The High Plains Farm Credit Student Board of Directors is a group of juniors and seniors attending Fort Hays State University. These students have the opportunity to gain industry knowledge and develop leadership skills as they study business or agriculture.
High Plains Farm Credit Student Board of Directors
HPFC Student Board Mission
To provide opportunities to those students wishing to gain leadership skills by participating in an academic/corporate agricultural finance experience. This includes exposure to the function of a board of directors and the development of decision-making skills related to a financial cooperative.
2025 to 2026 High Plains Farm Credit Student Board of Directors. Back row includes Jessie Ruff, Camden Rietcheck, Ethan McPherson, Megan Jacobs, Chloe Ecord, and Kaylee Noll. Front row includes Jaiden Pfannenstiel, Tera Wistuba, Sarah Jones, Kassadee Dickey, and Zoey Sneed.
FHSU Advisors
Meet the Fort Hays State University faculty members providing guidance for students!
Program Structure
The HPFC Student Board of Directors meets monthly from September through April. Each of the eight meetings is held at the High Plains Farm Credit office in Hays and is planned based on students’ schedules.
Meetings may consist of a short presentation by HPFC directors and staff, student development work, and progress towards completing a group research project.
Members will also have the opportunity to earn a $65 meeting per diem, pending meeting attendance!
Recent Research Projects
Each year, the student board is assigned a topic to explore through a group research project. The group then presents the research at the conclusion of the program.
From artificial intelligence to plant-based proteins, review some of the recent projects!
Student Board Testimonials
Our program has positively impacted many students looking to expand their agricultural knowledge.
But don’t just take it from us: hear about it firsthand from those involved in the HPFC Student Board of Directors!
“Serving on the High Plains Farm Credit Student Board of Directors has been one of the most valuable and efficient ways for me to build financial knowledge. Combined with my coursework at Fort Hays State University, it laid a strong foundation for both career success and personal financial responsibility. Each month, I looked forward to the agenda, reconnecting with fellow student board members, and learning from the executive leadership whose insights greatly enriched the experience.”
“The HPFC Student Board of Directors is an invaluable opportunity for FHSU students. With this experience, students can expand their professional skillset, network with industry leaders, and gain lifelong knowledge to take into our communities, careers, and future endeavors.”
“The High Plains Farm Credit student advisory board is an opportunity for students to put learning into action and make a difference in the future of the agriculture industry and banking in Kansas. This unique collaborative experience helps students to build a future in finance, expand their network with industry leaders, share a voice in the drafting of forward-thinking agriculture lending policy, and engage in leading-edge agriculture and banking research.”
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application by May 1, 2026!
If you’re ready to start building professional experience in the agriculture finance industry, you’ve come to the right place.
Follow the steps to apply for the High Plains Farm Credit Student Board of Directors today!
- 1
Complete
the application form below.
- 2
Submit
the form, resume, transcript, and a description of why you are interested in becoming a student board member to:
Dr. Emily Breit
Professor of Finance
McCartney Hall 203E
785-628-5318
esbreit@fhsu.eduMr. Jeremy Ryan
Lecturer of Agricultural Business
Albertson Hall 218A
785-628-4733
jlryan3@fhsu.eduLetters will be sent to those selected to serve on the board.
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