Through her leadership roles as former president of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Ambassador Program and president and recruitment chair for the UGA chapter of the National Society of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, senior Tracey Troutman has been able to share with current and prospective students the importance of agriculture in all aspects of life. Coming from a rural background, it is Troutman’s passion to promote and support activities and programs that spread the message that agriculture is not “just farming.” She was also a C.L.A.S.S. Advocate (Continuing the Legacy of African American Students Success) for a year, addressing the needs of freshmen and helping them to adjust to campus life through programs and personal contacts. She was also awarded C.L.A.S.S. Advocate of the Year for 2004-2005. As a CURO apprentice, Troutman worked with the educational psychology department and the poultry science department, and she also participated in the NSF’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Biotechnology in the summer of 2004 at Fort Valley State. After her May 2007 graduation, Troutman would like to attend graduate school in an agriculture-related field or in pharmacy.
Hometown:
Rochelle, Georgia
High School:
Wilcox County High School
Degree objective:
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with majors in avian biology and biological science
Expected graduation:
May 2007
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
I am the former president of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Ambassador program and the current president of the UGA Chapter of the National Society of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences. This summer I served as the 2006 intern for the Georgia Department of Agriculture International Trade Division’s European Office in Brussels, Belgium. The internship is an eight week internship, offered through CAES. My duties included promoting Georgia Agriculture and agricultural products to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
Recently, I have also been chosen to serve on the CAES Diversity Advisory Panel and selected to appear in the CAES magazine Student Spotlight section. As a Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities Apprentice, I conducted research in the department of educational psychology under the guidance of Randy Kamphaus as a freshman. During my sophomore year, my research project was in the poultry science department with Amy Batal. Additionally, I have been a teaching assistant in the poultry science department for two semesters. I have also served as a Continuing the Legacy of African American Students Success (C.L.A.S.S.) Advocate and on the Residence Hall Association Executive Board. My honors and awards include being a HOPE scholar and being chosen as the 2004-2005 C.L.A.S.S. Advocate of the year. I am also a Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Scholar.
Current Employment:
I am currently employed as a desk assistant in Russell Hall. My responsibilities include enforcing the rules and regulations of the Department of Housing and welcoming residents and visitors to Russell Hall.
I chose to attend UGA because…
…of downtown Athens, the friendly people, and the beautiful campus! Being from a small town, I wanted a school that was large enough that I didn’t know everyone, but yet still gave me a small town feeling. UGA was a perfect fit! Also, I knew that UGA would offer me countless opportunities such as the CURO program that would be beneficial to my future career.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
…attending football games in Sanford Stadium! I will always cherish the memories of seeing the waves of red and black clad fans cheering for our Bulldogs. I enjoy spending my Saturdays in the fall by putting on my red and black and cheering our team to victory!
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
…work at the poultry farm in my poultry production class. We looked so funny with our hair nets, boots, and safety goggles! Everyone was trying to catch chickens, while being careful not to fall on the slippery floors. Feathers were everywhere! After a hard day’s work we were rewarded by a class barbeque!
My favorite place to study is…
…my room. In my room, I can study comfortably in my pajamas and never be too far away from a midnight snack!
My favorite professor is…
…Adam Davis. He is a wonderful and caring professor, with a great personality and a true passion to serve his students. Dr. Davis is also my academic advisor and has helped me through many academic challenges. Despite his demanding schedule as a researcher, professor, and advisor, he is never too busy to discuss my class schedule, write a letter of recommendation, or give me advice about my future career plans. Dr. Davis has truly made a difference in my life and CAES experience.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
…my late grandfather, Isaac Culver Sr. I was a little girl when he died, but I’ve heard countless stories of my grandfather’s love, kindness, and patience. In fact, my brothers can’t remember a time that he ever raised his voice to any of his nearly two dozen grandchildren! I would seek advice about raising a family and talk about his favorite memories of his life. I will always admire his strength, love, and the example he set for our family.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
…be the United States Secretary of Agriculture. This position would allow me to share my passion for agriculture awareness and serve the American people. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, I would be able to address the needs and concerns of the agricultural community.
After graduation, I plan to…
…attend graduate school in an agriculture-related field or to attend pharmacy school.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
…living in the residence halls. My freshman year in Creswell Hall was one of the best times of my life. Never before had I met so many different people from all aspects of life. I will always remember asking neighbors to split the cost of a $6.00 pizza or going to the dining halls with my neighbors. I also had the wonderful opportunity to work as a C.L.A.S.S. Advocate in the housing department. I will never forget the impact my residents had on my life and the personal relationships we developed.