Undergraduate Student Spotlight: Cheyenne Tate

Story by Katy Kinker

December 13, 2024

Cheyenne Tate is a senior in animal sciences with a concentration in biosciences.

Tate is from Waveland, Indiana, where she grew up on a family farm that specialized in cow-calf operations.

Although Tate is studying animal sciences now, she originally came to Purdue University to pursue a degree in engineering. She changed her major to animal sciences during her sophomore year at Purdue. She chose to change her major because of her background in the cattle industry.

“I knew I wanted to make a difference in the agriculture industry and animal sciences at Purdue would give me the opportunity to do so,” Tate said.

During her time as an undergraduate student, Tate has been involved in the Purdue Collegiate Cattlemen’s Club, and she worked at the Animal Sciences Research and Education Center (ASREC) in the dairy unit.

According to Tate, although she took a “non-traditional” path at Purdue, her biggest accomplishment is that she can graduate on time as a first-generation college student.

Tate said the biggest strength of the Purdue Animal Sciences program is the sense of community it creates.

“Everyone knows everyone, and we are all looking out for each other,” Tate said. “I could not have made it these four years without my amazing advisor, James Krotz.”

After she graduates, Tate plans to become a beef cattle nutritionist. She said that the animal sciences department helped prepare her for this future career.

“Purdue has offered many classes that have strengthened this passion of mine,” Tate said. “The prestigious faculty have much knowledge of this industry, and I appreciate the high-quality instruction from them.”

Tate also shared advice for incoming students.

“I would tell incoming students to not be afraid to change your mind,” Tate said. “A lot will change in the next coming years, and you should embrace it as it comes.”

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