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Senior Spotlight – Justin Swanton

Justin SwantonJustin Swanton will be graduating from Iowa State University this fall with his bachelor’s degree in both Animal Science and Agricultural Communications. He was recently selected to receive the Fall 2020 Leadership Excellence Award at commencement. Throughout his time at Iowa State, Justin was involved in many clubs and activities.

Justin is an active member of the Block and Bridle club where he held the office of Senior CALS Council Representative and President, and also received the 2nd place National Outstanding Junior Award. He also competed on both the Livestock Judging Team and Meat Animal Evaluation Team.

During his time at Iowa State, Justin had the opportunity to take part in a study abroad trip to England and Scotland where he enjoyed learning about their unique livestock production systems. He has also worked as a teaching assistant for ANS 225 – Swine Science and ANS 305 – Livestock Evaluation, and is serving as a peer mentor for freshmen animal science students.

Justin is exploring job options following graduation and is searching for a career in marketing and communications in the livestock industry. He received experience in these areas during his various internships throughout college. These internships included Berkwood Farms as the Operations Intern and the National Swine Registry where he worked closely with the National Junior Swine Association to coordinate and facilitate both the National Junior Summer Spectacular and The Exposition, two of the largest junior swine shows of the year. During this past summer Justin also had the honor of completing an internship with the National Pork Board based out of Des Moines.

Justin said that Iowa State has been his dream school since elementary since he grew up surrounded by agriculture and the livestock industry. It is safe to say that Justin found outstanding success here at Iowa State, but he didn’t do it alone. Justin would like to thank the entire Department of Animal Science for their support throughout his college career. He also stated that his favorite professor at Iowa State is Dr. Sterle because as his advisor she was always there to help him, and he grew to know her as a friend as well as a professor.

Justin’s advice to incoming students:

“Get involved right away whatever your interests are - join a club. It will open up opportunities you never thought possible. Never be afraid to try something new, college is your opportunity to explore your interests.”