{"id":914,"date":"2024-10-22T16:23:58","date_gmt":"2024-10-22T20:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/utia.tennessee.edu\/spotlights\/?p=914"},"modified":"2025-03-31T13:47:05","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T17:47:05","slug":"adrianna-johnson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/utia.tennessee.edu\/spotlights\/adrianna-johnson\/","title":{"rendered":"Adrianna Johnson"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

First-generation Herbert student strives to create a welcoming environment for minorities in agriculture<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n

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

I am from Knoxville, Tennessee, where I was born and raised. I never initially wanted to attend the Herbert College of Agriculture, let alone any university, because my mother couldn\u2019t afford it. I applied on a whim, 30 minutes to an hour before the university deadline, and got accepted. Over the following months, I received multiple letters informing me of grants and scholarships being offered, which is why I am now a first-generation college student attending a 4-year institution on a free ride. I am faith-based, so I don\u2019t believe I chose UT, but God did.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n

What is your major and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am majoring in Wildlife & Fisheries<\/a> with a double minor in One Health<\/a> and International Agriculture & Natural Resources<\/a>. I chose this major because it is very hands-on and will help me achieve my goal of obtaining my master’s in marine biology.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n

What has been your favorite class and who is your favorite professor? Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The class I enjoyed the most was Current Topics in Wildlife Health because it covered various wildlife-related subjects, and we would discuss a different topic each day. We discussed how climate change affects every animal, from the ocean to the forest. My favorite professor at Herbert College of Agriculture is Dave Ader. I got a chance to study abroad with him through the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture<\/a> in Guatemala during my first year, and I loved how he was always ready for some adventure. He is passionate about making a difference in sustainable agriculture in rural communities. Being fluent or knowledgeable in the language spoken in Central America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia made me view him differently. As a minority, you don\u2019t always see people taking the time to learn a language, fully immerse themselves in your culture, and appreciate it for what it is. He is quite remarkable. He is the kind of professor who inspires you to pursue your passion and travel the world while doing it.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n

What has been your most memorable experience at Herbert so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My most memorable experience at Herbert thus far has been attending the Knoxville Urban League Gala with Dean White and other faculty members. I saw many black professionals and local black entrepreneurs working together to make my black community in Knoxville thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n

What can you tell us about your role as the president of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences)<\/a>? Why did you get involved and how has it impacted your experience at UT Knoxville?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the president of MANRRS, my main responsibilities include leading meetings, fostering growth and development within the chapter, organizing various events, and inviting guest speakers to share their expertise with our students. I joined MANRRS because I felt like I didn’t quite belong when I first came to Herbert. There weren’t many people who looked like me, and I struggled to find a community where I felt I fit in. Being part of this organization has given me a sense of belonging and helped me excel professionally and academically. I’m proud to be part of a national organization that’s dedicated to empowering minorities in the agriculture industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Group<\/figure>\n\n\n