eCarly@CALS

Scott Henry - Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award Winner

Today, at the annual ISUAA Winter Board Luncheon, The Iowa State Alumni Association will present the Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award to Scott and four other recipients (2/24/12).

Name: Scott Henry

Major: Agricultural Business, International Agriculture and Finance

Hometown: Nevada, Iowa

What does it mean to you to be receiving the Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award?

It is very humbling to be recognized with the other individuals also receiving this award. Many seniors at Iowa State were incredibly qualified and to be selected as an award recipient. It is truly an honor.

What university and community activities have you been involved with while attending Iowa State University?

Most notably would be my time spent as a senator on GSB, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council member, Memorial Union Board of Directors, VEISHEA executive committee, ISU women's basketball scout team player, and a proud member of FarmHouse Fraternity as well as several other clubs and organizations. One thing I have truly enjoyed doing over the last four years, along with several other Wallace E. Barron Award recipients, has been representing ISU on many different international travel opportunities through the study abroad office and internships. Outside of Iowa State I've served as a GRIP mentor and as a leader for The Salt Company.

What honors or scholarships have you received?

I am a member of Cardinal Key and have received many scholarships through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, such as the Fred Foreman Scholarship and Clarence Jack Scholarship, as well as others through FarmHouse Fraternity, FFA and several organizations in the agriculture industry.

Have you been involved with any off-campus/community work while attending Iowa State University?

Being a GRIP mentor has been a very rewarding off-campus experience for me as it has allowed me to meet weekly over lunch with an elementary student to talk about life and play games. It really has helped me realize the value of the mentors I've had in my own life. I've also interned with several different companies over the years and have been officiating varsity basketball and football for local high schools as well.

Has there been a particular staff member or professor that you have really looked up to? If so, who and why?

I've had the opportunity to work with many excellent faculty and staff in my time at ISU, but three really stand out to me. Kevin Kimle, the director of the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative, has spent a lot of time with me discussing different entrepreneurial activities in the ag industry and has shown me just how important it is to be willing to look outside the box and embrace change. Associate Dean David Acker has been someone who I've really looked up to because of his willingness to make time for students and help them accomplish whatever it is they're pursuing. He's also been a huge motivation for me when it comes to wanting to better understand the international side of agriculture. And lastly, Professor Dermot Hayes has always been someone I've looked up to because of his ability to understand the big picture and discern what opportunities available to us today will help a person, or business, reach his or her goals.

What advice do you have for incoming freshman who want to get involved?

My advice for any incoming freshman wanting to get involved would be to first, surround yourself with a group of people that will push you towards accomplishing your goals, whatever they may be. Second, establish your priorities early and have someone keep you accountable to them. Third, travel internationally while in college to gain a global perspective on our world and the industry you're pursuing. And lastly, get to know the faculty and staff within your department and college because you'd be surprised at how much you can learn from them outside of the classroom. If you're in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences I'd also say get involved with the Ag Entrepreneurship Initiative as it will completely change your perspective on how you approach problems and tasks, whether you own your own business or not!

What is your future plans following graduation?

After graduation I will be staying in central Iowa, joining the business development team at Summit Farms. My role will be to help them continue growing their diversified operation in Hardin County. I will also be getting married to the beautiful Jessica Penland!

What type of qualities/character do you think a strong leader must possess?

They must be an activator, someone who is willing to take initiative and isn't afraid of change. Leaders must be responsible, making sure things get done in a timely manner without sacrificing quality. But most importantly, a leader must be humble, if they are to lead a group of people, they have to be willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside others to get the job done, and when it is done, give credit to those who deserve it.