Will Brown ’17 grew up just 15 miles from the University of Georgia in Crawford, Georgia. Nevertheless, he has come a very long way.
His scholarship
Reaffirmed his ambitions
Will Brown ’17 grew up just 15 miles from the University of Georgia in Crawford, Georgia. Nevertheless, he has come a very long way. An agricultural business and applied agricultural economics double major in UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Will’s scholarship helped him get to UGA, and since he’s been on campus, he’s taken advantage of every opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge he needs in order to fulfill his dream of boosting his hometown’s agricultural industry.
Before starting at UGA, Will received the Annexstad Family Foundation Leaders for Tomorrow Scholarship, a scholarship funded by Al and Cathy Annexstad and their family that helps hardworking students, like Will, earn college degree. This scholarship made it possible for Will to attend UGA, and it also reaffirmed his ambitions.
“When I received my scholarship, I felt like I could pursue my dreams and that it was a sign that I was destined to make a difference,” said Will.
In his own words
“I wanted to learn skills that would allow me to help my county by creating meaningful jobs and by supporting community involvement programs and pro-agricultural youth education.”
-Will Brown
determined to
make a difference
Will’s love for the land did not develop over time; it’s in his blood. His family has worked in agriculture in Oglethorpe county for over 200 years. With such deep-seated roots, Will has long felt inspired to make a meaningful impact on his hometown and community, particularly its agricultural industry. He knew a degree from UGA’S College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences would help him do this.
“I wanted to learn skills that would allow me to help my county by creating meaningful jobs and by supporting community involvement programs and pro-agricultural youth education,” said Will.
Will knew that in order to achieve his goal he would not only need a comprehensive knowledge of agricultural sciences, but also practical skills. Since he was 16, he has worked full-time while attending school. In 2013, he started a job with a national power management company; Will has since been promoted to a permanent position. He attends classes during the day and works the night shift.
Will’s ability to juggle so much—school and work—has been fueled by his long-term ambitions. Now that graduation nears, he plans to apply to graduate school at UGA to learn more about rural economic development or try his hand at his own agribusiness ventures. Either way, he feels that the skills he’s learned while at UGA have given him a steady foundation.
“I have many ideas that I think could significantly increase Georgia farmers’ income and possibly help the environment in the process. Almost all of Georgia’s farms are family-owned-and-operated, and many struggle every year to scrape by. If I go to graduate school, my research will focus on a solution that would benefit these family farms. If I end up starting my own business, I will put these ideas to the test.”
In the end, the Athens, Georgia that Will now knows is vastly different than the town he knew growing up. Now, anywhere he walks on campus he’s reminded of how far he’s come and the strong friendships he’s made along the way.
“There really are too many memories to count. I will always remain grateful towards UGA and the people who made it possible for me to come here.”
Will Brown
