Finding confidence through WT’s agricultural department

When Mary Vivian Ivey first heard about West Texas A&M University, she had no idea what the school was or what to expect

“I had three people in one day tell me about WT,” Ivey said. “I was at the Western English Sales Association market in Dallas, and I had never even heard of it.”

Ivey was curious about the recommendations and decided to learn more about the university and its agriculture program. That decision eventually led her to the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, where she says the agriculture department helped shape both her college experience and her future career.

From the moment she arrived as a freshman, Ivey said the agriculture department made an effort to get to know her personally.

“Immediately it was like, ‘Who is this girl and what does she want to go into so we can take thesteps to propel her,” Ivey said. “Not only in her college career, but in her future as well.” 

That support helped guide Ivey throughout her time at WT. She said one of the most valuable parts of the agriculture program is the connections students make with professors.

“I can’t even express how many connections I have gained,” she said. “Not only through WT Ag, but just WT as a whole. WT ag is where those connections started.”

According to Ivey, professors in the agriculture department go beyond teaching in the classroom. Instead, they work closely with students and provide support that continues after graduation.

“It’s amazing,” Ivey said. “I have a lot of my professors phone numbers, so if I need them, I can text them or call them.”

Faculty members also help students prepare for their careers by writing recommendation letters and serving as references when they apply for jobs.

“They're just genuinely awesome people who care about your success,” she said. “They truly become like family.”

During her time at WT, Ivey has also taken advantage of leadership opportunities across campus. She joined Delta Zeta sorority as a freshman and later became involved in student government.

Today, she serves as the university's student body president. She is also an agriculture ambassador, a Rogers LEAD scholar, and a member of Order of Omega, an honor society for Greek life leaders.Looking back, Ivey says the person she is today is very different from the freshman who first arrived on campus.

“If you would have told me that I would hold leadership positions and be student body president, I would have laughed in your face,” she said.

She credits the encouragement she received from faculty and organizations at WT for helping her build that confidence.

“The confidence boost that you get from faculty and staff in a school that cares about you is pretty awesome,” Ivey said.

For Ivey, the agriculture department at WT has been more than just a place to study. It has been a community that helped her build connections, develop leadership skills, and gain the confidence to pursue her future career.