Casey Hunter has made a name for himself on Fort Valley State University's (FVSU) campus and beyond with his leadership, involvement and service to others. He lives by the motto, “We before me," which has set the tone for his rising success.
Hunter, a recipient of the FVSU 1890 Scholarship, graduated a semester early in December 2023, with a job offer from Corteva AgriScience already under his belt.
Joining the Wildcat pack in 2020 during the height of COVID-19 was an exciting but daunting adventure as he tried to adapt to a new environment, online learning and connecting with new people.
“Everything shifted right before I came to college, but there is always a blessing in the lessons,” he said. "It prepared me for later down the road.”
The Perry, Georgia, native has roots in southwest Georgia. He recalled growing up on his paternal grandparents' farm in Grady County, where he raised and showed pigs as a youth for Future Farmers of America.
As part of his college years, Hunter wanted to experience diverse agriculture career options. Early on, he interned at Baldwin County High School, where he shadowed the agriculture teacher. He followed that internship up with time at the National Wildlife Federation, Perdue Farms and Syngenta.
In 2022, Hunter joined six other FVSU students on a trip to West Africa to learn about cocoa and shea butter production. "This experience and the knowledge I’ve gained have been so pivotal for me in wanting to become a change agent within the agricultural sector.”
Working toward this purpose, Hunter served as an Agriculture Future for America (AFA) Ambassador. His connection with AFA led to an interview with Corteva AgriScience. He is an associate territory manager with the company now.
"I will be the only African American in my cohort," Hunter said. “That is another reason why I want to be in agriculture. Not too many people look like me. There are perspectives to be heard and understood. I am glad I am leading the pathway.”