Three AgEcon Students Elected to Purdue Agricultural Council’s 2022 Executive Team
The Purdue Agricultural Council is a student organization made up of undergraduates from all majors within the College of Agriculture. Promoting unity as a college, the Agricultural Council aims to unite students and faculty through educational and social activities. The council is compromised by a diverse group of students who serve two-year terms with the opportunity to hold executive office in their second year.
In November, five members were elected to an executive position for the 2022 cycle. Of the five appointed positions, three were filled by AgEcon undergraduate students, including the role of president. As they look forward to a new year and the exciting opportunities ahead, AgEcon executive members were excited to share their goals and visions for 2022.
Courtney Rodkey (Commodity Marketing; Rossville, IN)
“After serving on many committees as a first-year member, I knew I wanted to be on the executive team so I could be involved in more aspects of Ag Council. Some of the previous exec members had encouraged me to apply, and I felt my skill set would best serve the council in the president’s role”
Position: President
What are your key responsibilities in this role?
Some of my responsibilities as president will include presiding over meetings, acting as the representative for the council to administrators, PSG, alumni associations, and other organizations, and appointing committees as needed.
What do you hope to bring to the team this year?
I hope to bring a lot of energy and excitement to not only the exec team and council, but to the entire college!
What about your position excites you the most?
I’m excited to be stepping into this role right as we’re (hopefully) getting back to in person activities and traditional events. One of my favorite things is meeting new people so I’m looking forward to being able to meet more students in the college, and also connect with administration and alumni through events Ag Council hosts.
What are some goals you hope to accomplish with your team this year?
Some goals I’m hoping our exec can accomplish include communicating more in advance with option clubs and ag students, restoring old traditions that had to be set aside with covid, and raising attendance levels at events. I also want to hear from students what they’d like their student council to be doing, so we’ll be sending out a survey at the first of the year!
What advice would you give to students thinking about running for an officer position?
Although I’ve only been on the Executive Team for a short couple weeks, I’ve already learned a lot about event planning, compromising, and working with many schedules. I encourage students to take any opportunity available to them! I applied to Ag Council as a freshman and didn’t make the team. As a freshman, I would’ve never thought that I would one day be serving as President. By not being chosen freshman year, I was able to learn from rejection, grow more as a leader, and eventually offer more to the council than I thought I ever could. I truly believe God has a plan for everyone, and many negative circumstances can be blessings in disguise.
Libby Wischmeier (Sales and Marketing; Columbus, IN)
“I am excited to be one of the leaders of Ag Council. I am excited to have leadership within the organization. I hope to bring connection and enjoyment to the meetings for both Ag Council members and option clubs.”
Position: Vice President
What made you want to apply for this position?
I was interested in serving as Vice President of Ag Council because I wanted to be of service to those on Ag Council through the executive team.
What are your key responsibilities in this role?
My duties as Vice President include assigning spaces and locations for our events and keeping close contact with SOA to ensure that the club is in the proper standing at Purdue.
What are some goals you hope to accomplish with your team this year?
Some goals of mine include making Ag Council events an inclusive place for all students at Purdue to feel comfortable attending.
What advice would you give to students thinking about running for an officer position?
Advice I would give to my fellow peers about applying for an executive position is to have creative ideas and be willing to assist the organization in whichever way is most beneficial.
Abby Meier (Agrimarketing; Elizabethtown, IN)
“Joining Ag Council my freshman year gave me the opportunity to meet so many great people and make lasting friendships that I will value forever. It has allowed me to grow as a person and driven me to take other opportunities that have come my way. I am so thankful for everything Ag Council has given me!”
Position: Secretary
What made you want to apply for this position?
I was interested in applying for this position because I am a very detailed oriented and organized person. Being the secretary will allow me to use these skills to be a great communicator to the members of the council and option clubs. I was also interested in this position because I was looking to receive a higher leadership position in one of my clubs!
What are your key responsibilities in this role?
I will be in charge of maintaining the membership roster, recording the attendance of all Ag Council members, and recording meeting minutes at each meeting. I will also be responsible for communicating with option clubs, documenting option club points, monitoring option club status, and enforcing attendance policy for council members and club representatives. As the secretary, I will help out the other officers when they need it as well!
What are some goals you hope to accomplish with your team this year?
One goal I hope to accomplish with the executive team this year is to make each of our events welcoming to students in and out of the College of Agriculture. Because of Covid, many students have never experienced our typical events, so it is our goal to plan fun events and successfully engage students across campus.
What advice would you give to students thinking about running for an officer position?
Some advice I would give to students thinking about running for officer positions is to step out of their comfort zone and apply for positions because you never know how much it will impact you! When I joined Ag my freshman year, I was definitely out of my comfort zone and nervous about being a part of the club, but I am so glad I joined as our events have been some of my favorite memories in college so far!