A candidate for a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business and economics is the fall 2025 student marshal for the Auburn University College of Agriculture.
Olivia Hudson’s time in the college has been punctuated by extensive student leadership opportunities. She worked for the Alabama Agricultural Extension System as a student administrative assistant, and as a student recruiter and orientation leader for the college. She spent a semester as a teaching assistant under Associate Dean of Instruction and Professor of Horticulture Amy Wright.
Her advice to incoming students? Say yes to everything you can.
“My biggest piece of advice is to get involved both across campus and out in the community,” Hudson said. “Auburn offers so many opportunities, and saying ‘yes’ is how you truly find your people. Meet as many people as you can, never meet a stranger, and be sure to step outside of your comfort zone. The connections you make here will shape your entire Auburn experience.”
In addition to her leadership experience in the college, Hudson was selected as a Phi Chi for Auburn Panhellenic, a position in which she mentored and supported potential new members through sorority recruitment. She described the opportunity as her favorite Auburn experience.
“Getting to walk with potential new members during such an important few weeks, support them, and watch them find where they belong was incredibly meaningful,” she said. “It reminded me how special the Auburn family is and how much I loved being able to give back to a community that has given me so much.”
Hudson was also a member of the Agribusiness Club, the Women in Agriculture Club, and the Ag Alumni Mentoring Program in which she spent nine months shadowing and learning from Ray Hilburn, associate director of the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association.
This is not Hudson’s first Auburn recognition. She is also the recipient of the College of Agriculture Annual Scholarship, the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association Scholarship, the Hilmer J. Jones Fund for Excellence Scholarship, the Greenery of Charleston Annual Scholarship, and the William Thomas Stallworth Endowed Scholarship.
After graduation on Saturday, Dec. 13, Hudson plans to build her career in the industry she has learned to love thanks to her education in the College of Agriculture.
“After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in agriculture and find a role that lets me stay connected to the people and industries I’m passionate about,” she said. “I’m hoping to remain in the South, wherever that may be, and build a life and career that keeps me close to the agricultural community that feels like home.”
