Evan Rose, a graduate of the Pike Agriscience Academy at Goshen High School, was back at his alma mater Tuesday to visit the academy and share with academy students his experiences as a student in the Auburn University College of Agriculture and as an Auburn University Ag Ambassador.

Rose said the College of Agriculture prepares students for a variety of opportunities throughout a global food, agricultural and natural resource system.

Graduates, he said, work to build better businesses and stronger communities, provide safer food, foster human and animal health, further technological advancement and provide clean, sustainable industries.

Rose said what he learned as a student in the Agriscience Academy prepared him to meet the challenges of pursuing a college education and placed him on the career path that is best suited to his interests.

“There are 1,440 students in the College of Agriculture and there are 13 major choices,” he said. “There is a 25-1 student/teacher ratio so it’s not a lot different from here at the Ag Academy. If you are interested in agriculture, there will be something for you at Auburn.”

Rose’s major is crop and soil science. His career plan is to work for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or perhaps as a seed engineering consultant. 

Rose told the students that scholarships are available for those who are pursuing careers in agriculture and, for many of the majors, the job market is wide open.

“In horticulture, for every one graduate, there are five job waiting,” he said. “Agriculture in a good career choice for those that are interested.”

Rose recommended the participation in student clubs and organizations.

Ag Ambassadors, he said, are majoring in the College of Agriculture are selected through an application process.

“As Ag Ambassadors, we assist with events at the university and are available to speak on topics related to science, agriculture and natural resources,” Rose said. “As an Ag Ambassador, you are very busy during football season because there are a lot of tour groups. It’s a lot of fun.”

Rose gave the students an inside look at the fun places to go in Auburn and the best places to eat. He outlined the pros and cons of living on campus or off.

He summed up his visit with a plug for Auburn University and the College of Agriculture. He said agriculture is a good career choice and encouraged all academy students to check into the scholarship opportunities available to those who are interested in ag-related careers.

Four of the seven seniors in the Agriscience Academy have been accepted in the Auburn University College of Agriculture.  Joseph Jordan plans to major in poultry science, Taylor King, wildlife/pre-vet; Regan Witherington, poultry science; and Alex Mueller, bio-systems engineering. For the other three Ag Academy seniors, agriculture related majors continue to be options.