Sharing the Passion for ag
Name: Kailee Cooper
Hometown: Gosport, IN
Major(s): Agricultural Sales and Marketing; Agricultural Communication
Why did you come to Purdue: Purdue was always my number one choice growing up, but my decision was solidified by the quality of its agriculture program and its engaging campus. As a senior in high school, the agricultural sales and marketing major was unlike any program offered at the other schools I applied to, making my decision to become a Boilermaker even easier.
Favorite Purdue tradition: Sledding down Slayter Hill
Top three influences at Purdue:
- Dr. Scott Downey and Amy Cochran
- My advisor, Chrissie
- Purdue Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority
- Being an AGEC 331 TA and all the time spent in the office with the other TAs
- The day of the solar eclipse and Purdue making it to the National Championship
- The endless sweet treat runs with my roommates and friends over the last few years
- Giving tours to students who are just as passionate about agriculture as I am, as an Ag Ambassador
- Making new friends through all of the experiences I have had as a Purdue Student
- Denver, CO – as a Livestock Operations Intern with the National Western Stock Show
- Nashville, TN – for the Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority Leadership Seminar
- Indianapolis, IN – for the National FFA Convention to help prospective students learn about Purdue, as an Ag Ambassador
- Kansas City, MO – as an Agriculture Future of America attendee
- Perrysburg, OH – for my internship in foodservice sales with Grande Cheese Company
Favorite club/organization: Purdue Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Society
Favorite student-led event: Moonlight Pancake Breakfast
Favorite Purdue event: Grand Prix
Favorite place to study: Krannert
Favorite thing about CoA: The close-knit community within the College of Agriculture is truly unmatched. Even on a large land-grant campus, the College of Agriculture provides a smaller, more personal environment that allows me to step away from the feel of a large university while creating a college experience that is uniquely my own.
Favorite class: AGEC 431 - Advanced Industrial Sales and Marketing
Favorite professor: Dr. Downey
Class you are excited to take your senior year: AGEC 430
Three biggest accomplishments at Purdue:
- Becoming a Purdue Agriculture Economics Podcast student co-host
- Serving as the Vice President of Administration for Purdue Sigma Alpha
- Starting my own business from the encouragement of the entrepreneurship and innovation classes
Something about you that is not listed on your resume: I grew up showing pigs, sheep and cattle, and I still love spending time helping my brother at livestock shows whenever possible.
Future plans: Finding a career in agricultural sales that I look forward to each day and that continues to challenge me to grow, even years into my career.
Advice for underclassmen: Purdue offers countless opportunities to experience just about anything you could want during your time here. Take the time to explore those opportunities, and don’t wait until you feel “ready,” because that moment may never fully come. The experiences you gain and the people you meet are what will make your college years truly memorable.
The biggest takeaway from Purdue: The agriculture industry is filled with professionals who genuinely care and are always willing to give back. Having the opportunity to learn from their experiences while building meaningful relationships has been one of the most valuable parts of my Purdue experience. Agriculture is a small world, and surrounding yourself with people who want to see you succeed will only help you grow, both personally and professionally.