{"id":1606,"date":"2025-12-15T13:19:50","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T18:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/utia.tennessee.edu\/spotlights\/?p=1606"},"modified":"2025-12-29T16:25:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T21:25:35","slug":"haylee-ferguson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/utia.tennessee.edu\/spotlights\/haylee-ferguson\/","title":{"rendered":"Haylee Ferguson"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Agricultural and Resource Economics<\/em><\/a> graduate student finds passion for supporting producers and strengthening Tennessee agriculture at Herbert<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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Where are you from, and why did you decide to attend the Herbert College of Agriculture<\/a> at the University of Tennessee?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m originally from Eagleville, Tennessee \u2014 a small town just south of Nashville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though I grew up as a lifelong Vols fan, when my senior year of high school came around, I started to consider going to school elsewhere (hard to believe now!). Thankfully, I decided to give the University of Tennessee a chance, and in the fall of 2021, I moved into Dogwood Hall and started my journey in Knoxville. By September, I knew I\u2019d made the right choice and found a new place to call home. I had completely fallen in love with the campus, and most of all, the people.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What inspired you to major in Agricultural and Resource Economics, and what do you enjoy most about this field?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truth be told, I never had a clear idea of what I wanted to do when I was younger \u2014 I just knew I wanted to be like my dad. He studied Agricultural Economics at UT and spent years using his knowledge to support producers across the state through an Extension role. The way he approaches his work and the impact he has on those around him has been my biggest inspiration in choosing to study Agricultural and Resource Economics and continuing on to pursue my master\u2019s degree. What\u2019s always stood out to me is how passionate he is about not just what he does, but why he does it. I hope that same sense of purpose carries through in whatever career I pursue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the department, I enjoy how practical and grounded our research and coursework are. What we\u2019re learning isn\u2019t just theoretical \u2014 it applies to producers in Tennessee and has a direct implication across a variety of industries.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Have there been any specific classes, research experiences, or professors at Herbert that have had a significant impact on your academic journey?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I could write a never-ending list of people and experiences that have shaped my academic journey at UT. So many individuals on Rocky Top have supported and guided me in meaningful ways, and I truly appreciate each one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I want to thank Dr. Chris Boyer, Dr. Charles Martinez, Jon Walton, Dr. Chris Clark, Dr. Kyle McLean, Dr. Perez Quesada, Dr. Hannah Wright, Dean Hongwei Xin, Dean Justin Rhinehart, Dr. Keith Carver, Dean David White, and all the friendships I\u2019ve made along the way. Each of these individuals has made a lasting impact \u2014 \u201cthank you\u201d will never be enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019d also like to give a special shoutout to a few people outside of the Herbert College of Agriculture who have also made a positive difference in my experience: Gina Martin, Dr. Hannah Herrero, and Dr. Emma Burgin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it was through lessons in the classroom, research experiences, leadership opportunities, or simple words of encouragement, they\u2019ve all helped me grow both professionally and personally. They\u2019ve reminded me that at UT, you\u2019re surrounded by people who want to see you succeed, and that\u2019s something really special!<\/p>\n\n\n

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