The spring 2024 graduation marshal for the Auburn University College of Agriculture is a Blountsville, Alabama, native with farm management plans on the horizon.
Corley Williams will receive a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications and a minor in animal science at commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 4.
After graduation, Williams will start as a management trainee for Mountaire Farms in Siler City, North Carolina.
Her time in the College of Agriculture was peppered with valuable experience in agricultural clubs and organizations. She was an Ag Orientation Leader intern, a livestock intern for the 2022 North American International Livestock Expo, a 2023 public policy intern for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council, a 2024 intern for Cattlemen’s Congress, and a social media ambassador for Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers.
She was also a member of National FFA, Alabama Junior Cattlemen, the Junior Angus Association, Auburn Young Farmers, the Junior Limousin Association and the Auburn Livestock Judging Team. She was president of Alabama Cattlemen, director of public relations for Auburn Student Government Association, junior editor for Ag Hill Communications, a committee member for University Programs Council.
Williams said her favorite part of the Auburn experience was the community she found within the College of Agriculture.
“I always felt so at home at Auburn, but the College of Ag was a huge part of that home,” she said. “From so many unique opportunities with clubs and a friendly face in every class, I always felt like I belonged. That paired with the freedom to take classes across departments and make connections was invaluable. The combination of these made involvement and my on-campus goals feel more attainable and that is something I have cherished.”
Her fondest memory, she said, is of traveling across the country with her livestock-judging teammates.
“The laughs, terrible music and getting to compete with the best of the best is something I will truly miss,” she said. “Auburn is such a beautiful and special place and small happy memories on and off campus have shaped me into who I am today.”
As for her career goals? Williams is keeping them simple.
“I hope to continue to grow in the agricultural industry and be impactful,” she said.
We know you will, Corley. Congratulations to you and all the 2024 spring graduates.
