The College of Agricultural Sciences will gain a young leader as Paxton Morse joins the ranks of SIU’s freshman class. A 2016 graduate of Eldorado High School, Morse took a gap year to serve as a FFA officer section president for the state of Illinois. During the past year, Morse traveled to all 332 FFA chapters across the state to advocate for Illinois agriculture. He also traveled to Springfield and presented to the Illinois Senate.

Morse’s goal is to become a high school agriculture teacher. “I am committed to teaching others about the importance of agriculture and its mission to feed the world.”

Coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale was an easy choice for Morse.

“SIU plays such a big part in FFA by supporting its activities and giving the program needed supplies. Plus, the College of Agricultural Sciences has really made me feel at home. The professors and staff all know my name, they are friendly, and just make me feel like family. There is really no other college and university I’d rather be attending.”

To learn more about supporting the College of Agricultural Sciences through Forever SIU: The Campaign for Students, visit http://foreversiu.org/colleges-units/agricultural-sciences.php, or contact the foundation at 618/453-4900 or siuf@foundation.siu.edu.

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