Making Life Better

Agricultural Communications Major

Agriculture is something that has woven itself through Nekeisha Randall's life. From 4-H to FFA, she's found value in youth organizations, so much so that when she graduates from the University of Georgia, she wants to give back in some way.

"My goal is to become a spokesperson and a voice for youth whose voices may not be loud enough or for those organizations that may not have a voice at all," she said.

Being a spokesperson is something Nekeisha has practice doing already. Not only did she appear in agricultural documentaries that were sent to schools across the state to celebrate Agriculture Awareness Week, she assisted Gov. Sonny Perdue with the week's kick-off celebration that was televised and held at our state's capitol.

"I have also had the honor of speaking before the Georgia Legislature on behalf of 4-H and assisting former President Jimmy Carter with the unveiling of the Mule and Tenant Farmer statue at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Ga.," she said.

Nekeisha's Student Profile

Name: Nekeisha Lynne Randall
Hometown: Fort Valley, GA
Year: Third (2006-2007)
Major: Agricultural communications with an emphasis in public relations

Q&A with Nekeisha

What made you choose to attend UGA?

By being actively involved in programs such as Georgia 4-H since the fifth grade I've had the grand opportunity to visit UGA for district and state 4-H meetings, conferences, field trips, sporting events and campus tours. Being able to experience UGA throughout the years allowed to me realize it was an awesome institution of higher learning. I wanted to be able to meet many new people and participate in positive campus activities while obtaining the best education possible ... UGA provided all of this and more.

How did you choose your major, and why? Is there a story behind your decision?

Due to my unforgettable experiences and positive exposure to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences through agricultural-related youth organizations such as 4-H and FFA, I took advantage of the opportunity to major in agricultural communications/public relations. Through this field, I could continue putting what I've learned, by participating in the youth organizations, to work. I came to the conclusion that agricultural communications is just a portion of the study of agriculture. Therefore, if I could do a lot with agricultural communications, then the whole field/college of agriculture was worth studying and pursuing.

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

After thinking about the knowledge I've gained, the great experiences I've had, and the wonderful staff members and students I've met thus far, it has been a blessing to attend UGA and I would not have it any other way. Many students agree that areas such as business, medicine, law, education, and journalism, just to name a few, are excellent fields to pursue while attending college. However, I believe I would choose the same major because agriculture is a field that encompasses all of the previously stated majors and more. Not only is it a tried and true industry, but it is also a growing major area of study that provides a variety of educational interests, international studies, and job opportunities.

What's your favorite class?

Due to the fact that I enjoy creative writing, I am always excited about taking English courses. In addition, I took a dance appreciation (DANC 2010) class as a freshman and it was the highlight of my year! I really enjoyed it because not only did we get to learn about the history of different types of dances, but we also participated in "dance experiences" at the School of Dance and attended on and off-campus dance performances.

Which instructor do you value the most?

I admire Dr. Ruth Ann Lariscy, professor of Introduction to Public Relations (ADPR 3850). She is highly respected and esteemed for her successful fight against breast cancer. Not only is her passion for her career manifested during every class session, but her personality, her teaching style and the special attention she gives to her students is very much appreciated.

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

Without a doubt, I have learned countless interesting facts about chickens by taking a Poultry 2020 course this year. During the class, I participated in chicken dissections in order to gain more knowledge about the biology of domestic fowl ... Needless to say, while in college and beyond, these hands-on experiences will help me remember what I have learned through dissecting and processing chickens.

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

While in high school, I was able to participate in FFA through public speaking opportunities on the regional and state levels. I also enjoyed helping at the barn (provided by our high school) by not only learning about horse, cow and pig management, but also by serving as a photographer for the our local FFA club. I was also very involved in 4-H. I have had the opportunity to participate in 4-H in a variety of ways including winning first place in the district and state 4-H public speaking competition, where I spoke on the past and current role of African-Americans in agriculture. I have also enjoyed obtaining numerous officer positions such as Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors President, working as a Rock Eagle 4-H summer camp counselor for three years, and serving on various national committees such as the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees. Participating in contests such as CottonBoll and Consumer Jamboree gave me the opportunity to learn more about cotton as an agricultural commodity and its use in our daily lives.

What are your plans for the future?

Due to being involved in youth development organizations, including 4-H and FFA, throughout the years I have developed a love for youth and the issues that concern upcoming young generations. Therefore, my career objective is centered on working with youth development organizations, especially those with agricultural foundations.

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

In addition to serving as a resident assistant in Brumby Hall, I love reading the Bible and having positive fun with family and friends. My hobbies include speaking, reading, dancing, singing, stepping, traveling, laughing, volunteering and meeting new people. I also enjoy being active in various church, school and community activities and pretending to be 6'3" (even though I'm 4'9")!

More about Nekeisha

Favorite musicians:
Kirk Franklin, Israel and New Breed, and any gospel/Christian music artist

Favorite books:
The Holy Bible,
The Desegregation of UGA,
The Purpose Driven Life

Favorite sports:
Football, basketball

Favorite things to do on campus: I love "Dawgs After Dark!" Students have the opportunity to do a lot of neat things (such as laser tag, Build-A-Bear, rock climbing, caricatures, carnival rides, etc.), have positive fun, and enjoy delicious food, all for free! I also thoroughly enjoy attending football games as a Georgia Recruitment Team (GRT) Member & Football Recruitment Hostess. Also, a favorite UGA tradition of mine is Opening Convocation. When I attended it as a freshman, it instantly got me more excited about attending UGA and being a part of the "bulldog nation" family.

Favorite things to do off-campus: Off-campus, I enjoy attending Omega Worship Center, volunteering in the community with campus organizations and of course, making much-needed trips to Wal-Mart.

Favorite building on campus: If I had to choose, I would say that my favorite building on campus is Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. This particular building stands as a monument to the Bulldog athletic tradition and is home to Georgia Athletic Association offices. It contains a trophy room and a museum that houses UGA memorabilia by paying tribute to all of Georgia's athletic programs over the past 100 years. It is a sight to see!

My favorite places to eat in Athens are: I like eating at Red Lobster, Piccadilly, Chick-fil-A and IHOP. The Grill has great milkshakes, and it is always a thrill to go to Coldstone and enjoy my favorite dessert, ice cream!

My biggest pet peeve about UGA is: That it is often looked upon as a party school. Many students do not drink or go to places where alcohol is served. Although there are some initiatives and programs, such as "Dawgs After Dark," sometimes it is difficult to find something positive to do on campus at night and on the weekends.

The biggest surprise about UGA was: In addition to being very surprised by the numerous study abroad opportunities offered at UGA, it was shocking to realize that there were over 500 clubs to get involved with and how easy it was to participate in activities on campus. I was most surprised by how easy it is to learn your way around campus, how fast UGA can become your "home away from home," and how you see people you know around campus everyday.

The thing I like best about UGA is: That while obtaining the best possible academic education, students are given the opportunity to become more well-rounded, enhance leadership characteristics, find their niche on campus while realizing what issues they are passionate about and gaining life skills that are needed for college and beyond.
Becoming involved on campus has broadened my horizons and opened my eyes of unbelief to newfound possibilities and opportunities that I would not have been exposed to otherwise. I found that getting involved on campus opens the door for students to find a sense of community in new surroundings. Community is present when interacting individuals share common goals, merge diverse features and participate in positive fellowship. To have a sense of community is to have the most essential piece when it comes to putting the puzzle of a great college experience together. This is UGA's greatest contribution to me.