The choice to be a Boilermaker allowed for unlimited opportunity in academics, extra-curriculars, and industry experience 

Heidi headshot

Heidi Phelps 

Hometown: Groveland, NY 

Major & Concentration: Agricultural Systems Management and Agribusiness Management  

Why did you come to Purdue: As an out-of-state student I looked at many schools, but Purdue showed me that they care about their students and presented the several paths I could take. 

Favorite Purdue tradition: The fountain run 

Top three influences at Purdue: 

  1. Semester study abroad in Dublin, Ireland. 
  2. Student organization involvement. 
  3. Friends made along the way.  

Heidi abroad

Top five memories of your time at Purdue: 

  1. Horse shows with the western equestrian team. 
  2. The first warm week in the spring; playing beach volleyball, biking, and just being outside. 
  3. Boiler Gold Rush. 
  4. Den Pop Fridays. 
  5. Tailgating with friends on game days.  

Places you have been as a Purdue student: 

  • Dublin, Ireland for a semester abroad. 
  • Kansas City for AFA Leadership Conference. 
  • Indiana as a crop scout. 
  • Minnesota and Louisiana as a grain operations intern. 
  • Indianapolis for the Ag Fish Fry. 

Heidi as an intern

Favorite club/organization: Purdue Western Equestrian Team 

Heidi on a horse

Favorite Student-led event/initiative: Ag Week 

Favorite Social Activity: Any Purdue athletics event 

Favorite place to study: ABE building 

Favorite spot on campus: 5th floor view from the ABE building  

Favorite thing about CoA: The various ways to get involved and participate in events.  

Heidi and group

Favorite thing about your major: The range of topics covered and job positions available to students in my major. 

Favorite class: ASM 420 

Favorite professor: Dr. Harlow 

Coolest project: Designing a farm building and layout for sheep utilizing AutoCAD. 

Heidi and friend

Three biggest accomplishments:  

  1. ABE Junior of the Year. 
  2. Obtaining internships that have allowed me to travel and gain new experiences. 
  3. Helping students thrive at Purdue as an ABE ambassador and a Peer Success Coach. 

Where do you want to end up: Anywhere in the world pursuing a career in agriculture.  

Advice for underclassman: Take the opportunities that put you out of your comfort zone, that's where you experience the most growth. 

Heidi outdoors