A first-generation Auburn University College of Agriculture student is the recipient of the fall 2025 Dean’s Award for Academic and Professional Excellence.
Madison Renfroe, a candidate for a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications, was selected for the award for leadership and service to the college and excellence in scholastic accomplishment. She was selected by the college scholarship committee and Associate Dean for Instruction Amy Wright.
Renfroe, who graduates Saturday, Dec. 13, transferred to Auburn from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia.
“As a transfer student and a first-generation student, the College of Agriculture truly helped me find my place at Auburn,” she said. “I found a home I didn’t know I was missing. I grew up in this area, and even though Auburn was right in my backyard, I was always intimidated by how big the university felt. When I transferred in as a first-generation student, I was worried I would get lost in the crowd. But the College of Agriculture changed everything for me.”
She advised future College of Agriculture students to get involved early and often, advice she can share from her own experience.
“Talk to your professors, introduce yourself to staff, and show up to events even when you feel nervous,” she said. “This college is full of people who want to help you succeed, but you have to take that first step. The connections you build here will shape your entire experience. Put yourself out there — your people are here.”
Renfroe worked for both the college — as a student worker in the recruitment office — and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System — as a marketing student worker in the agriculture, forestry and natural resource program. In the latter role, she put her agricultural communications education to work, developing social media content, managing registration logistics and raising thousands in sponsorships for the AFNR Annual Conference.
“We are so fortunate to have Madison working with our Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Alabama Extension teams,” said Becky Barlow, associate dean and assistant director of Alabama Extension AFNR. “When she came to my office two years ago, I don’t think she or we had any idea how much her work would strengthen our AFNR teams. She quickly became an important team member helping with social media Extension program promotions and graphics.
“Her work with the Food Safety team has increased their social media following by over 40% in the last year,” Barlow added. “She has also started working with other teams, helping them with marketing and promotion. Her work as a student has gone above and beyond, and we are so thankful to have had her as part of our team.”
Renfroe also worked for Alabama Ag Credit as a marketing and public relations summer intern, where she promoted and organized events, executed marketing strategies and assisted in development of campaigns to promote services and initiatives. She was involved in several organizations on Ag Hill, including the Women in Agriculture Club, Collegiate Cattlemen & Cattlewomen, the College of Agriculture Executive Student Council and the college’s Alumni Mentoring Program.
“Ag Hill gave me the small-college feeling I’ve always loved, and the people here made it feel even smaller in the best way,” she said. “The support, the encouragement, and the way faculty and staff genuinely care about their students made all the difference. I’ve grown so much because of the opportunities and relationships I’ve found here. I’m forever grateful for the mentors who believed in me and the community that welcomed me in from day one.”
This is not Renfroe’s first Auburn award. She was also recipient of the William J. Alverson, Jr. and Thelma B. Alverson Annual Scholarship, the Gene Stevenson and Joe Yeager Endowed Scholarship, the Christenberry Family Endowed Scholarship, and the Carl and Jessie Summers Annual Scholarship.
After graduation, she plans to continue her work in agricultural communications and her small business, Maddie Leigh Photography, which she built during her time at Auburn.
“I plan to build a career in agricultural communications, one where I can share the stories, people and programs that make Alabama agriculture so special,” Renfroe said. “I’m excited to take what I’ve learned here and continue serving the industry that helped me find my purpose.”
