Agribusiness Senior Looks Forward to Career after Graduation
Agribusiness Senior Looks Forward to Career after Graduation
MOUNT OLIVE— Growing up in Wayne County, Patricia Purvis was no stranger to the University of Mount Olive (UMO). She attended Southern Wayne High School (SWHS), where she was active in FFA and developed a love for agriculture. School functions led Purvis to visit UMO numerous times, and she was eager to attend the University for her higher education.
After graduating from SWHS in the spring of 2012, she enrolled at UMO. “I was drawn to UMO because of the close distance to my family and the Agriculture Department. The idea of the small classes and having a personal relationship with my professors was also appealing to me.”
Once at UMO, Purvis pursued a degree in agribusiness. “I knew I wanted to major in agriculture because I was involved in FFA and worked on a produce farm with close family friends for several years, and it became my passion,” Purvis said.
During Purvis’ academic journey, she enjoyed participating in extracurricular activities such as Collegiate FFA and Young Farmers and Ranchers. Purvis was even awarded the American FFA Degree while attending UMO.
The Division Chair of Agriculture Dr. Sandy Maddox, along with Purvis’ family and friends, have been extremely supportive of Purvis’ educational pursuits and encouraged her to seek internship opportunities.
“One of the most rewarding events that I experienced was the opportunity to intern on a sweet potato farm in Lucama during the summers of 2014 and 2015,” explained Purvis. “This internship allowed me to further develop and implement the skills which I was learning in the classroom.”
Purvis has already accepted a job offer from Clifton SeedCompany in Faison. She will begin work after her graduation from UMO on May 7.
“I will miss UMO’s small classes and all the close friends I have made. My time at the University has taught me valuable skills that will help me advance in the agriculture industry. I look forward to working at Clifton Seed Company and putting my education to work,” smiled Purvis.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College. For more information, visit old.umo.edu.