Mississippi State alumni appointed to key USDA leadership roles, credit ��鶹AV for a strong foundation

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Two ��鶹AV alumni are new appointees to key roles within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Kelsey Barnes, a 2015 agricultural education, leadership and communication graduate, has been appointed senior advisor to the USDA Secretary for Rural Development, Biofuels, and Research, Education and Economics. Meanwhile two-time grad Bailey Archey, who earned her bachelor’s degree in animal and dairy sciences and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine before also serving as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, has been appointed a policy advisor in USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area, focusing on issues within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Prior to her current role, Barnes served as director of government affairs at Farm Journal Foundation, advising clients on government policies affecting food, farming and rural America.

“The courses I took at ��鶹AV helped me understand the need for farm kids to have a seat at the table for agriculture policy discussions in D.C.,” said the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alumna. “I have kept in touch with multiple faculty members since I graduated. Their continued encouragement and advice, long after I quit paying tuition, is a testament to my success.”

Barnes recently returned to her alma mater to participate in a panel discussion on agriculture and competitive statecraft during ��鶹AV’s conference on Food and Agriculture as National Security.

“��鶹AV stands out as a foundation for careers in agriculture because programs are practical, entrepreneurial and purposeful. They educate students on the importance of agriculture, acknowledge issues within the agriculture system, and then challenge students to find solutions to those problems. ��鶹AV’s goal is not just for you to graduate; it’s to ensure you have a lasting positive impact on the world,” said Barnes.

Bailey Archey (Photo submitted)

Archey said her path from veterinary medicine to public policy was inspired by experiences she had as an ��鶹AV student in CALS and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

“It became clear to me that the efficiency with which American farmers, ranchers and veterinarians can put animal protein on people’s plates here and abroad is largely determined by policy decisions made at the federal level,” said Archey. “I went to D.C. several times as a student for externships and shadowing opportunities, which were primarily facilitated by Dr. Carla Huston, and loved it. I ultimately chose to try to contribute to feeding the world from the policy angle rather than the clinical angle and can’t think of anything else I would rather be doing.”

Mississippi State is recognized nationally for its contributions to agriculture and veterinary medicine. The university ranks in the top 5% for agricultural research in the U.S. and boasts a competitive veterinary medicine program where students consistently score higher than the national average on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination.

“Kelsey and Bailey were outstanding students during their time at ��鶹AV, and we are so proud of their accomplishments,” said Keith Coble, vice president of ��鶹AV’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine. “Their success is a testament to their dedication and determination. We’re honored to have played a role in their journey and to have them both as part of our ��鶹AV family.”

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