Students Gain New Opportunities
This spring, the University of Wyoming’s Agricultural Communications program is entering a new phase with new leadership, fresh energy and a focus on student opportunities. Leading this change is Haylee Jo Henry, the new head of the Agricultural Communications (AGCM) program in the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources.
Henry is joining the program at an important time. Enrollment has been growing as agriculture connects more with public policy, media, marketing and community engagement. She wants to do more than keep that growth going; her plans include raising the program’s profile, building stronger industry ties and offering more hands-on experiences for students.
“This role is a significant milestone for me,” Henry said. “I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who invested in me, challenged me and believed in my potential. This position gives me the opportunity to offer that same support to the students I’m fortunate to connect with in this role.”
One of Henry’s first big projects is starting Principles of Agricultural Communications, a course that introduces students to the basics of the field.
“What excites me most is helping students develop a clear understanding of what agricultural communications is and why it matters,” she said. “This course isn’t just for AGCM majors; it’s for anyone interested in how communication shapes the agricultural industry.”
The course combines theory with hands-on learning, encouraging students to reflect on how agriculture is presented and understood. Students will learn to see how communication affects public opinion, policy, marketing and the relationships between producers and consumers.
“I hope students finish the course with practical skills they can apply in their future careers, regardless of their majors,” she said. “More than anything, I want them to understand how communication fits into agriculture and how they can use those skills professionally.”2
Henry has big plans for the future of the Agricultural Communications program. She wants to give students more chances to get real-world experience and connect with professionals who can guide and challenge them.
“I’ve always been someone who reaches for the stars, and my vision for this program is no different,” Henry said. “My goal is to equip students with real‑world skills, meaningful experiences, and professional networks that help them succeed.”
This means building the program’s reputation in Wyoming and in the wider agricultural communications field. Henry wants UW students to graduate with strong portfolios and the confidence to take part in important conversations about agriculture.
“It is so nice to finally have a class dedicated to Agricultural Communications majors. It finally feels like we have structure in our program,” Aspen Gair, an AGCM major, said.
A part of Henry’s plan involves revitalizing the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) club at UW. ACT is a national organization that supports students pursuing careers in agricultural communication through leadership development, networking and professional growth.
“ACT plays an essential role in the Ag Communications program,” Henry said. “It provides students with opportunities to develop their skills alongside peers both locally and nationally.”
She wants to create a place where students can explore their interests in writing, photography, digital media, public relations and advocacy. She says ACT should serve as a home base for AGCM majors and a welcoming community for any student interested in agriculture or communication.
With Henry leading, the Agricultural Communications program is set to grow in both size and impact. Her focus on mentorship, hands-on learning and industry partnerships aligns with a broader trend in agriculture, where communication is key to connecting producers, consumers, policymakers and the public.
For students, this means more chances to learn, lead and find their place in a field that affects every part of agriculture.
