She aspires to be the President of the United States of America — and anyone who knows Ashley Higgins understands that’s not just a pipe dream.
After a year at another university, and then another serving as an officer for the Future Farmers of America, Higgins transferred to Colorado State University to begin her sophomore year as a dual major in agricultural education and political science. She is passionate about both areas and aims to influence U.S. agricultural policy.
Higgins grew up on a ranch outside of Limon, Colorado, and graduated from Limon High School. That experience, along with the FFA, has had a profound influence on her life and led her to concentrate her studies in agricultural literacy so she could share her passion with others.
Higgins is also an ardent believer in campus involvement and community engagement. While at CSU, she served as a Presidential Ambassador, Ag Ambassador, Associated Students of Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences Senator, and Deputy Chief of Staff for the executive branch of ASCSU. For the past three years, she’s worked in the sponsorship and education department of the National Western Stock Show. One of the experiences she has enjoyed most has been working at Resources for Disabled Students.
Great desire to learn
“Ashley has a great desire to learn more about legislation and regulations that impact American agriculture; she continuously wants to improve,” said Shannon Archibeque-Engle, director of Diversity and Retention and advisor for the Ag Ambassador program for the College of Agricultural Sciences. “One example of her desire to learn is she listens to former U.S. presidents’ State of the Union addresses on her earphones as she walks to class. She may be the only student at the university with the words of our presidents walking her to class.”
Along with serving as an Ag Ambassador, Higgins has found being a Presidential Ambassador to be particularly rewarding.
“Ashley has a whole-hearted passion for doing what’s right, not only for herself, but for others,” said John Rogers, assistant director for Presidential Events and Student Programs. “From her desire to engage others in thoughtful conversations surrounding our current political climate to acting as a resource for disabled students, she can be a source of encouragement and hope for many other students on campus.”
After graduation, Higgins will move to Washington, D.C., to pursue a position involving agriculture policy.
