Shae Leeper is a senior studying agricultural communication with a dual minor in agribusiness and agronomy. Originally from Marysville, Ohio, Shae is a graduate of Marysville High School. She is one of 14 seniors from the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership to be selected as an ACEL Distinguished Senior.
Why did you choose your major?
Growing up on a farm, I knew that I always want agriculture to be a part of my life. I was also very interested in marketing and the creative aspects of business. Agricultural communications was combination of my two interests, which was a perfect fit.
Why did you choose to attend Ohio State?
When choosing a university to attend, I was interested in staying in Ohio and Ohio State offered the field of study I was interested in. I also heard a lot of great things from friends who were a part of CFAES.
What classes did you enjoy the most?
I really enjoyed all of my classes and they each offered something unique. Within my major I really enjoyed AGRCOM 4130: Publication Design and Production. It was a great class to become familiar with Adobe applications.
Within my agribusiness minor, I enjoyed AEDECON 3170: Agriculture Law. Dr. Kirk-Hall did a great job of teaching the class and we learned a lot about various types of law affecting agriculture.
Within my agronomy minor, I though HCS 5140 was a great class. It was nice learning about the history of different crops within agriculture, especially those planted in Ohio.
What student organizations have you been a part of as a student?
- The Agribusiness Club – Social/Recruitment Chair (2019-2020), President (2020-2021)
- Celebration of Students Banquet Planning Committee – Image Chair (2019-2020), Co-Chair (2020-2021)
- Sigma Alpha (2019-2020) – Public Relations Chair (2020)
What internships did you complete and how did they help you decide what you did or did not want to do after graduation?
I interned with Richwood Marketing in the summer of 2018 as a marketing intern. It was a great internship to start out with. It helped introduce me to the world of marketing and all of the different elements that go into it. The company had a great culture and work environment which set the bar high right from the start. After completing this internship, it helped me realize that I wanted to be involved in marketing, but more so the overarching ideas, rather than a specific segment of it (such as graphic design).
During the summer of 2019 I interned with the OSU Extension Office in Delaware County as the 4-H and Agriculture & Natural Resources intern. This internship provided me with the opportunity to work within agriculture and with different group of people, 4-H and Junior Fair Board members, farmers, adults involved in the county fair, and more. I really liked working with others and being in a position that was everchanging. I had a lot of projects to put together, each one different from the other. It showed me that I like having new and different tasks to take.
What stands out as your best college memory?
The Agribusiness Club trips are memories that stand out to me. Transitioning from the Ohio State Marion my sophomore year, this was a great way to get involved and meet new people. I really enjoyed traveling to a different region of the United States to explore agriculture. The trips were always fun and it brought club members closer together.
I also always enjoyed going to Ohio State football games. Rain or shine it is a surreal experience to watch the game alongside thousands of other students.
Why should someone else consider your major at Ohio State?
For those interested in agriculture and business I think that agricultural communication offers some unique opportunities that are applicable to any business role. Throughout our classes, we learn all about communications from writing and design, to working on a team to create a yearlong project. Communications will always be a vital aspect of business. The experiences I had and skills I gained from my major are unmatched and I know I will use them frequently throughout my career.
What is your advice for future Buckeyes?
For those interested in becoming a part of our college I would say take advantage of every opportunity. Join clubs, takes classes outside of your major, and try to push yourself to try new things. Your four years in college go by quick, but they will be filled with some of your favorite memories. I have found lifelong friends while in college and learned so much. Take advantage of study abroad or class trips, going to a new place and learning about the culture or agriculture is an eye-opening experience that helps us grow. Just enjoy it!
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I am excited to say that I recently accepted a position at Scotts Miracle-Gro as an assistant marketing manager. This position is a two-year training program within brand management. I will be placed on two, one-year rotations with different brands within Scotts. I am looking forward to learning more about the industry and everything encompassed within brand management.