On December 16, approximately 60 students will graduate from the Department of Agriculture at Illinois State University. After graduation, students plan to begin their careers in agribusiness, agronomy, agriculture communications, and in other fields with various organizations. Other students plan to attend graduate school or assist on their family farm.

Jeana Cheek, a crop and soil science major, will begin her career as a crop advisor with Helena Chemical Co. in Croswell, Michigan. “I am looking forward to continuing to work with the growers I worked with during my internship and building more and stronger relationships with the company,” Cheek said. When talking about her time at Illinois State University, Cheek said she will miss being involved in registered student organizations such as the Agriculture Ambassadors and Trap and Skeet club the most.

Josh McWilliams, an agriculture communications and leadership major, plans to continue his education at Illinois State University, working toward a master’s in agriculture education and leadership.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to further my education in agriculture,” McWilliams said. “Grad school will provide the extra knowledge and experience to help open up more job opportunities in the workforce.”

When talking about why he chose to continue his education within the Department of Agriculture, McWilliams said, “My undergraduate experience at ISU was one of the best experiences that I have had. Having a smaller department, you are not just a number in a classroom. Your professors get to know you and vice versa, and they are willing to go the extra mile to help you succeed.”

Join us in celebrating our graduates!

The Department of Agriculture prides itself in having outstanding students. The department would like to invite the agriculture graduates, their families, and their friends to attend the agriculture commencement from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 16, in 107F Ropp Agriculture Building. Best of luck to all the graduates and their future endeavors!