Steward of the Land: UMO Grad Leads Conservation Work in Nash County
June 9, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
NASH COUNTY, NC — Sullivan “Sully” Barnes isn’t one to stay behind a desk for long. Whether walking farmland with a local grower or inspecting creek banks for erosion issues, his work as a Natural Resources Conservationist with Nash County Soil and Water keeps him grounded—literally—in the needs of rural North Carolina. A December 2024 graduate of the University of Mount Olive, Barnes has quickly become a key resource for landowners seeking to manage their properties more sustainably and protect the region’s natural systems.
Barnes’ journey into conservation began with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Growing up in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and living abroad as a military child—including time in Okinawa, Japan—he developed a strong sense of adaptability and curiosity about the natural world. He earned his Eagle Scout rank in 2018 and graduated high school in 2021 before enrolling at UMO that fall.
“I chose the University of Mount Olive because it was a small school in a small town, and that was perfect for me,” Barnes said. “The professors know you by name, and my hands-on experience there shaped my interest in natural resource conservation. I was never bored—I loved learning outside. It never felt like school.”
At UMO, Barnes became a frequent presence at the University’s Herring Farm. In this outdoor learning laboratory, he immersed himself in wetland sciences, ecology, wildlife management, forestry, and field-site testing. “The Herring Farm was my favorite place to go during class,” he said. “Everything I learned there was fun and directly translatable to a career.”
That immersive approach to education left a lasting impression. “Sully was one of the hardest-working students I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring,” said Assistant Professor Dr. Jared Locklear. “His dedication to the conservation work at Herring Farm and his leadership in the field made him a model representative of UMO’s programs. He exemplifies what it means to turn passion into purpose.”
Barnes credits several faculty members for influencing his academic and professional path, including Dr. Jered Locklear, Dr. Jason Davis, and Dr. Scott Tilley. Tilley’s Soil Science course sparked Barnes’ interest in soil health—a subject that ultimately led him to pursue a role with the Soil and Water Conservation District.
As a Natural Resources Conservationist, Barnes works closely with landowners and agricultural producers to implement conservation practices. His responsibilities are wide-ranging, from navigating state-funded cost-share programs to field inspections, board meetings, and educational outreach. No two days are the same.
“One day I might be out in the field talking to farmers about erosion control, and the next I’m at a training with USDA partners,” he said. “The most rewarding part is knowing that the work I help with today will benefit both the environment and future generations of landowners.”
Currently, Barnes is involved in a state-funded Stream Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP), where the county is restoring over 3.5 miles of creek by clearing obstructive debris above the waterline. “This reduces flooding risk for local communities and improves watershed health,” he explained. “But we’re careful to leave submerged trees that support aquatic life and help prevent erosion.”
While his role requires balancing environmental protection with the practical needs of agriculture, Barnes takes a collaborative approach. “We’re not a regulatory agency—we’re here to encourage and support,” he said. “It’s better for conservation to have farmers who care about their land than to have development take over.”
Looking back, Barnes sees his time at UMO as transformational—academically, personally, and spiritually. “I grew my education, made friends I now call family, and strengthened my relationship with Jesus,” he shared. “UMO allowed me to learn in the classroom and in the field. That made all the difference.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
