Making Life Better

Horticulture Alumni

It helps to get to know your professors. Just ask Kelly Bull, a horticulture major who landed a job with Homestead Gardens in Maryland after graduating in December of 2005.

"Dr. Armitage contacted a few companies that he thought I would be interested in," she said. "The job just kind of came through. He was really, really helpful… Plus, the University of Georgia's horticulture program has a good reputation."

And for Kelly, one of her extracurricular activities – the UGA club lacrosse team – gave her an edge on her job application. Maryland is known for its lacrosse players, she said. Up there, though, she just plans to watch.

Kelly's Student Profile

Name: Kelly Bull
Hometown: Marietta, Ga.
Year: Graduated in 2005
Major: Horticulture

Q&A with Kelly

What made you choose to attend UGA?

Honestly, the HOPE scholarship. I also really liked Athens.

How did you choose your major, and why?

At first I was undeclared and was leaning towards a major in Spanish, but then horticulture found me. I took the HORT 2000 class and realized my fascination with plants could be further explored. I had never even thought about horticulture as a major but I'm thankful I finally did.

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

Definitely. I had a wonderful time at UGA and I really don't think it gets better than the horticulture department.

What's your favorite class?

I love all the plant identification classes. It was fun to be able to impress my friends when I walked down the road and could name the common and scientific names to lots of plants.

Which instructor do you value the most?

Both Dr. Allan Armitage and Dr. Timothy Smalley exude so much passion that it's infectious. It was reassuring to see that after so many years of being in horticulture, they still love every bit of it. They made me feel like I really made a great major decision.

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

I learned that there is a great demand for horticulturists. When people find out I'm a horticulture major, they always look worried and ask what I'm going to do with that degree. Like them, I once was unaware of the expansive horticulture industry. I just graduated in December and already have a great job as a perennial grower. Most of my classmates have also graduated with a job already lined up. I am thankful that I am not like most of my friends with various other degrees who have to live at home while still searching for a job.

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

Not really any. I'm from the suburbs so there's not much agriculture around.

What are your plans for the future?

I will begin my first job as a perennial grower at Homestead Gardens in Maryland early this year.

What did you do when you weren't in class?

I usually had a part-time job and I played lacrosse on the club team.

More about Kelly

Favorite musician: Travis
Favorite book: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
Favorite sport: Lacrosse
Favorite thing to do on campus: Play racquetball at Ramsey
Favorite thing to do off-campus: Walk the trails at the Botanical Gardens or at Sandy Creek

Favorite building on campus: The Student Learning Center is pretty amazing.
My favorite place to eat in Athens is: Utage. The Utage special roll is the best thing you'll ever eat.
Between classes: I read, check my email, and get a snack at the Creamery.
My biggest pet peeve about UGA is: Parking services.
The biggest surprise about UGA was: how huge it is.
The thing I like best about UGA is: all the great friends I made.