We sat down with a few of the CAES Alumni Association Board members who finished their board service on June 30, 2021 to chat about their experiences and advice for future CAES students. Thank you for your service and commitment to the alumni association and CAES.
Briley Edwards
BSA – Agricultural Economics, ’03
What has made the biggest impact on you being a part of the board?
Realizing how diverse the education you can get from CAES and the many different fields that alumni have chosen for careers. You can do anything with a degree from CAES.
What is your favorite board memory?
Serving on the Awards & Recognition Committee and seeing all the great accomplishments that the nominees have accomplished. It made me proud to say I am an alumni of CAES.
Clint Hood
BSA – Agricultural Economics, ’83
How do you feel you have made an impact on CAES during your board term?
I agreed to serve on this board because I became aware that the Hall of Fame recognition needed some help with focusing on recipients who were actual farmers in Georgia. I had heard comments over recent years about this distinguished recognition at times seeming to overlook the folks who actually make agriculture the leading industry in this state, our farmers. So, I hope my time on the board has brought that focus back to include these leaders who really are the backbone of our industry.
What advice do you have for current students?
My advice to current students stems from my shortcomings in my college experience. I didn’t do a good job of living the full experience of everything the University of Georgia campus has to offer. Get involved in activities. Go out of your way to meet people, then remember them. It’s amazing how valuable your networking experience at UGA will help you down the road in your career. I’ve wished many times that I payed more attention to that part of college life because it opens doors down the road, it starts conversations which promotes connectivity, and it gives you a good feeling about yourself that you went the extra mile to build that network early in your life.
Brent Marable
BSA – Landscape Grounds Management, ’96
MAL – Agricultural Leadership, ’13
What is your favorite board memory?
Ag Dawg Kickoff 2019, calling the Dawgs!
What has made the biggest impact on you being a part of the board?
It has been amazing to be part of a group that is as storied as the CAES Alumni Association. To look back at some of the “giants” of Georgia agriculture who have gone before us on the board, it is quite humbling to see the legacy that we are a part of. Ag Dawg Proud!
What advice do you have for current students?
Never underestimate the power and importance of networking within CAES, with fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. CAES is truly a “family” and those connections will last a life time.
Farrah Newberry
BSA – Agricultural Communications, ’99
What has made the biggest impact on you being a part of the board?
Serving on the board has led to new connections and new friendships. No matter the industry each represents, the community they are from or degree they earned, each board member has the common goal of sharing and promoting our great college. Alumni from across Georgia and the U.S. are passionate about the school that led them to their career today.
What advice do you have for current students?
My advice to students would be to “do the extra.” Take an internship, engage with alumni, and make connections. The extra steps you take as a student outside of the classroom will lead to many new opportunities after graduation.
Kate Wilson
BSA – Agricultural Education, ’10
What advice do you have for current students?
Get involved and try new things! There are countless organizations, travel and research opportunities, scholarships, and more available if you are willing to apply!
What is your favorite board memory?
My favorite board memory is attending with Ag. Dawg Kickoff. I love the energy of students returning to campus, catching up, and discovering ways to get involved. I think it’s such a unique event that makes such an impact each year.