Paul Young Receives UMO Young Alumni Award
November 18, 2024
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
GREENE COUNTY, NC—Paul Young, Jr., an agriculture education teacher, was awarded the 2024 Young Alumni Award during the University of Mount Olive’s (UMO) Annual Alumni Awards Ceremony, which was part of the University’s Homecoming Weekend.
From Bolton, NC, Young attributes his success to the encouragement and support of his parents, Audrey and Christopher Ripley and Paul Young, Sr., as well as his grandparents, Laura Waddell, John, and Carrie Young. They instilled in him a deep appreciation for the land and a strong work ethic, values that have defined his career and life path.
Young began his academic journey by earning an associate in arts degree from Southeastern Community College in 2015. He then transferred to UMO, graduating in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education. In his pursuit of continued professional growth, Young earned a master’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University in 2021.
Over his seven-year teaching career, Young has made a significant impact in the field of agricultural education. For five years, he taught in Cumberland County Schools, and for the past two years, he has served the students of Greene County Schools. Throughout this time, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership by coaching 20 Future Farmers of America (FFA) teams in competitive events such as Agronomy, Floriculture, Introduction to Horticulture, and Nursery/Landscape. His teams have achieved impressive results, with 11 placing in the top three at the state level and three winning their respective contests.
Young’s influence extends beyond his classroom. Several of his former students have pursued higher education at UMO. His dedication to his students and his commitment to shaping the future of agriculture have earned him prestigious recognition from his alma mater. His contributions continue to leave a lasting mark on both his students and the agricultural community.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. It was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
