You're Doing What With Your Major?

Spotlight on UK Alumna - Dr. Amelia Brown Wilson

Click here to check out Dr. Amelia Brown Wilson’s Career Spotlight video!

Major:  Bachelor of Science in Family Studies in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (December 2003)

Current Career:  I serve as the Director of Agritourism in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, which is led by Commissioner James Comer.

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.
After graduating a semester early, I began as a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Fayette County.  I learned about Cooperative Extension through a summer internship and enjoyed working with volunteers, as well as teaching life-skills.

While an Extension Agent, I pursued my master's degree in Agriculture, and my Doctorate in Higher Education. After earning my doctorate, I was appointed by James Comer to serve as the Director of Agritourism.

Describe your best boss/supervisor.
I have blessed with two wonderful supervisors.  Roger Sparrow was my District Supervisor in Cooperative Extension.  He was a wonderful mentor and someone who I learned a great deal from.
Kristen Branscum is my current supervisor.  She is such a motivator and encourages me to think outside of the box.  I think it is so important for a supervisor to trust an employee, as well as an employee to respect their supervisor.

What do you do for networking and professional development?
I enjoy meeting individuals through the UK Alumni Association.  I am also heavily involved with the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Alumni board.

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?
Never stop learning.  Every class that I took at UK, I learned something that I utilize on a daily basis.  Take every opportunity to meet with your professors outside of class.  They are excellent resources!

Favorite UK memory:
I was crowned UK Homecoming Queen in 2003.  The process was being nominated by an organization, chosen to participate in an interview, interview with a panel of staff, students, and alumni, and finally voting by the student body.  I was very involved while at UK and that truly helped me meet a diverse group of people.