By Madelyn Ostendorf
Agriculture runs in the family for Kelsey Henderson, senior in agricultural business. Growing up on a farm showing livestock in Union Grove, Wisconsin and being involved in FFA and 4-H encouraged her to continue the tradition and attend Iowa State. In her four years on campus, Henderson has immersed herself in all the opportunities Iowa State offers while uplifting the students around her.
Henderson is the spring 2024 recipient of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council Outstanding Senior Award.
Henderson arrived on campus in the fall 2020 semester. Despite the challenges that COVID-19 posed for her freshman year, she was determined to get involved in any way she could. She became a member of the Agricultural Business Club, Block and Bridle, Sigma Alpha, CALS Student Council, CALS Ambassadors and the Student Alumni Leadership Council, rising to officer and committee positions in multiple organizations.
In Block and Bridle, she chaired the Classic Committee, which hosts a large annual student-run cattle show, co-hosted with Alpha Gamm Rho. That very show was where Henderson decided she wanted to attend Iowa State.
“The classic was the reason I first came to Iowa State's campus and is where I fell in love with it,” said Henderson. “We pride ourselves on being a student-run show and being able to give back to that industry. Seeing the excitement around Iowa State from youth in the industry is incredible.”
Henderson was also a peer mentor for Econ 110: Orientation to Agricultural Business, helping incoming freshman and transfer students adjust to campus life and learn what the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is about.
Her goal was to make an impact at Iowa State. As an office assistant in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Services Center, Henderson reached her goal. In her position, she helps students improve their resumes, prepare for interviews, as well as helping to build a network for herself. In 2024, she was the student chair for the annual CALS Career Day, successfully helping to coordinate a record 293 companies for over 1,800 student attendees.
Mike Gaul, director of career services, met Henderson on a college visit and was impressed by her character.
“I am always impressed with the enthusiasm and patience she brings to every appointment,” said Gaul in her nomination letter. “Her ability to grasp the big picture and willingness to always go the extra mile is extremely refreshing. In all honesty, she is the single best employee I have ever had in my 26 years in the position.”
Henderson gives credit to her advisors and professors for the success she had while on campus.
“I can't thank the agricultural business program and economics department enough for all that they have done for me,” said Henderson. “They truly made being six hours from home feel like a home away from home.”
Henderson advises students to get involved and try their best to make an impact wherever they are on campus.
“Make the most of your four years, they go by really fast,” said Henderson. “It's not necessarily about what awards or titles you win, but how you can truly make a difference in any way at any level.”
Henderson has a job at John Deere in their marketing customer support development program. She will begin next January after she finishes her duties as Wisconsin’s Fairest of the Fairs, the state’s fair ambassador.