Hall Talk

Q: Why did you choose Penn State's College of Ag Sciences? Has it met your expectations?

Mark Lowery
Sophomore
Agricultural and Extension Education
Pocahontas, Pa.
"I chose Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences because - agricultural and extension education - this is the place in the state to go. We have one of the best programs in the nation. Why would you want to go anywhere else?"

Barbara Schramm
Junior
Agribusiness Management
Jeannette Pa.
"I chose the College of Ag Sciences because I grew up on a fruit and vegetable farm and I've always had an interest in agriculture. Penn State is really well known for its agriculture program. I eventually want to go back to my family's farm, and the agribusiness program will allow me to do so."

Syrena Johnson
Junior
Wildlife and Fisheries Science
Denver, Colo.
"I chose this college because I had met my advisers during senior year in high school, and I knew that they could help me excel with my education. It gave me an idea for what it would be like up here and what I would be able to accomplish."

Doug Brownell
Junior
Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Canadensis, Pa.
"I started out in electrical engineering, and I switched to the College of Ag Sciences. It has more of a home atmosphere. You know the professors; they know you.  It's easier to concentrate and get work done when you are close to your professors."

Michael Hess
Sophomore
Agricultural and Extension Education
Lancaster, Pa.
"I chose Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences because this is the best school to get your teaching certificate from, especially if you plan on being an agriculture teacher in Pennsylvania."

T. J. Jastrem
Junior
Landscape Contracting
Phoenixville, Pa.
"I chose the college because I was originally in engineering and I saw that landscape contracting was similar, except with smaller classes and more working outdoors. Penn State's College of Ag  Sciences is rated highly, and it has proved that to me."

Corey Simmons
Junior
Toxicology
York, Pa.
"I chose the college because the veterinary science and toxicology programs have great reputations. I switched my major to toxicology and I'm really happy. I want to eventually get into pharmaceuticals, and the college has helped prepare me."

Rachel Davis
Freshman
Immunology and Infectious Disease
Columbia, S.C.
"I first chose this school because my parents came here. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the professors are so helpful and really push me toward achieving my goals."

Melody Young
Sophomore
Wildlife and Fisheries Science
New York, N.Y.
"I chose the College of Ag Sciences because I wanted to get into marine biology. Penn State has smaller classes with professors who care about you, while retaining the big New York atmosphere that I'm used to, which was a nice surprise."

Diane Harris
Junior
Animal Bioscience
Lancaster, Pa.
"This college is really well respected and well known throughout the state and the nation. The college has provided me with a more personal atmosphere and smaller class sizes, as well as lots of extracurricular activities."

Jabari Hawkins
Food Science
Sophomore
Eighty Four, Pa.
"I wanted to major in food science, so I chose Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences because it's well known throughout the world and employers will recognize you. Also, I can take a lot of courses outside of the agriculture field and get a well-rounded experience."

Brian Cameron
Junior
Agribusiness Management
Danville, Pa.
"Penn State has one of the leading agriculture colleges in the country. It provides a lot of international experiences and opportunities. It's enabled me to study abroad in Mexico, and I hope to go to Spain in a few months. The programs are integrated with other cultures and very hands on."