UK grad ready to serve Kentucky's agriculture industry

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2025) — Growing up on a fourth-generation farm in Hardin County, Kentucky, Maggie Board danced competitively for 16 years. After graduating from Elizabethtown High School, Board decided to take off the ballet shoes and consider what was best for her academically versus athletically. She chose to attend the University of Kentucky.

“Both of my parents went to UK and they loved it,” Board said. “It just always felt like home, and I knew that I made the right decision."

While at UK, Board was looking for a creative program that could teach her business fundamentals, marketing, analytics and agribusiness. She found the right mix in the agricultural economics undergraduate program at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), following in the footsteps of her father, who graduated with the same degree.

What Board came to find out while enrolled as a student at Martin-Gatton CAFE is that students are supported, and graduates can do so much with the college’s degree programs.

“I realized quickly that agriculture is everywhere, in every sector,” Board said. “The professors are amazing; there are great resources and you get so much encouragement. In addition, the class sizes are generally small, so you really got to know your professors, and they get to know you.”

One of Board’s favorite professors in the Department of Agricultural Economics was Steve Isaccs, Ph.D., UK Extension professor, HR specialist and co-director of the Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program. Board enjoyed Isaccs’ commitment to meeting students where they are and making class fun. Isaccs appreciated Board’s engagement in his class.

“Maggie didn’t just come to class; she was dialed into what was being taught,” Isaccs said. “There are students that you can see learning, and that was very noticeable with Maggie’s expressions. I teach for those moments and Maggie provided them.”

Outside of the classroom is where Board found new personal and professional opportunities to grow.

As the director of alumni relations at Delta Zeta, Board put the dancing shoes back on and helped lead her sorority’s efforts in raising money for DanceBlue, a student-run organization that fundraises year-round for the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic along with a 24-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon.

“DanceBlue was one of my best memories,” Board said.

After attending a career fair on campus, Board made connections that helped her pursue internships with Farm Credit Mid-America (FCMA) on the brand experience team and with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, working with the communications department and Kentucky Beef Council.

“Maggie consistently demonstrated initiative and ownership far beyond what is expected of an intern,” said Jeff Hudgins, field marketing specialist at FCMA. “Her ability to independently manage key aspects of her assignments showcased a level of professionalism and accountability that set her apart. I look forward to supporting her journey and watching her thrive as she grows professionally.”

For Board, these internships were a “game-changer.”

“I learned so much in these internships,” Board said. “From stepping out of my comfort zone, learning how to advocate for myself and working on real-world projects I’m taking so many transferable skills with me.”

Board is graduating at the upcoming University of Kentucky Commencement ceremony with her bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and a minor in business from the UK Gatton College of Business and Economics. 

Board offers advice for her peers and fellow students.

“Step out of your comfort zone, stay curious and show up,” Board said. “It’s okay to find out what you don’t want to do, versus always trying to figure out what you want to do. Pushing yourself makes you stronger in the long run.”

After graduation, Board will be working as a credit analyst for FCMA in the Louisville office.

“My education and experiences at the University of Kentucky were amazing — I wouldn’t have changed anything,” Board said. “I feel prepared and feel that I can go into any career field in the future.”

To learn more about the agricultural economics degree at Martin-Gatton CAFE, visit https://www.mgcafe.uky.edu/academics/programs/bachelors/agricultural-economics.

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UK’s December 2025 Commencement ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, and livestreamed on YouTube. Visit uknow.uky.edu or commencement.uky.edu on Friday to watch.