THE AMBASSADOR College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Alumni Association
March 2021
QUENTIN TYLER ‘02, ‘05 Agricultural Economics
From the Dean
Friends, The spring semester is underway, and we’re excited for students to be back. Our campus is working hard to get and keep students in class. Vaccinations are underway, and we are into another year that will hopefully see a more normal conclusion.
Through using all the means available to us, we continue our important work of educating students, conducting research and helping Kentucky residents through Cooperative Extension. We continue to follow the federal, state and university guidelines so we can lower the spread of this virus. Before we kick the final dust of 2020 off our boots, I want to share some highlights that show the dedication of our campus community. • Staff and faculty, alike, worked diligently to help our students with both online and in-person classes equipping classrooms, ensuring technology worked, recording lectures and designing instructional videos. • Because of our people, our college had the highest proportion of students learning in-person/hybrid among all colleges at UK last semester. • Our farm crews continue to work every day in the fields and assist researchers with their plot work. They have fed and cared for the animals on our farms, ensuring their welfare. • Extension staff in 120 counties and on campus made a quick and successful shift to online programming and then worked to safely reopen offices to provide support for our stakeholders. • The college announced new hires/new roles: o Three new regional extension directors and eight new area directors as part of the reorganization of Cooperative Extension. o Dr. Craig Wood as the assistant director of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension. o Dr. Jamie Matthews as the new assistant dean for research is overseeing forage animals. The Kentucky General Assembly will be wrapping up its 2021 session this month. We continue to work with our colleagues across many sectors to provide our elected officials with information they may need. Together, we can ensure students continue to have access to learning, researchers work to find solutions to Kentucky’s challenges and our Extension staff provide critical information to farmers, families and communities. As we move forward into spring, I hope we can all be together soon to share memories of past alumni activities and plan for many more. As ever, thank you for all you do for the college.
Nancy M. Cox Vice President for Land Grant Engagement Dean, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment University of Kentucky
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD
College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Alumni Association
AFFILIATE NETWORK REPS
PHILANTHROPY & ALUMNI Elizabeth Vaughn 859-257-8783
Danielle Jostes 859-218-1176
Jonathan Furnish 859-257-7211
Tressa Neal
859-257-2146
Cynthia Byars 859-257-4069
Assoc. Sr. Director of Philanthropy elizabeth.vaughn@uky.edu
Director of Equine Philanthropy
danielle.jostes@uky.edu
Assoc. Director of Alumni Eng.
jonathan.furnish@uky.edu
Assoc. Director of Leadership Giving
tressa.neal@uky.edu
Services Mngr. & Exec. Assistant
cynthia.byars@uky.edu
Sara Mendoza
Business Officer
859-323-7809
Brooke Stone 859-257-3814
President Quentin Tyler ‘02, ‘05 Vice President Melissa Tomblin ‘02 Secretary Michaela Mineer ‘18 Treasurer Ben Conner ‘16 Affiliate Network Representative Stephanie Chamberlain ‘99, ‘00 Past President Sue Whitaker ‘64 UK Alumni Association Liaison Michelle McDonald ‘84, ‘93
sara.gardner71@uky.edu
Administrative Assistant
brooke.stone@uky.edu
Bluegrass Ben Conner ‘16 Dietetics & Human Nutrition Jessica Coffie ‘06, ‘10 Cristina Hiten ‘06, ‘10 Equine Hannah Niebielski ‘13 Forestry & Natural Resources Michael Shearer ‘74, ‘76 Fort Harrod Brian Osterman ‘00 Green River Darla Kirkland ‘00 Lake Cumberland Chelsey Anderson ‘11 Licking River Stephanie Chamberlain ‘99, ‘00 Lincoln Trail Jeremy Hinton ‘98 Rick Ryan ‘77 Louisville Keith Jeffries ‘85 Mammoth Cave H.H. Barlow III ‘72 MANRRS Tiffany Monroe ‘17 Northeast Danny Bailey ‘68, ‘71 Northern Kentucky Whitney Stith ‘90 Pennyrile Nancy Kelley ‘81 Purchase Lena Mallory ‘94 Quicksand Thomas Cravens ‘83, ‘90 Wilderness Trail vacant
STUDENT DIRECTORS
Ag. Education & Ag. Economics Gracie Furnish Individualized Ag. Emma Heimlich Family Sciences Meghan Harless
FACULTY REPRESENTATIVES Teaching Research Extension
Will Snell ‘83, ‘85, ‘89 Robert Houtz Laura Stephenson
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Diana Doggett ‘75, ‘77 Brandon Gilles ‘12 James Gilles ‘10 Kim Henken ‘92, ‘95 Amelia Iliohan ‘19 Brooke Jenkins ‘00, ‘05 Bill McCloskey ‘84, ‘87 Martha Nall ‘70 Megan Tennison ‘13, ‘17
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL
Dean Nancy Cox Associate Dean for Instruction Carmen Agouridis ‘05 Assistant Dean for Diversity Antomia Farrell ‘12 Director of Student Relations Wayne Centers ‘08
STAY CONNECTED The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Philanthropy & Alumni office is located in the E.S. Good Barn on the University of Kentucky campus. 1451 University Drive | Lexington, KY 40546 The Ambassador is published three times yearly by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Alumni Association.
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AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS IT STARTS WITH US ALUMNI FOCUS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT PHILANTHROPY
@ukyagriculture
@ukagriculture
THANK YOU A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOR THEIR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
Department
Agricultural Economics MAKING OPPORTUNITIES Possible
VISION We want our students to identify and pursue career-enhancing opportunities that benefit their career, give them confidence in their career choice, and provide them unique experiences from which they can draw upon in their professional life.
CHALLENGE We knew an effective solution would provide systemic support to students to feasibly pursue a career-enhancing opportunity while balancing social, financial and academic responsibilities. Additionally, we needed the flexibility to support a multitude of student opportunities.
SOLUTION AEC Undergraduate Opportunity Fund With an inaugural donation from Agricultural Economics Alumnus, Dr. William Seale, we created the AEC Undergraduate Opportunity Fund. This fund supports students who need financial assistance to pursue career-enhancing opportunities. The fund’s application and decision process are designed to be studentdriven and provide a quick response to applicants. Students apply for financial support and must consult a mentor for assistance in making decisions, managing expectations, and solving challenges throughout the experience.
As an applied department, we place the utmost value on our students gaining handson experience in addition to a traditional classroom education. There is no replacement for real-world experience, and we strive for our graduates to be as prepared and confident as possible to transition to a successful and fulfilling career. As some of the most-employable graduates in agriculture, our students have a broad range of career options post-graduation. To best support our diverse student body and their broad range of career goals, we support a multitude of extracurricular opportunities that target students’ individual interests and professional needs. While the vast majority of our students gain experience through education abroad programs, independent research, or internships, we also encourage students to pursue opportunities that don’t necessarily fit into these categories, but nonetheless are career-enhancing experiences for their specific career goals. These may include attending out-ofstate, professional conferences or participating in educational
FROM OUR STUDENTS
opportunities such as the Southeast Ag Lenders School (SEALS). The AEC Undergraduate Opportunity Fund was created to provide mentorship, as well as financial support. During the application process, students make a case for why a particular opportunity is important to their career development and how they will benefit from the experience. Applicants then consult with a mentor of their choosing and share how this mentor will aid in their success. Funding decisions are made by a panel of faculty on a rolling basis, usually within one week, allowing students to respond to time-sensitive invitations and allowing sufficient time for subsequent preparations. To date, the AEC Undergraduate Opportunity Fund has supported more than 30 students in their pursuit of opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise.
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Sam Laneve | Experience Argentina
A trip like this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it was made possible through receiving funds from the Undergraduate Opportunity Fund. Without the funding provided from donors, this trip could not have happened.
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The opportunity fund deserves immense recognition as it is touching lives and making students’ dreams come true as they delve deeper in agriculture.
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Lindsay Bates | GOAP Internship
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DONATIONS Student support donations can be made to the AEC Undergraduate Opportunity Fund through UK Philanthropy at agecon.ca.uky.edu/give Beth Osbourne | 3M Consulting Internship
It allowed me to learn how to budget and allocate funds and it allowed me to take opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise. I also look forward to the day I am able to ‘pay it forward’.
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It Starts With Us
LYMAN T. JOHNSON AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The University of Kentucky Alumni Association Lyman T. Johnson African American Alumni Group, in partnership with the UK Office for Institutional Diversity, virtually hosted the 30th annual Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer and Torch of Excellence awards in early February. The program honors and celebrates African American students and alumni from each college who epitomize the ideals of Lyman T. Johnson. UK’s academic colleges select alumni whose faith, hard work and determination have positively affected the lives of people on the UK campus, the city, state or nation. These individuals receive the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award. These colleges also choose students within their respective college whose academic achievement and ability to impact the lives of others would warrant them to receive the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award. The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment recognized Jahqethea Johnson with the Torch Bearer award and Tiffany Monroe with the Torch of Excellence award. Jahqethea Johnson is an agricultural
economics senior from Columbus, OH. She is highly involved on campus and in the community. Some highlights include Lexington Hope Center volunteer, Fayette County Public School volunteer, University of Kentucky K Crew leader, University of Kentucky Blueprint leader, University of Kentucky Institutional Diversity Black Collective representative, University of Kentucky Diversity Student Ambassador, and UK CAFE Student Ambassador. Jahqethea has also served as the president of the UK Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences Chapter (MANRRS) and as National Region III Undergraduate Vice President of MANRRS. Tiffany Monroe received her masters degree in Community and Leadership Development, with an emphasis in Agricultural Education in 2017. She is a sixth-generation African American farmer who grew up on a hazelnut, vegetable, and seed farm in Oregon. She received her bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University in Crop and Soil Science with a
minor in Horticulture. After her studies, Tiffany became the first African American female Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent in Kentucky history and worked for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Tiffany now resides in Oregon and farms with her husband. She was recently appointed as co-chair of Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s Racial Justice Council and serves as co-chair of the Environmental Equity Committee. She also serves on the board of directors for the Oregon Black Land Trust and Oregon Black Food Fund. She currently serves as the president of the UK CAFE MANRRS Alumni Affiliate Network. To learn more about the UK Alumni Association Lyman T. Johnson African American Alumni Group, visit www. ukalumni.net/LTJ.
TWO CAFE ALUMNI NAMED BOARD MEMBERS OF KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM The Kentucky Derby Museum has welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors, two are graduates from the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Joining the Board is Brandy Harmon, Vice President of Ticketing and Venue Operations for Breeders Cup Ltd., and returning to the board is Harold Workman, who is retired from his career in public service. Brandy Harmon oversees all ticket sales and operations for the Breeder’s Cup
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World Championships, beginning her career there in 2009. A ‘97 UK graduate, with a bachelors degree in Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering, she began her career as Director of Sales & Operations for Dapple Bloodstock/Season Exchange and worked her way up through the equine industry. She is a member of he Thoroughbred Club of America, served on the board of directors for the Oregon TOBA, Race for Education, and is a member of several industry organizations.
Harold Workman, of Louisville, received a bachelors degree in Animal Science in 1969. Workman was named President and CEO of the Kentucky State Fair Board in 1993. Thanks to his efforts, the Kentucky Exposition Center is home to several signature events including the North American International Livestock Exposition. Workman is also a member of the college’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni; inducted in 2012. Credit to: The Lane Report
CAFE ALUM AND FORMER UK BASKETBALL PLAYER, RAMEL BRADLEY, IS HELPING TO CHANGE THE FACE OF AMERICAN FARMING Could controlled environment agriculture change the face of American farming? Ramel Bradley ‘09 thinks so. The community director at AppHarvest is talking to students and communities across the country about the benefits of locally-grown food and the agtech used to produce it. Growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., Ramel “Smooth” Bradley aspired to become a professional basketball player like some of the kids that came before him. NBA Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Bernhard King were two of his role models. Bradley would soon be recruited by multiple college coaches including those from the University of Kentucky. “What brought me to Kentucky was my love for the game of basketball,” he said. “While at UK, I became the starting point guard, captain and fan favorite of the Wildcats. I earned my degree and then played professional basketball in multiple countries including Croatia, France, Turkey and Israel.” In 2016 while visiting his family in New York, Bradley discovered his grandmother was having some health issues. “I decided to stop playing the game I love for something that I love more-my family and community,” he said. “When I was 10-years old and falling in love with the game of basketball, my grandmother started a mission in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, focused solely on feeding the hungry. She started the mission in her kitchen out of the need to feed people who were hungry to provide them with some hope and encouragement.” I studied in the College of Agriculture,
Food and Environment at UK because of the seed that was planted in me by my family. My interest in agriculture came from the leadership that my grandmother and family displayed in serving the community. I could see the difference on people’s faces when they were fed a meal and they received encouraging words regardless of their circumstances or where they came from.” “When I came back home and got to see firsthand that family, friends and community members were suffering from preventable diseases, I made the decision to dedicate my life to feeding the people in my community. Healthy food is a solution to a lot of problems.” In 2016 after retiring from professional basketball, Bradley received a phone call from his good friend and UK classmate Jonathan Webb. “We had a real-life conversation about the lack of economic mobility in our communities, me in Brooklyn and Jonathan in Pikeville, KY.,” Bradley said. “He knew that I was feeding community members trying to help them overcome preventable diseases. Jonathan told me about his vision of growing vegetables using controlled environment agriculture and being able to feed 70 percent of the Eastern seaboard through a central location in eastern Kentucky in Appalachia.” “That was the birth of our partnership and what brought me back to Kentucky, for us to start AppHarvest. We recently opened the doors to a 60-acre state-of-the-art greenhouse facility in Morehead, KY.” Bradley, who is community director of AppHarvest, works with both company employees as well as doing community outreach. “Since I’ve trained extensively in controlled environment agriculture facilities, I’m able to provide a knowledge transfer to those coming into our company learning about this new industry
and providing encouragement to our employees,” he said. “That is what I do from an internal standpoint.” “Externally, I go out and share the AppHarvest story with students and community groups around the state and across the country to get them excited about agtech programs.” “I helped develop the curriculum which teaches the students about plant science, the local food system, the food supply chain, how to build their own local food system and entrepreneurship,” Bradley said. “We have engaged hundreds of students from elementary to high school showing them a new way to grow food.” “It is only right that I use this platform and use this responsibility to provide more access and more opportunity to future Black Ag leaders,” he said. “Less than 2 percent of American farmers are African-Americans. By doing the work I’m doing I can hopefully inspire folks that look like me to take advantage of the new opportunities in this growing community.” “Barriers are being broken by the work that I’m doing. I’m looking to inspire the people who I would like to see get involved in this industry. I am the modern farmer and this is how their future could look.” Credit to: Urban Ag News
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STEPHENSON NAMED CHAIR OF UK DEPARTMENT OF DIETETICS AND HUMAN NUTRITION A professor recognized across the nation and university for her innovative teaching is the new chair of the University of Kentucky Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition. “Tammy Stephenson is an unparalleled teacher as well as a solid academic leader in the department,” said college dean Nancy Cox. A faculty member in the department for the past 20 years, Stephenson is the recipient of numerous teaching awards. These include the UK Alumni Association Great Teacher Award, the UK Provost’s
Outstanding Teaching Award, UK Chellgren Endowed Professorship, the Teaching Award of Merit and the Bob Hough Teaching Tip award from the North American Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. She has mentored more than 400 undergraduate student research projects and serves as the faculty advisor to the Campus Kitchen and Spoon U, both at UK. She is also co-author of two nutritionrelated textbooks and serves as the lead author for compatible online activities for each.
A native of Massachusetts, Stephenson holds her bachelors of science in Food Science, ‘97, and doctoral degree in Nutritional Science, ‘02, from UK.
HAVE YOU JOINED US FOR OUR CAFE CONVERSATIONS? DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS. VISIT ALUMNI.CA.UKY.EDU/OUTREACH FOR INFORMATION ON OUR NEXT CONVERSATION AND FOR RECORDINGS OF PAST CONVERSATIONS.
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GRASSROOTS GRASSROOTS
INSURANCE INSURANCE
EDUCATION EDUCATION
ADVOCACY ADVOCACY
LEADERSHIP
SERVICE
LEADERSHIP
SERVICE
Proudly supporting the next crop of Kentucky farmers. Farming in Kentucky has seen dramatic changes over the past century. New technologies. New practices. New ways of bringing products to market. In the midst of these changes, the future of Kentucky agriculture demands that tomorrow’s farmers be educated in the field and in the classroom. Kentucky Farm Bureau proudly supports giving young farmers the tools, skills and knowledge they need
leadership at all levels to meet the challenges of Kentucky’s agricultural communities. Farming Kentucky dramatic changes over the past New a KentuckyinFarm Bureauhas will seen continue to support that leadership — as century. an advocate,
all Kentuckians.
technologies. New practices. New ways of bringing products to market. In the midst service provider and an organization — by giving leaders the tools, encouragement of these changes, the future of Kentucky agriculture demands that tomorrow’s and voice they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. Why Farm Bureau? farmers be educated in the field and in the classroom. Kentucky Farm Bureau Because effective leadership makes life better for all Kentuckians. proudly supports giving young farmers the tools, skills and knowledge they need for success. Why Farm Bureau? Because education ensures a brighter future for all Kentuckians.
THE AMBASSADOR THE AMBASSADOR
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farmers be educated in the field and in the classroom. Kentucky Farm Bureau
From farm fields to the legislative chambers of the state and nation, it takes
of these changes, the future of Kentucky agriculture demands that tomorrow’s
Moving agriculture forward, Proudly the blows. no matter whichsupporting way the wind next crop of Kentucky farmers.
technologies. New practices. New ways of bringing products to market. In the midst
Farming in Kentucky has seen dramatic changes over the past century. New
Proudly supporting the next crop of Kentucky farmers.
for success. Why Farm Bureau? Because education ensures a brighter future for
proudly supports giving young farmers the tools, skills and knowledge they need
farmers be educated in the field and in the classroom. Kentucky Farm Bureau
of these changes, the future of Kentucky agriculture demands that tomorrow’s
technologies. New practices. New ways of bringing products to market. In the midst
Farming in Kentucky has seen dramatic changes over the past century. New
all Kentuckians.
Proudly supporting the next crop of Kentucky farmers.
ASSROOTS
INSURANCE
EDUCATION
ADVOCACY
LEADERSHIP
SERVICE
for success. Why Farm Bureau? Because education ensures a brighter future for
Alumni Focus
QUENTIN TYLER
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS ‘02, ‘05 By Aimee Nielson
W
hen Quentin Tyler was a student in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, he often found himself in Professor Lionel Williamson’s office. “I just stopped to say hello, but when I looked at my watch, sometimes three hours had passed,” Tyler said. “He was so knowledgeable, and he taught me many life lessons. I’m forever grateful for him.” Williamson was just one of Tyler’s mentors at UK that steered him onto his current career path and impacted his philosophy on leadership. After graduation, Tyler remained at UK, first as an extension associate for recruitment and retention. Later, he directed the college’s Office of Diversity as assistant dean. In 2018, Tyler became the associate dean and director for diversity, equity and inclusion and acting associate dean for faculty affairs and administration at Michigan State University. In May, Tyler will assume the role of acting director of MSU Extension. Growing up in Hopkinsville, Tyler didn’t live on a farm, but he did have an interest in agriculture. At UK, he earned a bachelor’s (’02) and master’s (’05) in agricultural economics and a doctorate in sociology (’10). He also earned a certificate in diversity and inclusion from the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations. “My UK experience shaped my outlook on my career,” he said. “I was involved in the agribusiness club, MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences), my fraternity and I was a residential advisor. Several mentors and advisors emphasized the importance of internships and networking, and they also introduced me to many opportunities.” As a student, Tyler had a chance to go back to Hopkinsville and intern with the Cooperative Extension Service. He also had internships with the Bluegrass Farm Analysis, Conagra Foods in Omaha, Nebraska, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service in Washington, D.C.
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“My experience at UK was very valuable, being an agriculturally rich state. My student experience was enlightening, empowering and engaging,” Tyler reminisced. “My whole family and community experienced UK with me, as I was able to communicate my experiences to those that would come after me as well as my family and loved ones.”
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Quentin has a passion for developing youth leaders. He has played a large role in growing the UK MANRRS Chapter to its prominence today. He believes his education prepared him to be a land-grant leader. “I learned about all parts of the land-grant mission, research, teaching and extension, he said. “I remember my Gen 100 class where I had to do public speaking, which I absolutely hated. But now, all I do is public speaking. Also, the way I learned how to interact, appreciate and understand the work of our college, and the meaning it has to the state of Kentucky has carried over into the work that I do. It is all about people. Supporting people, appreciating people, and showing empathy for people and their challenges and opportunities.” Scholarships were a large part of Tyler’s college success. He said they allowed him to not worry so much about the financial burdens of college and to concentrate fully on his studies. They are a big reason why he now funds scholarships for students. “Today’s students have improved infrastructure, more scholarships and opportunities to travel abroad,” Tyler said. “Before I went to New Zealand with the Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program, I had never traveled abroad. I want to tell students not to be afraid to leave home. Great things happen when you least expect it. Don’t take no for an answer and understand that real success is the sum of many small consistent steps.” Tyler said that in addition to academics, he learned many valuable life skills while a student in the college. He continues to apply those skills today. continued on pg. 12
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“The UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment taught me about hard work, valuing people, and the importance of treating people how they wanted to be treated, the platinum rule,” he said. “It taught me that value and the importance of the land-grant mission and the impact it has on people in this country. The college showed me that a smile goes a long way and that I never meet a stranger. I am forever grateful for my UK experience, the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment experience, the big blue experience.” Recently, Tyler was elected president of the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Alumni Association. He will serve a two-year term. To learn more or to become a member of the association, visit alumni.ca.uky.edu. See page 15 for information about Tyler’s scholarship fund supporting today’s students. Quentin will take over the helm of Michigan State University Extension as director in May of this year.
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Student Spotlight
JAHQETHEA Z. JOHNSON
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS BUSINESS MINOR MAY 2021
HOMETOWN: Columbus, OH ACTIVITIES: +Lexington Hope Center volunteer +Fayette County Public School volunteer +UK K Crew Leader +UK Blueprint Leader +UK Institutional Diversity Black Collective +UK Diversity Student Ambassador +UK CAFE Student Ambassador +UK MANRRS President +National Region II Undergraduate Vice President MANRRS
Q: What led you to choose the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment? A: What led me to the College was my involvement in Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences. My MANRRS advisors always pushed me to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. I attended a few conferences and saw the endless opportunities and dire need for more passionate people in the agriculture industry. Q: What does the college mean to you? Describe your overall experience. A: The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment means more to me than I could ever explain. The College ignites a fire inside of me to stay active and continue to work hard every day for what’s important to me in agriculture. Changing my major in 2019 was the best experience for me within the College because, as I look back to where I was compared to where I am now, I couldn’t be more proud of the work and effort that I’ve put in to reflect my academic dedication. Q: How is the college preparing you for your future? A: The College is preparing me for my future by giving me experiences and lessons that are truly valuable to my future goals. I enjoy my classes and lectures in the College a lot more than others across campus because they are more relatable, immersive and interactive. I am learning all of the things necessary for pursuing involvement in my interest in the industry. Q: Where do you see yourself in 15 years? A: In 15 years, I hope to serve as U.S. Department of Agriculture under secretary for research, education, and economics. I also hope to work with Columbus, Ohio City Schools to create a curriculum for urban farming and food equity and kickoff many of my outreach programs in urban communities to educate inner city youth about food justice and diversity in agriculture. Q: Why would you recommend the college to future students? A: I recommend the College to future students because I cannot name a place that felt more intentional in my development as a student and professional. I enjoyed finding myself in the College and would do it all over again. The normal stressors of being a college student were only a minor impact on my progression because I had a great support system and a constant reminder of reassurance in the College that I know I wouldn’t have received anywhere else.
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Philanthropy
‘ONE DAY FOR UK’ SET FOR APRIL 21, 2021
On April 21, the University of Kentucky will rally its alumni, friends, and fans to support One Day for UK, a 24-hour day of giving where donors can support the college, unit or cause of their choice. Since its inception in 2019, One Day for UK has raised more than $3 million for funds across campus thanks to the support of thousands of alumni and friends. This year we hope to reach more alumni and friends and grow our gifts to support and sustain programs across the university. The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment was proud to raise more than $44,000 during the inaugural One Day for UK and our fundraising grew in 2020 with a final total of more than $47,000. Thanks to hundreds of supporters and those who spread the word and shared their experience. This year, UK CAFE will feature the CAFE General Undergraduate Scholarship Fund, providing unrestricted scholarship dollars for deserving students. For the first time, The Arboretum will also have a featured fund, The Arboretum Development Fund, which provides funding to the areas of greatest need at The Arboretum. While these funds will be featured, donors are encouraged to support any area of the college that is most meaningful to them. By conducting the campaign online, UK hopes to reach a broader audience, including reconnecting alumni, engaging young alumni and motivating its strongest supporters to make a
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gift. In addition to financially supporting the college, unit or cause of their choice, supporters can repost messages, spark conversation about UK and encourage their friends and family to give. To further promote the day, students, alumni, employees, friends, and donors are all invited to become #BBNfluencers. These supporters are more than an ambassador. Every day, in person and online, they champion the University of Kentucky, celebrating its accomplishments and encouraging people to support teams and programs. #BBNfluencers set the tone for giving day, direct the conversation and help spread the message across the country. For more information on how to get involved, visit: https://kentuckycan. uky.edu/bbnfluencers It’s a community effort. Together, the entire Big Blue Nation can make a huge impact on campus in just 24 hours. We can provide more scholarships and research opportunities for students, give colleges and departments the resources they need to be successful and strengthen our creative and outreach efforts which help transform our Commonwealth
and the world. UK will be mailing information about One Day for UK to all alumni, employees, and friends. People can make a gift through the mail or at https://uky. networkforgood.com before April 21 to the college, unit, or cause of their choice. On April 21, all supporters should visit https://onedayforuk.uky.edu to make a gift, track the progress, and read stories about how donor support and UK has shaped lives. All college, department, and unit funds will be found on that page. To join the online conversation, people should follow #OneDayforUK on all social media platforms throughout March and April to learn more and discuss how UK shaped their lives.
TYLER SCHOLARSHIP FUND IS SUPPORTING TODAYS NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS Quentin Tyler is no stranger to the University of Kentucky, or the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. He not only earned three degrees from UK, but he also served as assistant dean and director of diversity for the college. He was instrumental in building up the UK chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), a national society that welcomes membership of people of all racial and ethnic groups participation in agricultural and related science careers. The UK chapter has gone on to be named chapter of the year numerous times. Tyler undoubtedly touched the lives of many students during his time at the college. After leaving UK, he wanted to continue to show his support for our students.
In 2018, he established the Tyler Scholarship Fund. This scholarship annually supports students in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment who are members of MANRRS. Preference for this award is given to students in good academic standing who demonstrate unmet financial need.
scholarship fund that supports students across the college, who show academic promise and financial need.
Support for our students and programs is vital to sustaining excellence and growth capability in our college. If you are interested in establishing your own scholarship or programmatic fund, please contact the CAFE Office of Philanthropy and Alumni at 859-257-7200. If you would like to donate to an existing philanthropic fund, visit ca.uky.edu/give to explore all giving opportunities. If you’re unsure where to give, consider making a gift to the CAFE General Undergraduate Scholarship Fund. This is a flexible
GOODIN STUDENT AWARD ESTABLISHED The Michael Goodin Global Aspirations Award for undergraduate students in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has been established to honor the late Dr. Michael M. Goodin for his dedication and passion for student success and his sensitivity to student needs. Goodin was a distinguished plant virologist and professor of plant pathology. His strong research record, outstanding work as an educator, and dedication to university, professional scientific, and community service led him to be loved by many. Awards will be given to students who are facing challenges in their personal life and/or in their academic career and need urgent
financial assistance. If no primary award students are identified, then awards may be used for researchrelated travel expenses. Preference will be given to students in the Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology program.
elizabeth.vaughn@uky.edu, for information on this new fund or if you wish to contribute to the fund.
The funds for the award have been established through charitable donations from friends who wish to honor Goodin’s legacy of embracing student diversity in all aspects, his recognition that students learn in different ways and his work to engage students across many modalities. Students who wish to be considered for this award should contact Esther Fleming, efleming@uky.edu. Please contact Elizabeth Vaughn,
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