Alumni Spotlight: Whitney Fogle Gentry ’93

 

Whitney Fogle Gentry completed a bachelor of science in agricultural communication in 1993. Gentry now works as the leader of business development for the Fayette County Memorial Hospital.

[ACEL]: Hi Whitney! You majored in agricultural communication as an undergraduate at Ohio State. Why did you select that major?
English and writing were always my favorite subjects. Combining that with growing up on a small farm, agricultural communication and rural sociology seemed like the perfect combination.

Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I was the only student in my high school who was involved in agriculture. When I toured Ohio State and saw the dorm rooms of students studying agriculture and the pictures of their champion animals on display, I knew I’d be around people with similar interests.

How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career ?
Through school I stumbled on an internship with the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Division of Markets for a summer. That helped me get my foot in the door and was my first full time job.

What were you involved in as an Ohio State student?
I was a member off Saddle & Sirloin and worked just over two years as a resident advisor in Drackett Tower.

What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
Don’t really have a stand out. I remember everything from ice skating, to English, to agricultural economics, to Greek mythology.

What faculty or staff member had an impact on your time at Ohio State?
My boss at Drackett Tower, Tei Street. She has a drive for excellence and a zest for life!

What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
I don’t have just one single memory. There are so many! Fall football Saturdays, working the bull clip for Saddle & Sirloin, fun memories as an RA. They all add up to a great experience.

What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I was the marketing specialist with the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

What other companies have you worked for throughout your career?
Ohio Dept of Agriculture, Ohio Farm Bureau, United Way of Fayette County and Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.

As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
My internship at ODA was to help organize the Pearl Alley Farmers Market in downtown Columbus. It’s great to see that still going and thriving and to now I had a hand in getting that off the ground.

What advice would you give to a current student?
Get involved in as many extra curricular clubs and events as you can! Make the most of your time at OSU.

 

 

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