While finishing his undergraduate degree was a major step for UF Food and Resource Economics Alumnus Drew Blanton, it is not the end of his academic journey in Gainesville. And yet, as one of the CALS Top 10 Seniors and recipient of the 2026 CALS Alumni & Friends Leadership Award, he has already begun to cement his legacy as a Gator Great.
Blanton, who graduated summa cum laude with his Bachelor of Science in Spring 2026, receives this prestigious award for exemplary scholarship, exceptional leadership, and a strong commitment to agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences.
According to Blanton, while it’s hard to sum up in a single word, if he had to describe how he feels about this recognition, it would simply be “joyful”.
“I am a first‑gen college student, and I came to UF kind of starting from scratch in terms of connections, opportunities, and knowledge,” Blanton said. “Getting this award after four years of hard work and dedication made me so ecstatic and joyful.”
From Classroom Learning to Lifelong Leadership
As a student in the Department of Food and Resource Economics, Blanton took a wide variety of classes. While each provided valuable, transferrable skills, Blanton said his favorites were Ag. Law, Ag. Ethics, and Ag. Marketing.
“These classes introduced me to topics I knew nothing about previously and had the best professors who taught these subjects,” Blanton said. “Through these classes I gained appreciation and new interests in these areas. I loved getting to step outside my comfort zone and earning a well-rounded degree that included law, ethics, and marketing.”
While the academic content sparked his curiosity, it was the people he met who made the experience unforgettable.
“My fondest memories of FRE were when I got to interact with the faculty and students outside of class,” Blanton said. “The community in FRE is unbeatable. We have some of the nicest, most generous, and most knowledgeable faculty, staff and students across UF. Getting to interact and engage with them was the highlight of my time in the program.”
Blanton was heavily involved in a variety of arenas beyond the classroom. At the department level, Blanton was part of the Ag. Mentorship Program, participated in the International Fresh Produce Association’s Career Pathways Program, and even served as the social media director for the Ag. Econ Club.
At the college level, Blanton served as a CALS Ambassador, was a member of the CALS Leadership Institute Cohort 15, Secretary of the CALS Council, a Florida Youth Institute Counselor and participate in the CALS Honors program.
Even this wasn’t enough for Blanton. He sought out opportunities to make an impact and broaden his knowledge within the field of agriculture at a national level, becoming an AFA Ambassador, an American Royal Scholar, and Vice President of the UF Collegiate Farm Bureau.
“All of these experiences, although very different, provided me with opportunities for growth in the best areas. Classes allowed me to gain knowledge, but these opportunities gave me valuable insight into how to apply what I’ve learned and how to become a better professional,” Blanton said.
Blanton’s wide range of campus involvement was anything but incidental; each activity he engaged in broadened his perspective on the agricultural ecosystem.
“I learned how to network, work in teams, and solve problems,” Blanton said. “These opportunities also allowed me to explore what the ag. industry has to offer and provided me an extensive network of professionals that will be very valuable when looking for future employment.”
When looking back on a stellar undergraduate tenure, this award for Blanton makes him not only proud of his own hard work, but even more grateful for his four-year experience as a whole.
“I loved my undergrad experience, and this award was the cherry on top,” Blanton said. “Having CALS recognize me for my hard work and accomplishments made me realize how amazing the college is, and how grateful I am to have been a part of such a great institution.”
Continuing in CALS
Following a summer internship, Blanton will become a double gator, starting his master’s degree in Agricultural Education and Communication. In this new program, Blanton is looking forward to taking the foundation he has built through the UF Food and Resource Economics undergraduate degree program and using it to further his passion for communications and education within the agricultural and life sciences.
“FRE instilled me with vital foundational and applicable knowledge, and I am ready to use that foundation in a completely new program,” Blanton said. “Throughout my undergrad I discovered my love for Ag Education, and I am ready to take this passion and use it to gain educational prowess in this area.”
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