Grace Jenkins is a recent Spring 2023 graduate from the Agricultural Economics Department at the University of Kentucky. Hailing from Hopkinsville, KY, Grace earned dual degrees in Agricultural Economics and Business Management, reflecting her broad interests and commitment to the agriculture industry. A passionate advocate for agriculture, she actively participated in the UK Agribusiness Club and the UK Collegiate Farm Bureau, where she developed meaningful connections and created lasting memories.

Grace’s involvement extended beyond clubs; she also served as a student worker in the Agricultural Economics Department, taking on a variety of responsibilities that enriched her academic experience. Throughout her studies, Grace honed her skills in areas such as farm management, livestock marketing, and human resource management, with standout courses taught by professors like Dr. Issacs and Dr. Burdine.

Q: What drew you to the Agricultural Economics major?  

A:  I knew that the Agricultural Economics major was broad and that I could do anything in the agriculture industry or a related field. Also, I know that I will eventually own a farm. I want to know how to manage and own it properly. My father was also an alumni of the University of Kentucky’s Agricultural Economics Department  here at UK, and I knew that I wanted a degree similar to his.  

Q: What are your plans after graduation? 

A: My goal is to continue my education and eventually become a certified general appraiser. I am currently in appraisal school and hope to finish soon. I am moving back home to Western Kentucky where I will pursue a job as an appraiser. I look forward to being back home with my family and being able to rope and ride my horses again.  

Q: What has been your favorite class so far as an undergraduate? Explain.   

A: It’s hard to choose, but some notable favorites were… 

1. AEC 302: Agricultural management Principles with Dr. Issacs- I learned a lot about Excel and farm management.  

2. AEC 311: Livestock Marketing with Dr. Burdine- I love cows, and Dr. Burdine was always available to help students and made the class interesting.  

3. AEC 340: Human Resource Management in Agriculture with Dr. Issacs – I learned more about working with people and the do’s and don'ts of a workplace environment.  

Q: How have your involvements contributed to your student life here at the University?  

A: Being involved has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me make friends at an early stage in my college career. My involvements in Agribusiness Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau ghave provided me some of my fondest memories of college. They are the experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life. They have truly developed me as a young lady entering the industry.  

Q: Have connections you have made through the Agricultural Economics Department helped with searches for work opportunities?  

A: Yes, everyone I know in the Agricultural Economics Department has always tried to help me personally or connect me with others in the industry. If they do not know how to help me, they can get me in touch with someone who can help me. The Ag Econ Department has always taken interest in me and put students in general first. Without the Ag Econ Department, I would not have received my grant to go to appraisal school. This was made possible through the Undergraduate Opportunity Fund through the department. They have always encouraged me with appraisal school and expect nothing less than my best.  

Q: What is your favorite study space on Ag Campus?  

A: Ag North, I could always catch someone I know and study or talk.  

Q: Was there an influential faculty member, professor, or general class you feel affected your current professional path? If so, explain. 

A: Dr. Issacs, Dr. Snell, Dr. Shockley, Dr. Burdine, Susan Skees and Jonathan Shepherd. They have always encouraged me on my career path, and they have been the ones who have challenged me the most in their classes and made me think outside the box. I did not have Jonathan as a professor, but he has always encouraged and pushed me with appraisal school and offered to get me in touch with appraisers. Susan was my Academic Advisor; she was there for the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in my college experience. She puts up with all the college kids on trips the Agribusiness Club takes and has always been there to listen.