Making Life Better

Agriscience and Environmental Systems Major

Derrick Davis wanted a big toolkit filled with the intellectual tools he felt he'd need for today's versatile agriculture. And that’s what the 25-year-old from McDonough, Ga., is getting from the faculty on the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Tifton, Ga., campus.

"It was my dream to graduate from the University of Georgia," he said. "And the Agriscience and Environmental Systems offered in Tifton is a broad degree that gets you prepared for real-life situations, which is perfect for today's job world."

Davis saw a broader aspect of that world when he traveled to Greece with a study-abroad program in 2006.

Derrick's Student Profile

Name: Derrick Davis
Hometown: McDonough, Ga.
Year: Senior 2007
Major: Agriscience and Environmental Systems — UGA Tifton

Q&A with Derrick

If you could start over, would you attend UGA Tifton and choose the same major?

This is an awesome degree. Teachers teach the information in class and then let you put the skills to work in the field during labs.

What's your favorite class?

Seed Technology, because Dr. John Beasley taught his class very well and could explain himself so students could follow what he explained in class. He is very smart and passionate about his teaching. He’s a very busy man that takes time out of his life to teach students about his passions.

What's the most interesting thing you've learned this year?

All of the effects that ethanol is causing on our economy, like higher prices for corn, which causes livestock feed prices to rise. It’s causing a larger demand for corn, which may result in smaller amounts for human consumption. On the positive side, ethanol plants are being built in Georgia, which will provide more jobs.

What exposure, if any, did you have with agriculture before enrolling at CAES?

I worked on farms with tobacco, cattle and hay and worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to stay in the agricultural industry and work for a company that will benefit from my knowledge learned at UGA Tifton.

What do you do when you're not in class?

Play golf and hunt.

More about Derrick

Favorite music: Most Southern classic rock Favorite thing to do on campus: The campus social where we cook on the grill for everyone to eat and students get to know each other better. This also gives teachers and students time to interact with each other out of the classroom, which results in classes not being so intimidating.
Favorite thing to do off-campus: Hang out with friends

The biggest surprise about UGA Tifton was: Classes were very in-depth and harder than I expected.
The thing I like best about UGA Tifton is: The one-on-one teaching. Students really learn the material, not just memorize it.