This semester, Aubriel Jones served as the first-ever student academic advisor for the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (DARE) in the College of Agricultural Sciences.
As an advisor, Jones helps guide students through their undergraduate experience by evaluating graduation tracks and recommending courses. She has demonstrated a true commitment to her department, academics and the students she serves.
“I’m really passionate about helping people, helping students,” Jones says. “I love helping students find their sense of belonging and purpose.”
Academic Success Coordinator Melanie Calderwood says working with Jones has been a positive experience for her and the students.
“It’s been really neat to see how the students have responded to her and how the relationships are flourishing,” Calderwood says. “The response has been so good that we, as a department, are looking to see if this is a program that could work long-term.”
Colorado State has had as much of an impact on Jones as she has had on the university. She is graduating with a degree in agricultural literacy and dual minor in global and environmental sustainability and agricultural resource economics.
“CSU is based on passion, and that’s what I base my life on,” she says. “I’ve been presented with so many opportunities, and it’s really directed me in the direction I want to go.”
Jones has always been passionate about the agriculture industry. She grew up on an organic farm in Nebraska and knew that Colorado State would lead her down the path she wanted to pursue.
“CSU was the only school I applied to,” she says. “I appreciated the holistic approach CSU has when it comes to teaching students about agriculture, sustainability and the impact we have on our environment.”
With the help of scholarship awards and grant opportunities, Jones has been able to attend CSU as an out-of-state student with tuition comparable to in-state rates. She has been awarded more than $46,000 during her academic career.
“Scholarships have allowed me to attend the college of my dreams, and as a first-generation, out-of-state student it gave me a sense of a support system,” she says. “They’ve had a huge impact on my college career.”
During her undergraduate career, not only has Jones been an academic advisor, but also a member of Key Communities. She has served as external engagement chair and secretary of Ag Ambassadors, has participated with the Presidential Leadership Program and is a member of the National Honor Society of Collegiate Scholars.
After graduation, Jones will be working with the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union hosting events and conducting outreach and engagement as an assistant director of membership for eastern Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming.
Jones says that although she is leaving the university for now, she plans to actively participate in the alumni association and hopes to return at some point in her career as a faculty or staff member.
“CSU is an advocate for so many things and industries, and there is so much to be a part of,” Jones says. “I love how much the people here Love their State.”
Jones says she is grateful for her parents, the college and the support of the donors who helped fund her education, to make her dreams possible.
“I don’t think I can express just how proud I truly am to be a CSU Ram!” Jones says.
