Through dedication and persistence, Jodie Weyland’s education was completely funded by nearly 30 scholarships.
Growing up on a Neenah farm, Jodie Weyland has always had roots in agriculture. But in her 7th grade career class, an idea started to grow: Jodie’s future was in Agronomy.
“That’s when I decided I wanted to be an agronomist,” the 21-year-old student explains, and began planning her future. In high school, Jodie enrolled in multiple classes that earned credit in both high school and college. She also started thinking about how to pay for college.
“I knew I didn’t want to graduate with any debt,” she says, so she started researching scholarships. “I found scholarships through my high school, the FVTC Foundation, organizations I was involved in (like FFA), and businesses where my family members were employed.”
Her efforts paid off, big time. Over the course of her high school and college career, Jodie obtained nearly 30 scholarships, which completely paid her tuition.
Jodie’s advice to students: “Be persistent, and don’t be afraid. Just because you think you might not get a scholarship doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply.”
She is also passionate about diversity and inclusion in agriculture. "It's rewarding to me as a female in agriculture to be working in a male-dominated business," she says. "It's interesting to see the agriculture industry grow in this area."
In May 2020, Jodie graduated with a double major in Agri-Business Science/Technology and Agribusiness Science & Technology-Agronomy. In addition, she earned specialized credentials in various areas, completing her training in May 2021. “Attending Fox Valley Tech was the best decision I could have made,” she says.
"Receiving scholarships makes me feel motivated to learn and excel in my career."
Jodie Weyland
Jodie Weyland Named President of National PAS
Agriculture student Jodie Weyland has a new honor to add to her list of accomplishments: President of the National Professional Agricultural Student Organization (PAS).
In this role, Jodie will serve as an advocate to the agriculture industry, preside over meetings, lead club activities, foster teamwork, attend conferences, and meet with industry representatives.
Jodie’s involvement in PAS started with the FVTC student chapter, then expanded in 2019 when she was elected President of the Wisconsin PAS. In 2020, Jodie took the national stage as vice president, and her term as President of the National PAS began on April 1, 2021, concluding April 1, 2022.
“This is the opportunity for me to continue to help other agriculture students find and follow their passion,” she says. “By providing members with opportunities to grow, we are helping develop the next generation of agricultural leaders, workers and innovators.”
National PAS is a non-profit, student-led organization offering a national collegiate-level competition-style learning model that gives students the practical and hands-on development opportunities essential for career success. Students compete at the local, state, and national levels and are guided by faculty advisors to develop the technical, professional, and soft skills required for career success within the agriculture industry.