Utah State Agricultural Communication Students Earn Awards at Ag Media Summit

Three students from the Utah State Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (Utah State ACT) chapter attended the Ag Media Summit in Kansas City, Mo., where the chapter and some individual members received awards from the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. The summit provided opportunities for students to network with agricultural communication professionals and other students. Attendees learned about science writing, podcasting, graphic design, videography, marketing, advertising and more.

USU students received numerous awards and recognitions from National ACT. Utah State ACT was named Chapter of the Year for community service and member recruitment and retention.

“The project we did to get recognized for service was a unique one,” said Kailey Foster, senior in agricultural communication and Utah State ACT president. “We partnered with the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art to create an audio tour that not only focused on the art but Utah agricultural history. This project challenged our members to seek out and tell Utah's stories on an audio platform that was new to most members.”

The National ACT Critique and Contest had 247 entries from 12 universities. In the publications division, Maren Boyer Charlton, USU senior in agricultural communication, placed first for her brochure designed for Sheep Genetics USA.

Charlton was elected vice president of the National ACT officer team in October, and is the second Utah State student to serve on the national officer team. As vice president, Charlton will coordinate the Critique and Contest entries and judging process for 2022.

“I am humbled to be able to have the opportunity to work with such a high caliber team, represent Utah State and utilize the foundation the agricultural communication program has given me,” Charlton said. “I wouldn’t have the opportunity to hold such a role without the amazing support of my teachers and advisers.”

Kelsey Hall, associate professor and co-adviser to Utah State ACT chapter, has served as the executive faculty adviser to the National ACT officer team since 2019.

Utah State ACT is a chapter of the National ACT, the professional organization for students majoring in agricultural communication. While membership is open to all Utah State students, goals and activities are designed to prepare graduates in careers relating to agricultural communication and journalism. Activities include professional development and community service designed to cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Activities seek to build relationships between Utah State students and communicators in the profession. The chapter provides social activities that allow agricultural communication majors to nurture professional relationships.