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Nurturing Diversity and Growth in Agricultural

Student Spotlight

Pic of Lance Williams in front of a NC State background

Dec 11, 2025

Cultivating Leadership, Service, and Youth Development

Driven by a passion for service, mentorship, and youth development, Agricultural Science major Lance Williams has transformed his early 4-H experiences into a clear purpose and a future dedicated to strengthening rural communities across North Carolina. 
Pic of Lilly Russell, Josiah Saravia and Eleanor Zohn standing in front of a stone wall and wearing FFA Official Dress

Nov 11, 2025

Three AHS Students. One State. Big FFA Impact.

Three NC State students from the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences—Lilly Russell, Eleanor Zohn, and Josiah Saravia—are serving as NC FFA State Officers, inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders through service and passion for agricultural education. 

May 2, 2025

Transforming Communities Through Support

Cristal Avalos, a master's student in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences at NC State, is dedicated to empowering families and communities through her work in nonprofits, education, and leadership roles focused on support systems and resilience. 
Keonte Edmons smiling at a table with a laptop

Mar 12, 2025

Creating Opportunities for All in Agriculture

Keonte Edmonds’ journey from secondary school teacher to Ph.D. candidate at NC State is a testament to resilience, mentorship, and a deep commitment to agricultural education, advocacy, and community building. 

Feb 22, 2025

A Chance Discovery

An unexpected Google search led Maris Jones to NC State’s Youth, Family, and Community Sciences program, where she found her passion for youth development and a path to making a lasting impact. 

Jan 6, 2025

Sowing Seeds of Change

Libby Blosser, a graduate student in agricultural and extension education at NC State, is channeling her passion for sustainable agriculture and community service into a future career supporting farmers and mentoring youth in her hometown of Columbus County. 
Headshot of Ana-Arreola-Chapa

Sep 6, 2024

Turning Challenges into Change

Transforming her past challenges into a mission, Ana Arreola-Chapa empowers families through education, cultural understanding, and community support. 
Headshot of Saifur_Rahman

Aug 9, 2024

From City Streets to Agricultural Fields

Transitioning from urban life to agricultural fields, Saifur Rahman, a doctoral student in the AHS department is driven by a passion for nature and food security, while actively contributing to the university community and planning a future in academia. 

Apr 10, 2024

Journey to Excellence: Jillian Ford’s Path in Agricultural Education at NC State

Growing up around her family’s wholesale plant nursery in eastern NC, Jillian Ford developed an appreciation for agriculture. Learn how she turned that into three degrees from NC State. 

Feb 2, 2024

Nurturing Diversity and Growth in Agricultural

Hailing from a bustling urban center, Mikayla Daniels, a graduate student, initially had minimal exposure to the realm of agriculture. It was only upon commencing her academic journey at NC State that she cultivated an appreciation for the field and unearthed a lifelong passion.