Why a Purdue Ag Economics Student is Passionate About Recruiting Others to their College of Agriculture

When it comes to recruiting high school students to attend Purdue University for their College of Agriculture – one of their best recruiters happens to be one of their own students!

“We are one of the best ag schools – not just in the country, but in the world,” says Courtney Rodkey, a senior at Purdue majoring in Agricultural Economics. She is also serves as an Ag Ambassador representing the College of Agriculture at information fairs and leading campus tours at Purdue for prospective students and their families.

Why did Courtney choose Purdue?

“My family farm is just about 30 minutes outside of Lafayette,” says Courtney. “I grew up in Rossville, Indiana – so, I always knew I wanted to do something with agriculture.”

“I remember taking Purdue for granted when I was in high school. I didn’t realize that it was the number four ag school in the country. I didn’t realize the amount of opportunities and the connections I would make, as well as the involvement from the advisers and faculty and how much they want to support their students. I don’t know why I wouldn’t have gone to Purdue. It’s in my backyard, but it’s one of the best schools that I could attend.”

Courtney says that high school students who are interested in Purdue are often surprised just how much the College of Agriculture has to offer.

“We have 31 different majors just in our college alone that range from Botany and Plant Pathology to Agricultural Business and Animal Sciences,” says Courtney. “There are so many niche markets that students can get involved in with just in our one College of Agriculture.”

As a Purdue student, Courtney has interned at both Co-Alliance and AgReliant Genetics. Now, she already has a full-time job lined up for her when she finishes her degree in May.

“I’ve accepted an offer with Corteva Agriscience into their sales training program in the Associate Territory Manager position, so I’m really excited to get started in that in June after graduation.”

What advice does Courtney have for high school students who are thinking about Purdue’s College of Agriculture?

“Come on a tour and come talk to us, and if it’s not the best for you, we’ll help you find something that you might like better,” says Courtney.

Why is Courtney so passionate about bringing in other students to Purdue University to study at their College of Agriculture?

“I say it’s the best decision I’ve made so far. This is one of the best places to be,” says Courtney.

For more information, visit ag.purdue.edu.

Click BELOW to hear C.J. Miller’s news report and interview with Courtney Rodkey, a senior at Purdue University majoring in Agricultural Economics, as she talks about encouraging others to attend Purdue for their College of Agriculture.

Purdue Ag at National FFA
From left to right: Courtney Rodkey, a senior at Purdue University majoring in Agricultural Economics; Dan Taylor, Assistant to Department Head – Recruiting and Mentoring Students; Christine Wilson, Professor, Associate Dean, Director of Academic Programs with Purdue University. Photo: C.J. Miller / Hoosier Ag Today.

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