Celebrating Our AEC Graduating Seniors!
As another semester comes to a close, we proudly celebrate the incredible achievements of our Agricultural Education and Communication (AEC) graduating seniors. Each of these students has left a unique mark on our department, and we are excited to see the impact they will continue to make beyond UF. Here’s a spotlight on some of our outstanding graduates:
Maegan Beatty
Major: Communication and Leadership Development
Minors: Extension Education, International Studies in Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mass Communication
Certificate: Challenge 2050: Global Leadership and Change
Maegan Beatty will be continuing her education at UF, pursuing a master’s degree in Agricultural Education and Communication. Her favorite part of her undergraduate experience was serving as a Washington Leadership Conference Facilitator for National FFA, where she discovered her passion for youth development and facilitation. Her favorite course was Challenge 2050: Global Uncertainty with Dr. Coers, which sparked her interest in international travel and solving global challenges. Maegan’s most impactful mentor was Mrs. Cantrell, who guided her through her undergraduate thesis and the graduate school process, always making herself available and supportive.
Marissa Briggs
Major: Communication and Leadership Development
Minor: Leadership
Marissa Briggs is working while preparing for graduate school and taking her real estate exam. A highlight of her undergraduate experience was participating in Block and Bridle’s Little I event, which gave her hands-on experience with livestock. Her favorite courses were Communication and Leadership for Agricultural and Life Sciences Policy Issues and Issues in Ag and Life Sciences, taught by Dr. Telg and Professor Raulerson. She is grateful to both professors for their passion, support, and compassion, especially as they helped her navigate personal health challenges during her time at UF.
Megan Edge
Major: Communication and Leadership Development
Minor: Mass Communication and Leadership
After graduation, Megan Edge will attend UF graduate school specializing in Agricultural and Natural Resource Communication. She cherishes the support from amazing faculty and staff, her work in the Dean’s office, internships with Florida Farm Bureau, leadership roles as CALS Ambassador and President of both CALS Council and Collegiate Farm Bureau, and presenting research at NACS in Texas. Her favorite courses were Digital Media and Event Planning. Megan credits Dr. Lauri Baker as her biggest mentor, who helped her navigate undergraduate research and inspired her to pursue graduate studies.
Kristen Fairchild
Major: Agricultural Education
Kristen Fairchild plans to teach and inspire the next generation about the many opportunities in agriculture. Her favorite experience was her internship, where she gained hands-on classroom management skills and built a collection of valuable teaching resources. Her favorite course, AEC 4202, helped her develop skills in creating hands-on lessons and feel confident teaching. Kristen thanks Professor Barry and Jessica Switzer for their unwavering support and encouragement during her time at UF.
Esther Fulford
Major: Communication and Leadership Development
Dual Major: Political Science
Minors: International Studies in Agriculture and Life Sciences, Leadership
Esther Fulford will be working at State Farm as an insurance representative after graduation. Her favorite part of the AEC program was building relationships with faculty members who served as her biggest supporters and inspiration. She particularly enjoyed the Issues in Agriculture course because of its relevance to Florida agriculture. Esther’s most influential mentor was Professor Becky Raulerson, who consistently encouraged her to pursue her passions and guided her throughout her AEC journey.
Chase Ritten
Major: Agricultural Education
Chase Ritten plans to pursue a master’s degree in Agricultural Education and Communication at UF. His highlight was being involved in the Teach Ag Program, especially as a Teach Ag Ambassador and during his student teaching internship. His favorite course was AEC 4200: Teaching Methods in Agricultural Education, where he enjoyed practicing teaching in a supportive environment. Chase shared that all AEC faculty members made a meaningful impact, providing encouragement and guidance throughout his undergraduate journey.
Brenna Sturgis
Major: Communication and Leadership Development
After graduation, Brenna Sturgis plans to move back to Plant City and pursue a career either in agricultural communications or writing for an agricultural magazine. She appreciated every course she took, highlighting the supportive professors and her real-world internship experience with UF CLUE. As a CALS Ambassador, she enjoyed connecting with UF faculty and future students. Her favorite courses were Interpersonal Leadership and Event Planning. Brenna credits Becky Raulerson for making her feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged both academically and personally during her time at UF.
Gunnar Wagner
Major: Communication and Leadership Development
Gunnar Wagner plans to attend trade school and later enlist in the Air Force to serve as a counterintelligence officer. He looks back fondly on his time meeting the incredible faculty and staff in the AEC department and completing an impactful internship at the Osprey Observer newspaper. His favorite course was Digital Media Production in Agriculture and Education with Dr. Shane White. Gunnar also shares a special thank you to Dr. Debra Barry, who bookended his UF journey by teaching his first and final semesters with compassion and understanding.
We are so proud of all our graduating seniors and cannot wait to see the amazing things they accomplish next. Congratulations, Gators!
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