AEE September Student of the Month
The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize Ella Strickland as the Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month for September. Ella is currently a sophomore majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education as well as minoring in International Agriculture. Ella intends to graduate from Penn State in May of 2027. Ella is from Maysville, Georgia and she graduated from East Jackson Comprehensive High School. Throughout Ella's time in high school, she was involved in the Jackson FFA -Empower FFA Chapter. She said "I was my chapter's secretary and served as North Region Area II Sentinel. I was also involved in many different CDEs Including Vet science, Agricultural Communications, and Agricultural Sales. I was also involved in exhibiting lambs".
When asked why she chose to attend Penn State here is what Ella had to say "I chose Penn state because of a family connection. From this connection I decided to visit the campus during fall of my senior year. Upon meeting the staff and faculty in the AEE major I had made up my mind on whether or not I would apply to Penn State. Everyone was very welcoming and made the transition to college easier. On a lighter note, fall is pretty in Pennsylvania and how could I turn down the opportunity to experience that for the next four years". Ella is a member of the PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters club; she is also on the Penn State Equestrian team. Ella works as an AEE communication intern on campus. Ella's favorite place to hang out on campus is either at the creamery or in Ferguson. Ella says her favorite place to eat on campus is at McAllister's.
Ella's favorite PSU class has been the GOALS program this is comprised of two classes AEE 400 and AEE 497. Ella said, "This was by far my favorite class because I got a lot of real-life experiences and got to make many connections with other universities across the US."
Ella says "My interest in agriculture stems from my love for animals. However, that simple interest turned into a passion when I learned the importance of the ag industry. From there I was certain that I wanted to advocate for this industry that provided me with so many opportunities and growth experiences." Ella's future plans are to go into the teaching profession. She also said " I eventually would like to advance my career and work on policy for the department of agriculture.
One interesting fact about Ella is " that I used to show and now raise club lambs back home. I currently have 5 breeding ewes that have lambs in the spring. I then take these lambs and give them to local FFA students in my community that have a passion for livestock, but unfortunately cannot afford to purchase their own livestock. I gained a lot by showing lambs through FFA, and hope to one day make the livestock exhibiting experience more accessible to students."
A defining moment in Ella's college career is that she is currently a part of Roar for more. This is a program at university park that allows you to raise a service dog for Susquehanna Service dogs. To the side you will see a picture of Ella with the service dog she will be raising of Susquehanna Service dog.
Ella's favorite quote is:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world”
Follow Ella on Instagram at @strickland.m_e
Cameron Goodyear
CPPD Student Worker
Agricultural and Extension EducationClass of 2026
