[ACEL]: Hi Morgan! Why did you select your major?
[Large]: I grew up on a farm in southeast Ohio where we raised sheep & hay/grain. After looking into my skillset and considering different career paths, I decided agricultural communications and animal sciences were the right courses of study for me to take my agriculture background and make it into a career.
Why did you choose to attend The Ohio State University?
I always thought I was meant to be a Buckeye. People often mentioned how big the campus and student body was or how far from home I would be. However, to me it was always home. The size of the campus and the distance from my family were never a concern to me. With my background in agriculture and Ohio State’s land grant mission, the decision was easy when the time came to choose where I wanted to spend the next four years. I am even more proud to be the first member of my family to have graduated from The Ohio State University.
How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
At Ohio State, the skills we learned were diverse and easily applied to any career. The ACEL department specifically provided me with the tools to be successful in any career. Although I am not directly involved in the agriculture industry with my current position, I do work with clients on a regularly basis that have ties to agriculture.
What were you involved in as an Ohio State student (student organizations, honoraries, campus jobs, Greek life, etc.):
I was an active member of Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Towers Agricultural Honorary, CFAES Banquet Planning Committee and Scarlet & Gray Ag Day Co-Chair & Planning Committee. I also participated in two study abroad courses (CFAES inaugural First Year Experience to Mexico and Human & Animal Interactions to New Zealand).
What classes did you enjoy the most while at Ohio State?
What was your favorite and why? I really enjoyed Dr. Zerby’s Animal Products class because it was fun to learn so many facts about animals beyond meat science. Also, Tom Stewart’s classes in the ACEL department were probably my favorite because he developed a welcoming and enjoyable learning environment. He also had the added experience of working in the industry at WBNS TV and the academic prowess as well.
What professor, faculty or staff member had an impact on your education/career? How?
I would have to say ACEL’s own, Emily Buck, was most influential to my education and ultimately, my career. She believed in me and helped guide me throughout my 4 years at Ohio State. Whenever I had a question or just needed to talk, she was there, and coming in as a freshman, she was that familiar face that made me feel at ease while adjusting to campus life. I remember meeting with her about graduate schools where she mentioned the University of Arkansas’ program, which sparked my next journey. Even now seeing her dedication to students, alumni, her family and farm is admirable. Emily Buck continues to be the epitome of an excellent teacher, researcher, mentor and agriculturalist.
What is your favorite memory related to your time at Ohio State?
There are too many memories to list but I loved traveling across the country to the Sugar Bowl with my sorority sisters where we watched the Buckeyes take on the Hogs in New Orleans. Some other favorites were winning the Ed Johnson Outstanding Student Organization Award for Scarlet & Gray Ag Day at the college banquet and ultimately, graduating from The Ohio State University.
What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
Upon graduation from Ohio State, I moved across the country to attend graduate school at the University of Arkansas. There I continued my education and career focus in agricultural communications.
For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career?
I graduated with my Master’s degree and then spent the summer working at SRUC, an agricultural college in Edinburgh, Scotland. Later that Fall, I began my career at Field Agent, a mobile audit and insights business, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. At Field Agent, we give businesses a new way to gather information and insights from everyday shoppers. Through Field Agent’s mobile app, shoppers earn extra cash while helping out their favorite brands.
During your career, have you received any awards or honors? If so, what are those?
Golden Paper Towel Award for Service – Field Agent
Large, M. M., & Miller, J. D. (2013 February) The ELL: A Pathway to Real-World Experience. Southern region of the American Association for Agricultural Education: Orlando, Florida. Innovative Idea Poster 2nd place.
Student of the Fortnight – Ohio State
Top ranked freshmen FYE book essay in CFAES
As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
This is more of an extracurricular, but I would have to say founding and becoming the president of The Ohio State University’s Northwest Arkansas Alumni Club. It has been so rewarding to bring together fellow Buckeyes in the heart of SEC country to have a sense of home and reminisce about our time at Ohio State.
What advice would you give to a current student?
My advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. Be a “yes” person. Really get to know your professors. Attend an event on Wednesday night even if you’re tired from a day of classes. Savor each and every moment because it all goes by way too fast. Most importantly, I’d like to tell every potential or current student I meet to study abroad. It can seem like a huge commitment both financially and time wise, but the benefits far outweigh the burdens.
What did ACEL cultivate in you? How?
When you see the word “cultivate,” you imagine a young seedling that turns into a vibrant flower and that is what ACEL did for me. The department helped a young seedling of a freshman by providing opportunities to grow and learn and by creating a place of community where I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself. I was encouraged to give back to others and remember my roots. These experiences ultimately led to a flourishing graduate. I owe the best four years of my life to ACEL, CFAES and The Ohio State University. I am forever grateful.
