Haylee Ferguson graduates this spring with a bachelor’s degree in food and agricultural business with minors in geographic information science and entrepreneurship. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in agricultural economics and continue her research efforts.
Where are you from?
Eagleville, Tennessee, is my hometown, which is about an hour south of Nashville.
What drew you to the Herbert College of Agriculture and/or UT Knoxville?
It wasn’t until I arrived on campus as a freshman that I totally fell in love with the University of Tennessee. After graduating high school, I was excited for college, but also incredibly nervous—I had only ever called one place “home.” Within my first month, I quickly realized what makes the University of Tennessee so special. I had an amazing roommate and fortunately found my place in the campus community. UT is full of opportunities and the people here are ready to open doors for you and watch you succeed—you just have to be willing to ask questions and step out of your comfort zone. It might sound cliché, but that mindset made all the difference. Looking back as a senior, I am content with myself for forming relationships and getting involved with the activities that I did.
What is your fondest memory and/or proudest moment as a Vol?
Every day, I feel proud to be a Volunteer. One of my favorite parts of being a UT student is sharing campus with others—friends, family, and prospective students—and watching them fall in love with Rocky Top just as I did. I also love connecting different parts of the university. Whether it’s linking the UT FUTURE program with the ag campus’s Block & Bridle Club, attending athletic events with fellow Student Alumni Associates, or celebrating the successes of my peers across campus, I truly believe UT has something for everyone. Helping others find their place here on Rocky Top means the world to me.
How has your academic program set you up for success?
My coursework in food and agricultural business has equipped me with practical, versatile knowledge that applies across a variety of industries. The program’s flexibility also allowed me to explore classes in entrepreneurship and geography and sustainability, which broadened my academic perspective. I’m especially thankful to the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) for fostering my undergraduate research interests, which helped me chart a clear path toward graduate school early in my academic journey.
How did you stay inVOLved during your time here?
UT truly offers a club or organization for everyone. Since freshman year, I’ve been an active member—and now president—of the Block and Bridle Club. I’ve also served as the Social Media Chair of our Food and Agricultural Business Club as well as a three-year National Agri-Marketing Association Student Competition team member within the AREC department. Additionally, I’ve held a position on the Executive Board for Student Alumni Associates, which deepened my appreciation for the alumni network and its support of current students. Through the Haslam Leadership Scholars Program, I’ve built relationships with like-minded peers since day one! I’ve also been involved in the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ambassador Program, Rocky Top Roundtable, and UT’s Best Buddies chapter—each of which helped me connect with and learn from different entities of campus.
Any faculty or staff mentors you want to give a shoutout to?
So many individuals on Rocky Top have guided and supported me in meaningful ways. I’m incredibly grateful to Dr. Chris Boyer, Dr. Charles Martinez, Jon Walton, Dr. Kyle McLean, Gina Martin, Dr. Hannah Wright, Dr. Hongwei Xin, Dr. Keith Carver, Dean David White, Dr. Hannah Herrero, and Dr. Emma Burgin. Your mentorship has made a lasting impact—thank you will never be enough.
What are your plans after graduation?
Upon graduation, I look forward to staying in Knoxville for a couple more years to pursue a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics and continue my research endeavors.
How has Herbert and UT Knoxville helped prepare you for what comes next?
The Herbert College of Agriculture and the university as a whole has allowed me to develop not only a strong educational foundation, but also a foundation of peers, mentors, and other individuals that have provided me with the confidence and skills necessary for what lies ahead. From research opportunities to involvement in leadership programs, I feel ready to step into the next chapter with a support system that will last a lifetime. Once you are a Vol, you are a Vol for life!
What does being a Volunteer mean to you?
Being a Tennessee Volunteer means everything to me. At UT, our school spirit, passion, and sense of community are unmatched. To me, being a Volunteer means taking all that the university has given you—inside and outside the classroom—and using it to serve and uplift others. It’s all about living out the Volunteer spirit each and every day!
