From Indiana Roots to Boilermaker Breakthroughs
Name: Shelby Whitaker
Hometown: Valparaiso, IN
Major & concentration: Ag Sales and Marketing and Agricultural Communication
Minors or certificates: Studio Art and Design Minor
Why did you come to Purdue: I came to Purdue for the abundance of opportunities and amazing COA education; I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else!
Favorite Purdue tradition: Choosing not to walk under the Bell Tower...iykyk
Top three influences at Purdue:
- Every organization I’ve ever been a part of
- Shoemaker Cooperative
- College of Agriculture faculty
Top five memories of your time at Purdue:
- Flying to Phoenix and sitting in the student section during the Final Four!
- Attending the 50th Anniversary President’s Council Annual Dinner with PFSB
- Sitting in the front row and rushing the field as a Freshman...after Purdue’s upset win over #3 Michigan State!
- Being a host for Purdue Rising Professionals
- Studying abroad in Iceland and Ireland!
Places you have been as a Purdue student:
- Ireland (Agriculture in Ireland Study Abroad)
- Iceland (Agriculture & Natural Resources in Iceland Study Abroad)
- Kansas City, MO (AFA Leaders Conference x3)
- North Carolina (Ag Council Industry Tours)
- Phoenix, AZ (Purdue Final Four!)
- Across Indiana/Ohio (Bane-Welker Sales & Marketing Internship)
- Racine, WI (Case-IH Harvest Marketing Internship)
Favorite club/organization: Purdue Foundation Student Board (PFSB)
Favorite student-led event/initiative: Moonlight Pancake Breakfast
Favorite Purdue event: Old Oaken Bucket Game
Favorite social activity: Spontaneous Ice Cream runs to the Silver Dipper
Favorite place to study: Purdue Memorial Union
Favorite place on campus: The “secret” 4th floor of Lilly
Favorite thing about CoA: Am I allowed to say everything? From the relationships built with friends and professors...to the endless opportunities and activities to be involved in...the COA has been pivotal to my successes as a student!
Favorite thing about your major: Hands-on learning and the versatility of both majors. I’ve gotten experiences in video and photography, as well as projects in the competitive sales and economic side of the industry!
Favorite class: AD117 Black and White Film Photography or Com314 Adv. Presentational Speaking
Favorite professor: Dr. Tucker
Coolest project: Creating a Visionary Video in ASEC280 about Krystal Hans, Purdue Assistant Professor of Entomology/Forensics, and her research used in solving homicides and other crime cases
Three biggest accomplishments:
- Being named a 3-time Townsend Outstanding Communicator in the College of Agriculture
- Serving as the President of Shoemaker Cooperative and being selected the Purdue Cooperative Council Outstanding President of the Year
- Creating episodes and meeting people as a Purdue Ag Econ Podcast Co-host
Things on your resume not listed above:
- While in college, I started a photography business called Shelby Whitaker Photography! I capture photos of families, seniors, graduation cap & gown, couples, livestock and more!
- Overall...I’ve been involved in 14 different organizations during my time at Purdue!
Career goal: I hope to pursue a career in marketing communications at a large agricultural company, advocating and educating others about all types of agriculture.
Advice for underclassmen: Find your passion, and don’t be afraid to get involved early! One of the biggest mistakes people make is starting too late...put yourself out there and create connections early on so you have the support to do even BIGGER things later!
Biggest takeaway from Purdue: You only get 4 years, so make the most of it. Purdue has allowed me to have so many incredible opportunities and create lasting friendships that I will forever be grateful for. And as always...BOILER UP and HAMMER DOWN!