Hometown: Mount George, Arkansas
Briefly describe your role:
The University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Fruit Research Station (FRSS) located in Clarksville is dedicated to fruit variety development and development of specialty crop production practices, principally for blackberries, peaches/nectarines, bunch and muscadine grapes, and blueberries. We have 11 full time staff members and 9 scientists conducting research in horticulture production and fruit breeding.
My role as the director of FRSS is to provide leadership and coordinate research efforts to serve the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture Experiment Station’s mission which is to conduct research and achieve scientific discoveries that benefit Arkansas citizens, expand agricultural sustainability and profitability, promote environmental stewardship, strengthen local and state economies and ensure a safe and nutritious food supply.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: Not exactly. I thought I would be an artist and I am glad I changed my mind. I ironically completed my MS research at FRSS 17 years ago. After I finished my PhD, I worked as a scientist in industry and as a professor at OSU living outside of Arkansas for about 10yrs. I never thought in my wildest dreams I would circle back around to where it all began. I feel like I am home. This is the most beautiful place in the world to live and work.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: I am the first ever female research station director in the UofA’s history, which goes to show what vast opportunities are out there for women in agriculture now. I think there are many more opportunities for women to fill leadership roles in the future. I think the biggest challenge for women right now is maintaining a good work life balance with a career and family.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: I was the first person from my family to receive a BS degree let alone a PhD. I was raised in a tiny town right next to my grandparents on a little farm. My grandmother quit school in the 11th grade because she had a teacher that treated her poorly due to her being female and his belief women should not be educated in the 1920’s. She always told me “There is only one thing in this world no one can take away from you once you have it, an education.” --Imogene Graham.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: Always be open minded and eager to learn. Never be afraid of change. I have always embraced changing practices and learning new things. That has been the biggest factor dictating my success. I am also very passionate about farming and supporting Arkansas growers so doing something you really love and are passionate about is very important.
Q: What’s been your secret to success?
A: Passion, hard work, embracing change, always learning, remaining humble, having a supportive family but above all LOVING what I do. I tell my staff all the time… how lucky are we? We get a steady paycheck to farm for a living. Our paychecks are there without fail every week with health insurance and benefits, and the scenery is not too bad here either, looking up at the Ozark mountains every day. Life is good at the fruit research station.