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture, focusing on root crop variety trials and weed management. She holds a Master of Science in Agronomy from Penn State, where her award-winning research focused on utilizing roller/crimper technology for weed suppression, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Lipscomb University. Her extensive field experience also includes managing diverse Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) market gardens and directing operations for micro-goat and cow dairies on Colorado’s Front Range.

Ruth loves connecting with the community and actively volunteers at Benton Mennonite Church, the Noble Whitley Area Home Educators (NWAHE) co-op, Noble County 4-H, Scouting America, and the Kosciusko Community YMCA. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys hiking, running, canoeing, reading, journaling, gardening, raising livestock, and spending time with her husband and three children. She cherishes the local community and is always seeking new ways to strengthen regional networks and inspire future environmental leaders.