[Editor's note: The NC State Agricultural Institute (AGI) - NCSU's 2-year degree program - celebrates its 65th year. Extension Farm Law and Tax editor Andrew Branan has recently begun serving as the program coordinator for students enrolled in AGI's agribusiness management degree taught in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. As such, expect to find announcements here on this program's contributions to North Carolina's agribusiness and resource management economy. The post below comes directly from AGI's announcement.]
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the Agricultural Institute (AGI) proudly announce that Michael Palko has been hired as the recruiter and internship coordinator for the AGI and CALS degree programs. He comes to the AGI and CALS with recent experience as a sales manager and agriculture educator.
Michael earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from the Agricultural Institute, majoring in Livestock and Poultry Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science from NC State University. He has hands-on experience with agricultural equipment operation, animal care, student camp counseling, and student club leadership.
The Agricultural Institute has built its reputation and legacy on hands-on training, and Michael embodies this type of education, developing skill sets that students can model. He demonstrates a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, a think-and-do mentality, and attention to detail.
The recruiter position and internship coordinator will result in a broader network of relationships with potential students and industry professionals. Michael will leverage the resources of the AGI and CALS to recruit strategically within currently established partnerships and explore unrealized opportunities to share the mission and capabilities of those receiving an agricultural degree from NC State University. He will also advise the Agricultural Institute Club, a long-standing and successful student organization.
Dr. Lee Ivy, Director of the Agricultural Institute and Assistant Director of Academic Programs in CALS, shares his enthusiasm for Michael and his new position. “Students easily relate to him, and he is likable to people of all ages. His leadership experiences will assist students in making their home in the AGI and CALS, and his strategic thinking will continue to build the AGI brand. He understands the vast opportunities available to our graduates and that confidence and enthusiasm will pay dividends for the College by resonating with potential students.” Michael will lead the internship program and expand its network, meaning potential employers will interact with him regularly. Dr. Alyssa Degreenia, Assistant Director of the Agricultural Institute and Internship Coordinator, held this responsibility and dramatically enhanced its scope and impact. She will return her full focus to leadership courses within the AGI and coordinate the AGI Ambassadors program.
If you would like to speak with Michael about potential students you know and ways to direct them to NC State University, CALS, and the AGI, please contact him at mepalko@ncsu.edu.
