UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Admissions

Leslie Svacina (Shuler)

Why did you choose to attend UWRF?
I was interested in a career in agriculture communications and education. My high school agriculture teachers/FFA advisors were UWRF graduates and introduced me to UW-River Falls. The university has a very strong College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES). After taking a campus tour and meeting with faculty, it was an easy choice. I knew I belonged at UW-River Falls and in CAFES.

What was your most memorable UWRF experience?
My most memorable experience was going backpacking on a KinniConnection spring break trip on Cumberland Island, off the southeast coast of Georgia. I couldn't see myself going on the traditional spring break trip. I love the outdoors, so the trip was really appealing. It was a great experience seeing a part of the country that I have never seen and getting to know the other students on the trip. It was little more adventurous than planned since there was a severe thunderstorm and flood warnings. We made it through the night sleeping in our tents.

What was your favorite course at UWRF? Why?
Completing my first internship/taking an internship course. After my sophomore year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and moved to Kansas City for the summer to work as a public relations intern for a crop insurance trade association.  It was the first true experience where I  could see the connection between my college classes and the real work world.  I was able to build ag communication skills and experiences in writing, photography and marketing.  Moving far away from home and campus for the summer also helped me grow as an individual, increasing my confidence as a young professional and knowing that I could truly be on my own.  This internship experience also helped me secure a second internship with a large agribusiness in the Twin Cities, which later led to my first ag communications job after graduation.

How did your degree prepare you for your current profession?
As a small business owner and farmer, I'm responsible for the business operations and marketing for my farm. The agribusiness and marketing communications coursework still serve as a strong foundation for doing bookwork, making business decisions and direct marketing my farm and its products.

As the executive director for the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators, my degree has prepared me to help advocate for our state's agriculture teachers and the profession of agricultural education. I also manage the organization's business operations and plan the annual Professional Development Conference.  In particular, the agribusiness coursework,  journalism classes and learning how to create and execute marketing plans have helped me in this position.

What advice do you have for prospective students who are considering UWRF?
You’ll find your fit at UW-River Falls. The faculty and staff truly care about helping students excel  in their majors and work towards their career goals. Get involved with a student organization related to your major or related to something you’re passionate about. 

For students interested in agriculture, food and  natural resources majors/careers, UW-River Falls is a great choice that will  lead to awesome career opportunities down the road.  Most of my friendships continue today as professional colleagues and on a personal level.  When I was in college, I knew UWRF had a strong College of Agriculture, Food and  Environmental Sciences (CAFES). But, I didn’t realize until I graduated and was working in the agribusiness industry how well regarded CAFES is on a regional and national level. UWRF CAFES has a strong reputation for building promising, agricultural industry leaders. It’s impressive and it makes me proud given the size of the campus in relationship to some of the larger, well-known Land Grant universities that offer agricultural-related programs.

Career Highlights/Awards/Recognition (list):

  • Diverse career in agricultural communications and education, including working in corporate communications for CHS and as an internship coordinator at the University of Minnesota for students in the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences
  • Past President, UW-River Falls College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
  • Award winning marketing communications professional, recognized through National Agri-Marketing Association, Cooperative Communicators Association and National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
  • Wisconsin Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Agriculturalist, Excellent in Agriculture Award Finalist
  • Past Wisconsin State FFA Officer

Leslie Svacina (Shuler)
Leslie Svacina (Shuler),
Owner/Farmer, Cylon Rolling Acres
Executive Director, Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educator

Major/Year
Marketing Communications in Agriculture, minor in Agribusiness - B.S. 2004

Hometown:
Oneida, WI

Current Residence:
Deer Park, WI

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Contact Us

Admissions Office
103 Rodli Hall
admissions@uwrf.edu
715-425-3500
M-F, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.