Ambassadors
Lynes McKinney is from Statesboro, Georgia and growing up, he spent every chance he got at his family farm, which developed his true passion for Georgia agriculture. When applying to college, hr knew he wanted to work in agriculture, so CAES was the main reason he choose UGA. As soon as Lynes arrived at UGA, CAES felt like home, and he knew that I made the right decision. However, after two years of being heavily involved in Greek life, he wanted to find a way to become more involved in CAES, so he decided to apply for the ambassador program. Since becoming an ambassador, he realized it is one of the best decisions he has ever made. Not only has the ambassador program provided a whole new group of friends, but has even further deepened his passion for Georgia agriculture. Once he graduates, Lynes will pursue a master’s degree in agribusiness through UGA.
Nate McKinney is from Athens, GA and can confidently say there is no finer place in the land than UGA campus! One of his favorite things to do is serving as an ambassador with so many close friends. He also loves morning runs through campus and reflecting on tailgates with his family. Nate has learned so much by being an ambassador and it has given him the opportunity to enrich his knowledge about south campus, giving tours to prospective students, which is always an honor taking someone on their first walk of south campus, teaching the history of Conner Hall, Lumpkin House, and many other sites.
Anna Cliftonis a second year Agribusiness and Agricultural and Applied Economics student from Statesboro, Georgia. She is a third generation AgDawg! She grew up cheering on the Dawgs in football, basketball, and gymnastics (to name a few) and even attended basketball camps here for three summers. There was no doubt in her mind that UGA was where she wanted to spend my college years. She became an ambassador to share with other students her passion for CAES and all that college offers to make our students’ experiences better. She wants to share with prospective students that you don’t have to fit a certain description or type to find a major in CAES that suits you and that you will enjoy! Anna thinks the best part about being an ambassador is being entrusted with representing the college well at various levels, whether with alumni, prospective students, or faculty. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in agricultural policy.
Olivia Cook is from Dublin, Georgia. and she knew she wanted to follow in her dad and brother's footprints to UGA. During her senior year of high school she had the opportunity to visit CAES during the Rural Scholars weekend. At this weekend event she was able to meet and talk with many CAES Ambassadors. At the time Olivia was undecided, but after the weekend she knew she wanted to be in CAES and become an Ambassador.. The best part about being an ambassador is getting to know students and having the opportunity to talk to perspective students. She loves telling about her experiences and her passion for the college! She hopes to graduate with an undergraduate degree in Agribusiness and then pursue law school.
Katie Gilk is from Marietta, Georgia and throughout high school was very interested in the environment. When she got to UGA, she decided to pick a Environmental Economics major and now is super excited to be an ambassador for the college! Since becoming an ambassador, she has enjoyed the many amazing opportunities, getting involved and meeting great people. Outside of CAES, she is very involved with UGA Mock Trial and is a member of the executive board. In the future, Katie hopes to either attend graduate school for her environmental economics degree or work for a sustainable company out of college!
Michael Howard is from Hartwell, Georgia and always thought he would end up being a Bulldog, but began to truly appreciate the university and college when he got involved with CAES. Being an ambassador has given Michael the opportunity to share with prospective and established students all the college has to offer, while being an advocate for his classmates and peers. Outside of being an ambassador, he is involved in Block & Bridle, Young Farmers & Ranchers, and BCM and enjoy anything outdoors and on the water! In addition to Michael's extra curricular activities, he is double majoring in Agribusiness and Agricultural & Applied Economics, minoring in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State and hopes to attend law school so he can serve as an advocate for the agricultural industry.
Kinsey is from Montrose, Georgia, a little town outside of Dublin. Her mom went to UGA and was raised a dawg fan, so when the opportunity arose for me to ride on the University's Equestrian team, she had to take it. She came to school here to ride horses, but also to study Agribusiness at one of the best agricultural programs in the nation. She feels so lucky to be at UGA and there are no better days than Saturdays in Sanford Stadium, or a meet day with her team in Bishop. For Kinsey, it has been such a privilege to be able to serve as an ambassador, and most enjoyable meeting with prospective students and helping them explore all UGA has to offer. After graduation she plans to attend law school and either work as an attorney or somewhere in policy.
Justin Loedding is from Dawsonville, GA majoring in Agribusiness and Agricultural & Applied Economics. He always knew he wanted to attend the Agricultural & Applied Economics. He always knew he wanted to attend the University of Georgia, but did not see himself ending up in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. "That was easily the best decision I’ve made for my future," says Justin. The relationships he has made with faculty and students truly emphasize that CAES is just one big family. His favorite part about the agriculture industry is the never-ending opportunities. He had the opportunity to intern this past summer with ADM in St. Louis on the Mississippi River, learning about grain and oilseed markets and supply chains. He hopes to one day use this information to help farmers hedge their crops against the markets to secure more consistent incomes. He is now learning even more while getting his masters in Agribusiness
Maya Dubos is from Acworth, GA, and knew she wanted to study hospitality management, and CAES looked like it had a really interesting brand-new program for that major within AAEC. It turned out to be a perfect fit for Maya, and she is so glad I took a chance on it! Maya came to UGA a transfer and knows that can be a daunting experience, but the students, staff, and faculty within CAES are some of the kindest, most welcoming people she ever has had the pleasure of working with. They’re the reason she became a student ambassador, and now she gets to help others feel welcomed and hopefully find their place in CAES as well. Currently, she works as an event planner in Athens, and would love to continue this path after graduation. She loves working with so many interesting people, and every day is something different and exciting!