By Madelyn Ostendorf
Hunter Field, senior in animal science, is receiving the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council Leadership Excellence Award for fall 2022.
Field grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas, with his family farm just 10 minutes across the state line in southwest Missouri. He came to Iowa State University determined to pursue vet school, but two weeks into the program decided that wasn’t the path for him. He liked the business of agriculture and changed his major to animal science.
To help him get to know fellow students and feel more at home, Jodi Sterle, professor of animal science, suggested he look into joining Alpha Gamma Rho, a fraternity for students interested in agriculture or food-related careers.
“Dr. Sterle had nothing but good things to say about AGR,” Field said. “Honestly, I think that is why I ended up staying here to finish my degree rather than going back home.”
Through Alpha Gamma Rho, Field engaged in multiple leadership positions. He held the position of Vice Noble Ruler of Planning, a position responsible for coordinating philanthropy events, speakers, fraternity activities and coordinating with the various other committees. He was also elected to serve as a representative on the Interfraternity Council, helping to ensure Greek life events at Iowa State were safe and successful.
“Hunter is proud to be a part of the things he is, and his contagious enthusiasm gets you excited to be a part of it,” Alpha Gamma Rho alumni and 2022 agricultural business graduate Cole Eden wrote in his nomination letter about Field. “Hunter has helped AGR create relationships with many other organizations within the fraternal community, which naturally creates discussions about agriculture across the community.”
Beyond his involvement at Alpha Gamma Rho, Field has also expanded his leadership opportunities in the Alpha Zeta Honor Society, Order of Omega Honor Society, Swine Production Advocates and Student Alumni Leadership Council Ambassador Committee.
The Student Alumni Leadership Council was Field’s first leadership experience. At the time of his involvement, the university was returning to some in-person activities following the COVID-19 pandemic. Field helped to organize a “Cy-mazing Race,” a take on the Amazing Race, for alumni and students to collaborate and compete in.
“It was a really cool experience,” Field said. “Getting to see alumni and students running around and having fun on a Saturday was a highlight.”
Field will begin his online master's degree in business administration through Missouri State University while also starting a position as a food service salesman in Texas.
“This wasn’t a career I expected to get into,” Field said. “This summer, I was leaning toward the feed sales industry, then the pharmaceutical sales industry. One day I started talking to an industry professional about his job, and the next thing I knew, I was applying for this position.”