The UTM Collegiate FFA celebrated the National FFA Week with their second annual UTM National FFA Goodwill Tour Banquet held on Monday, Feb. 21, in the UC Ballroom.

Every year during the National FFA Week, the Tennessee Association FFA State Officers travel across the state to promote the National FFA and the Tennessee Association FFA. This year, four state officers attended the UTM banquet: West Tennessee Vice President Becky Dykes, East Tennessee Vice President John David Boring, State Sentinel Michael Coley, and State President Adam Tipton.

Keynote speaker for the evening was Dr. LeeRoy Kiesling, a former UT Martin professor and Professor Emeritus. Dr. Kiesling talked about leadership and how being a part of the FFA help him develop the skills needed to be successful in the agriculture industry and in his life in general. Dr. Kiesling became the Chair of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources after being a Professor of Occupational Education. Dr. Kiesling was a specialist in Agricultural Education and worked for the FFA and as Tennessee State Commander of the American Legion. FFA Western Regional Vice President Brian Hogue from Arizona State University was also a speaker. He spoke on the famous blue jacket that FFA members wear and its importance. Former Middle Tennessee Vice President Allie Shrum and former West Tennessee Vice President Leanne Quinn did a presentation on what exactly the UTM Collegiate FFA does for the school and the community.

Pamela Bartholomew, UTM Collegiate FFA president, said, “Collegiate FFA is one of the largest agricultural organizations on the UTM campus having 60 paid members. The UTM Collegiate FFA is an extension of High School FFA programs except for one very important thing, you don’t have to be an agriculture major, taken an agriculture class, or even been in FFA in High School to be a part of the organization. I have thoroughly enjoyed by time spent in the UTM Collegiate FFA. Being president has been only one of the wonderful experiences I have achieved during my time as a member of FFA.”

There have been six past National FFA officers that are currently attending UTM and one present officer, Christopher Cherry from Henderson, Tenn.