The path from Gator Preview to graduation is rarely a straight line. However, by letting her passions serve as a compass through the twists and turns, Morgan Smith’s persistence led her to one of the highest achievements within the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS): being named a CALS Top 10 Senior and receiving the J. Wayne Reitz Medal of Excellence.
Named after a former UF President and FRE professor emeritus, this prestigious award is given annually to a single outstanding senior from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS).
“For me personally, it’s a testament to staying the course and persevering, because that’s a major lesson that I had to learn during undergrad,” Smith said. “So, it’s a very full circle moment to be seen for what I do, and being rewarded for some of the zigzags that I had to take on the way to get here.”
Smith’s journey into the field of Food and Resource Economics started with a section on agriculture in her AP Environmental Science class back in high school.
“I really had an interest in food security advocacy and just fell in love with the resource allocation aspect,” Smith said. “And then, wanting to look at how we can make sure that people have access.”
The passion that led Smith to pursue her degree in Food and Resource Economics would continue to guide her search for meaningful opportunities on campus.
Precision in Pursuing Passions
Recipients of the J. Wayne Reitz Medal of Excellence like Smith must also demonstrate a high degree of leadership that sets them apart from their peers, a difficult task to accomplish at the University of Florida when surrounded by equally ambitious high achievers.
With hundreds of student organizations on campus to choose from, Smith took a strategic approach, focusing her energy on undergraduate research, peer-to-peer mentorship through the First Year Florida program, and leadership roles in the FRE department’s agricultural economics club.
“I decided I was going to do three things on campus that I’m passionate about,” Smith said. “And I really put all my efforts into those three things, so it was nice to feel seen and appreciated.”
Her engagement on campus also led her to leadership opportunities beyond UF, including joining the Farm Foundation’s first cohort of the Field to Future career development program, and attending national conferences such as Agriculture Future of America, Women in Agribusiness, and the National Society of MANRRS. She credits these experiences for expanding her perspective and exposing her to the broad range of opportunities within the agricultural industry.
Fond Memories in FRE
Reflecting on her time in the department, Smith highlighted the deep sense of community, one with rich foundations that flourished during the department’s 100th year.
From the excitement of the Centennial Gala to the camaraderie of a free bowling event in the Reitz Student Union for students and faculty celebrating the FRE centennial, the anniversary year provided a unique backdrop for connection that formed some of her fondest memories.
“Getting to just be in the room with FRE past, present, and maybe even future, that was a really cool experience,” Smith said.
And yet, some of Morgan’s most valuable memories and experiences remain in the relationships built through the normal, everyday interactions in the halls of McCarty, from meeting some of her best friends to hallway conversations with faculty.
“I feel like a lot of students don’t take the time to talk to professors. Or, if they’re like freshman me, they’re nervous to do it, or they just feel like they don’t have the time,” Smith said. “And just seeing how much the professors care really warms my heart.”
Taking Advantage of the Unknown
While Smith has already cemented her legacy of excellence within UF and FRE during her undergraduate studies, her journey in Gainesville is far from over.
Currently, Smith is participating in an internship with Land O’ Lakes, Inc. in Minnesota before beginning her graduate studies in Food and Resource Economics this Fall.
While she is looking forward to getting to use her own skills developed through the degree program, as well as her internships and research experience, Smith is equally excited to see how her fellow students will translate their shared background into a variety of fields as well.
“I’m also really excited to see what my friends do as well, because we all have different aspirations that we’ve shared in class,” Smith said. “And I would love to see where they end up and how they end up using the FRE degree.”
More than anything, Smith said she is ready to embrace the unknown as she makes the most of her post undergraduate experiences.
“I’m excited for what’s next, right?” Smith said. “We’re at a time in our life where everything is pivotal and everything can change, and so just taking advantage of opportunities, taking advantage of the new, and taking advantage of the unknown is going to be fun.”
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