Jaclyn DeWeese

Optimistic, Motivated, Determined. These three words describe one CAFNR student who hopes to someday start her own consulting business in international agricultural relations. For Jaclyn DeWeese, AgJ '08 from Brunswick, a dual-degree in agricultural journalism and agricultural economics will be an asset in her future.

"I chose this in hopes that when graduating from college, I will be a more diversified individual and a more desirable candidate," DeWeese said of the Agricultural Journalism Program. "Whereas journalism students are specifically set in a sequence, agricultural journalism gives students the opportunity to experience courses in each of the various sequences." Her emphasis is in strategic communications.

DeWeese is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, MU's Total Person Program, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, CAFNR Student Development Board and National Agri-Marketing Association. She spent her winter 2007 semester studying at the University of Reading in England.

DeWeese's internships include the U.S. Soybean Export Council, National Crop Insurance Services and Anheuser-Busch.

When asked her advice for potential students, DeWeese said: "As you are just entering into college, you may not have a set plan or know exactly what you want to do yet. Agricultural journalism teaches you essential skills in writing and communicating, along with a variety of courses you can learn from in the journalism school that will pave your way to a bright future."