By Katrina Hageman
“Good things come to people who are kind.”
Hailey Rossmiller, senior in agricultural communication and international agriculture with a minor in animal science, uses this phrase as her life motto.
Rossmiller’s acts of kindness led her to be named the fall 2024 recipient of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council Outstanding Ambassador of Agriculture and Life Sciences Award.
Rossmiller did not grow up in production agriculture but knew she wanted to be a part of the agriculture industry at a young age, which was why she chose to attend Iowa State.
As an incoming freshman, Rossmiller made a goal to say “yes” and step outside her comfort zone to experience new opportunities. This led her to active membership in numerous organizations including Sigma Alpha, Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow Club, National Agri-Marketing Association, CALS Council and the CALS Ambassador program.
Kathleen Zahm, senior in agricultural business, speaks very highly of Rossmiller, who is her Sigma Alpha sister and friend. “Although she holds no formal leadership position, Hailey demonstrates to others that true leadership is about initiative, not just a title,” Zahm said.
Alongside campus involvement, Rossmiller participated in an exchange program at University College Dublin in Ireland, where she studied agricultural sciences.
“I strongly encourage students to take on a travel course or study abroad during their time at Iowa State,” Rossmiller said. “There is no better time to travel the world and expand your horizons than in college.”
Marta Grant, CALS study abroad advisor, said, “Hailey truly is an outstanding ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, whether she is on campus meeting with prospective students or representing Iowa State through study abroad programs.”
Throughout the past three summers, Rossmiller interned at Merck Animal Health and River Valley Cooperative. At both companies, Rossmiller worked in the marketing and sales department.
During her school years, Rossmiller kept busy interning at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo, Iowa State’s Department of Animal Science and Iowa State’s Research Park.
“I am a big advocate in showing gratitude for your opportunities,” Rossmiller said. “I always thank the people who have helped me get where I am today.”
After graduation, Rossmiller will return to eastern Iowa to start her full-time position as a companion animal territory manager with Merck Animal Health. Finding her place in the animal science sector has contributed to Rossmiller’s longtime goal of staying in the agricultural industry.