Shaun is a law student and a graduate of Tennessee State University (TSU). While growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, he became interested in gardening; this would be just his first agricultural endeavor. That experience, along with a visit to the Agricultural Research and Education Center on TSU’s main campus in Nashville, Tennessee, drew Shaun to major in agricultural business.
Early on in his degree program, he had the opportunity to travel to Evansville, Indiana, and connect with a group of minority farmers about their experiences in the agricultural industry.
“When I met this group of producers, they told me how many of the minority farmers in their area had lost their farms,” Shaun shared. “They also explained the importance of agricultural policy in ensuring success for minority farmers. That’s what sparked my interest for a career in law and agricultural advocacy.”
As his interest in agriculture became more clear, Shaun learned more about the industry while participating in the Farm Credit Mid-America internship program. Later, he was selected as a Farm Credit Mid-America Scholar.
During his week-long learning experience in Louisville, Kentucky, Shaun and his fellow scholars volunteered at the local Dare to Care food bank—an experience he found incredibly impactful.
“The community service opportunity at Dare to Care was the highlight of my summer,” Shaun said. “As a Scholars Class, we were able to pack hundreds of boxes for people in need in the community and we got to have fun while doing it.”
Shaun also enjoyed meeting other Scholars from all walks of life. He was able to build close connections with other students from urban backgrounds and bond over their passions for all different types of agriculture.
“Agriculture is one of the most important fields out there and it’s exciting that there are opportunities like this one that give students the financial resources and professional development they need to succeed,” Shaun shared. “The Scholars Program gave me peace of mind financially so I could be even more focused on my studies and getting into law school.”
Learn more about the Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars Program and how you or someone you may know can benefit from this impactful financial and educational opportunity.
