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"I was considered a non-traditional student because I was older than others in my class and attempted to
work full-time while studying… several faculty members were very supportive of me and provided valuable
academic advice."
"I enjoy the challenge of moving to new locations and learning about the agriculture and natural
resources issues… travel opportunities have taken me all over the United States as well as to Europe
and Central America."
Swartzendruber is presently serving as State Conservationist in Maine for U.S. Department of Agriculture –
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Prior service with NRCS included Deputy State Conservationist
in Columbus, Ohio (2002 – 2004), Assistant State Conservationist, Boise Idaho, (1995 – 2002), and District
Conservationist in Fairbanks, Alaska (1991 – 1995) and Nevada, Iowa (1987 – 1991).
Her interest in earning a degree in Agronomy from Iowa State University was stimulated by her work as
a soil conservation technician and membership in the Soil and Water Conservation Society. She collaborated
with two other ISU students, Stephanie Wald and Dan Chargo, and Dr. Donald Wysocki to form the ISU Student
Chapter of SWCS.
"It's a pleasure to share my ISU experience with you 20 years following my graduation. I have good memories
of my class time, laboratories, and field trips in the Agronomy Department. In the early 1980’s I was considered
a non-traditional student because I was older than others in my class and attempted to work full-time while
studying. I came to ISU late, but I had definite goals and timelines for my education by then, and I was
motivated to move on with my career in soil conservation. Several faculty members were very supportive of
me and provided valuable academic advice. I was also able to graduate with an emphasis in political science,
something that I knew would benefit me as I pursued my career goals in public service."
"Today I lead the USDA conservation operations in Maine. Our employees are soil scientists, soil
conservationists, agronomists, biologists, foresters, engineers, and economists. We work with private
landowners, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations and commodity groups to find ways to
protect Maine’s soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources. Essentially we are helping people help the land."
"Thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences. I have been extremely happy in my career.
I enjoy the challenge of moving to new locations and learning about the agriculture and natural resources issues.
The people that work for NRCS are some of the best employees you could ever work with, and the travel opportunities
have taken me all over the United States as well as to Europe and Central America."
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