University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professor Scott Irwin recently earned the prestigious title of LinkedIn Top Voice, joining a select group of social media influencers. Through his Extension mindset, Irwin shares valuable knowledge and original contributions on a variety of professional topics. The invitation-only program recognizes individuals who are trustworthy, post consistently, and provide insightful content to the platform. Irwin, a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, has spent 40 years researching and teaching agricultural economics, with accomplishments including serving as director of farmdoc and authoring the book “Back to the Futures”.
Irwin’s motivation stems from wanting to make a positive impact in the world, adopting a public servant mentality and sharing his wealth of knowledge with others. He initially ventured into social media ten years ago, starting with Twitter and later exploring the benefits of LinkedIn in engaging with a wider audience. Working with the farmdoc media team, Irwin discovered the platform’s potential for sharing real-time analysis and data with a network of professionals eager for valuable insights. After a year of experimenting and learning best practices from the LinkedIn team, his page gained attention and he was eventually invited to join the prestigious LinkedIn Top Voice program.
Through his active presence on social media and dedication to sharing valuable content, Irwin has solidified his status as a thought leader in his field. He views his role as a responsibility to educate and engage with others, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to reach a broader audience. His affiliation with the University of Illinois has played a significant role in supporting and encouraging his work, allowing him to continue growing and evolving in his career. Despite his decades of experience, Irwin remains passionate about his work and is not yet ready to retire, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
The recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice underscores Irwin’s commitment to providing valuable content and insights in the online space. His ability to engage with a diverse audience and share his expertise on agricultural economics has positioned him as a respected influencer in his field. By embracing an Extension mindset and focusing on creating meaningful impact, Irwin has successfully leveraged social media platforms to connect with professionals worldwide. His dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering discussion has earned him a reputation as a trusted and influential voice in the industry.
Irwin’s journey into the world of social media showcases the power of leveraging digital platforms to amplify one’s impact and engage with a global audience. By embracing new technology and adapting to changing communication trends, he has been able to expand his reach and influence in the field of agricultural economics. From his initial experiment with Twitter to his current status as a LinkedIn Top Voice, Irwin’s story serves as a testament to the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and the value of sharing knowledge in an increasingly interconnected world.