Photo Info: At the National FFA Convention, an FFA National Officer (Far left) presents an award to Altus student Luke Gallagher (Center) while Farquhar (Far right) looks on.
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For more than four decades, Bruce Farquhar has been a steady and passionate presence at Altus High School. Now entering his 45th year, Farquhar teaches Agricultural Education and serves as an FFA Advisor in a four-teacher Ag Ed program that reaches students from grades 7 through 12.
His commitment to education and student success has deep roots. “I’ve learned that all students can learn,” Farquhar says. “The challenge is finding the motivation that helps them unlock their potential.” For many of his students, that spark is found through FFA, where they’re exposed to leadership training, public speaking, livestock projects, and career-based learning.
Farquhar credits his own high school Ag teachers and FFA Advisors—Kent Metcalf and Joe Muller—for inspiring his career path. “The agricultural knowledge they shared was valuable, but the life skills and leadership training had the most lasting impact,” he says.
Farquhar is equally proud of the students who have reached the highest levels of state and national recognition through FFA, as well as those who’ve faced steep personal challenges and still managed to succeed. “For some of my students, school is a safe haven. Their wins may look different, but they are just as meaningful—sometimes even life-changing.”
His wife, ReGina, to whom he has been married for 44 years, plays a key role in his journey. She works as a mentor teacher with the Great Expectations Foundation, and their son, Jacob, is also a product of agricultural education, having graduated from Oklahoma State University. Bruce is quick to say that his success would not be possible without their love and sacrifice.
For Farquhar, teaching is not simply about academic achievement. “Students must feel valued as individuals before they can achieve success in school or life. I believe in building relationships first—everything else follows.”
Outside of the classroom, he enjoys reading inspirational stories and is a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Altus with his wife. His message to fellow educators? “It’s not about you—it’s about empowering students to find their path and reach their full potential.”
