The fall 2023 graduation marshal for the Auburn University College of Agriculture is a Montevallo, Alabama, native with goals to head an agricultural publication one day.
Taylor Edwards will receive a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications and a minor in animal science at Auburn commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 9. She knew she would pursue her undergraduate degree from Auburn from a young age.
“In middle and high school, I discovered my passion for the agriculture industry through FFA, among other things, which lead me to choose the College of Agriculture,” she said. “While at Auburn, I have been involved in a number of things including Collegiate Cattlemen’s, Young Farmers, Block and Bridle, Ag Hill Communications group, and I’ve held several jobs with the College of Agriculture.”
Specifically, Edwards was junior and senior editor of Ag Hill Communications and a reporter for Block and Bridle. And one position in the college was a year-long internship in the Office of Agricultural Communications and Marketing.
“Taylor has been an outstanding student professional on our team,” said Josh Woods, director of agricultural communications and marketing. “She not only has been an excellent writer and social media specialist, she also has been the type of employee who will step up and do whatever needs to be done every time there is a need, and she has sought out every learning opportunity possible while working with us. These are such valuable traits that will open so many doors of opportunity for her. “
Edwards’ family raises cattle, which led to her interest in the cattle industry. She obtained an internship with Angus Media, getting a taste of the kind of work she hopes to do professionally one day.
“My goal is to be an editor for an agricultural publication, preferably a cattle breed association,” she said.
Edwards — who is graduating early after three and a half years at Auburn — is currently applying to master’s programs in agricultural communications and community planning that would start next fall. She said she feels well prepared for a number of graduate programs thanks to the agricultural communications program at Auburn.
“My favorite thing about the agricultural communications program here at Auburn was my ability to cater my degree to my interests,” she said. “My advisor, Amy Brock, worked with me each semester to make sure I was meeting the degree requirements but also ensured I was able to take classes I would enjoy while building a skill set specific for the career path I want.
“My time at Auburn has been nothing short of fantastic,” she added. “I’ve met some of the greatest people and mentors while earning a quality education and building my network of people in the agriculture industry across Alabama. If I could do anything differently it would be getting involved sooner.”
