STUDENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A firsthand look into the agriculture finance industry.

High Plains Farm Credit is proud to partner with Fort Hays State University to offer students the opportunity to serve on a student advisory board! Ready to learn more about what the experience has to offer?

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.

Benefits of Serving

Throughout their time on the board, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and valuable knowledge about the Farm Credit System.

  • Gain valuable industry knowledge
  • Find an edge in the job market
  • Build a network of professional contacts
  • Develop essential leadership skills
  • Exercise important decision-making skills
Group photo depicting members of the 2023-2024 High Plains Farm Credit Student Board of Directors
2023-2024 High Plains Farm Credit Student Board from left to right: (back) Pierce Applegate, Bintu Adama Fall, Garrett Parr, Dylan Bruntz; (front) Takira Ann Blick, Jessalyn Kirchhoff, Karlee Feyh

Current Student Board

Get to know the current student board that’s made up of individuals from a variety of majors!

FHSU Advisors

Meet the Fort Hays State University faculty members providing guidance for students!

Dr. Dosse Toulaboe

Chair, Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting, and Professor of Economics

Mr. Jeremy Ryan

Instructor of Agricultural Business

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!

Student Board Eligibility

Learn more about eligibility and selection criteria to be a member of the student board!

Academic Criteria
  • FHSU College of Business or Agriculture Students
  • Sophomore or Junior Standing
Consecutive Terms
  • Directors may serve consecutive years by reapplying for a position each spring
  • Students are eligible to continue on the board after graduation only if pursuing a graduate degree at FHSU
  • Directors are eligible to serve a maximum of four years

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 drones in agriculture to plant-based proteins, review some of the recent projects!

2023

Blockchain Technology

Explore the history of Blockchain and some of the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. The presentation also highlights the current and potential uses that could impact agriculture.

2022

Plant-based Proteins

This research project covers the topic of plant-based proteins, with a specific emphasis on the contents of the products, regulatory environment, and potential impact on the global protein market.

During the project, the student board conducted a survey on campus at FHSU, canvassing their peers’ opinions regarding the taste and impression of traditional beef versus a plant-based protein alternative. Their research focused on plant-based proteins that were developed to mimic traditional, animal-based protein.

2021

Drones in Agriculture

Drone technology is relatively young and has many exciting current and potential uses in the agriculture industry. Tasked with researching drone applications in this industry, the student board interviewed several local drone operators, explored new uses for existing technology, and visited the drone lab at Fort Hays State University.

They also researched the regulations involving drone use in agriculture, which continually appeared to be the largest barrier to local usage.

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!

Megan Cranwell, Staff Accountant
Megan Cranwell
2021 Student Board Chair

“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.”

 

Brock Davis, 2021 Student Board Member
Brock Davis
2021 Student Board Member

“By being a part of the HPFC Student Board, you will not only gain knowledge and insight about the entire AG lending process from industry experts but also learn how a board of directors functions, all while sharpening your professional skills. It is an awesome opportunity unique to FHSU students that should be taken advantage of!”

Dr. Tisa Mason, President of FHSU
Dr. Tisa Mason
President of Fort Hays State University

“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?

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!

COMPLETE

the application form below.

SUBMIT

the form, resume, transcript, and a description of why you are interested in becoming a student board member to:

Dr. Dosse Toulaboe
Chair, Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting, and Professor of Economics
McCartney Hall 201B
785-628-5868
d_toulaboe@fhsu.edu

Letters will be sent to those selected to serve on the board.
CONNECT WITH US!
Linkedin