UTM’s Collegiate FFA has claimed the Top Chapter award for the ninth time in 11 years at the Tennessee FFA Alumni Convention in Montgomery Bell State Park.
With two 3rd place finishes, one 2nd place finish and an impressive seven 1st place finishes, UTM stole the show at the awards banquet held on Feb. 21. The only other school to win Top Chapter of the Year is Tennessee Tech University.
Founded in the 1970s, UTM’s program is the oldest chartered collegiate FFA in the state. Adviser Dr. Jimmy Butler, professor of Agricultural Education, calls it a continuation of the high school program, but in different aspects. The chapter started with about six members and has since grown to as many as 75.
“The membership numbers are generally about 45, with a handful of students who actively participate. The students are responsible for FFA events we host on campus for the high school chapters throughout the year,” said Butler.
UTM Collegiate FFA hosts various events on campus including the livestock and horse judging CDEs held at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex, also known as the ag pavilion. Members attend National FFA Convention and State FFA Convention to assist and recruit future students. They also host a state officer prep course to help potential state officers prepare to run for office state convention. At the collegiate level, it’s more about giving back to the organization and community service than it is about competing.
However, collegiate members do have the opportunity to test their skills once a year at Tennessee FFA Alumni Convention. Collegiate FFA programs from Tennessee Tech University, Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, UT Martin and UT Knoxville gather at Montgomery Bell State Park to compete for Top Chapter of the Year. Members participate in public speaking events, mock job interviews, quiz bowl and discussion meet. There is also an award for the chapter that has the best scrapbook.
“It is an honor to represent UT Martin in competition. Knowing that my first place finish helped elevate us to the number one chapter is a great feeling. Before I came to here, I was impressed that Martin was unquestionably an elite collegiate FFA chapter, so helping us keep that reputation is one of my proudest moments as a member,” said Stephen McBride, former Tennessee FFA State President and current UTM Collegiate FFA member from Beech Grove.
Under the direction of Butler, UTM Collegiate FFA has established a tradition of excellence. He came to UTM in 1995 and turned a struggling program into the top collegiate FFA chapter in Tennessee.
“Jimmy has always done a great job and continues to do well. [Those in the FFA chapter] are always doing something. It really is an outstanding chapter,” said Dr. Joey Mehlhorn, Professor and Interim Chair of Agriculture, Geosciences, and Natural Resources.
Mehlhorn is quick to mention that students involved in FFA tend to be better public speakers, are more comfortable interacting in the classroom and give a sense of leadership, communication skills and a love for agriculture. He also says that having the top collegiate chapter is a great recruiting tool when looking for future students.
FFA’s motto is “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” Many members of UTM’s collegiate FFA strive to carry out the last part of the motto: living to serve. For many of the members, it’s not just about cows, sows and plows, but rather about thinkers, beakers and speakers. Regardless of each member’s major or career interest, collegiate FFA members strive to make UTM the best chapter in the state and continue the legacy of success that former members have established.
