Involvement is Everything
Earning a degree and being part of an athletic team would be enough to keep most college students busy. However, for Evan Shepard, being engaged and involved is what the college experience is all about.
Along with being a member of the Midland track and field team, Evan has made his presence throughout campus in various ways. He has been an Admissions Ambassador and Resident Advisor for three years, currently serves as president of FCA, and is also a member of Cru and the Agribusiness Club.
“One of my top (Clifton) strengths is WOO (Winning Others Over), and I love meeting with new people, building relationships, and maintaining those relationships down the road. It’s allowed me to make more connections and give me more career development opportunities. It’s also prepared me for being able to juggle my time. I know that when work gets busy, I can still prioritize spending time with my family and doing other things.”
Thanks to a strong family presence on campus, Evan already had some built-in connections when he arrived at Midland. His brother, Weston, is a Midland alum who now works as the Controller in the business office. Weston’s wife, Michaela, is also a Midland alum who serves as Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Evan also has several cousins who have graduated from or are currently attending Midland.
“I’ve been an ambassador since I got here, so it’s awesome to walk in there every day and see a face I know with Michaela. Seeing people like Weston and Michaela on campus, that you know and love, has been very comforting. I like to be held accountable, and having family around me, and representing the Shepard name, has helped me uphold the standard they’ve set before me.”
Having family on campus influenced Evan’s decision to attend Midland, but being part of a close-knit community was also appealing to him. “I come from a small town, so I like the community feel at Midland. You can walk around campus and recognize about 90 percent of the people you come across. Athletics have been a big part of our family’s life, so getting the chance to compete in track and field was an awesome opportunity as well.”
While he doesn’t come from an agricultural background, Evan became interested in the industry’s financial side and hopes to parlay that into a career. More fuel was added to that fire over the summer as he completed an internship with Farm Credit Services. “I think this past summer’s experience really hit the nail on the head for what I want to do. I like being able to serve the farm community, and I got to see first-hand how we can impact farmers and the community. It helps provide farmers with the money to start an operation.
“I’ve been very appreciative to have someone like Erik Hoegemeyer (Assistant Professor of Agribusiness and Economics) as a professor. He has so many connections in the ag industry and having him on a resume is awesome. He, and all the professors at Midland, care about students and want us to succeed.”
As he enters the final year of his time at Midland, Evan is grateful for the experiences and memories he will carry with him. “At bigger schools, you aren’t able to build the same kind of relationships you are here. I’ve had the experience of meeting people from other states, countries, and backgrounds and that will stay with me wherever I go.”
Evan Shepard is a senior Agricultural Business major from Ashland, Nebraska.
