Faith Nicole Fantroy, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, will receive her bachelor's degree during Fort Valley State University’s Fall 2022 Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 10. The event is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. in FVSU’s Health and Physical Education Complex.
Fantroy completed her bachelor's degree at FVSU in agricultural economics during the summer of 2022. Diligently, the 22-year-old wasted no time and enrolled in graduate school for Fall 2022. Currently, she is pursuing her master's degree in agricultural and resource economics from Tuskegee University and will return for the awarding of her bachelor's degree.
“I always wanted to attend an Historically Black College or University (HBCU). So, when I received a National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) Scholarship from FVSU, I knew this would be my alma mater,” Fantroy said.
Furthermore, Fantroy decided to major in agricultural economics because of the variety of jobs available in the field. “I heard there were endless career and financial opportunities in the major. I decided to take advantage of them not knowing it would grow into a field that I would love. This area not only challenges me, but intrigues me, and provides me a chance to continuously grow and learn things,” she said.
Fantroy expresses high praises about her time in middle Georgia. “I love my HBCU! I know it’s a cliché to say as an HBCU grad, but it’s true for me! My fondest memories were of course homecoming and the agricultural conferences I was able to attend through Fort Valley State University’s College of Agriculture,” Fantroy said.
Additionally, the graduate student said she liked the camaraderie amongst the students, but, more importantly, the encouragement she received from her professors. Fantroy said they constantly motivated her to reach her fullest potential. “Often, they took the time to help me investigate my major so I could narrow down the different occupations that interested me. They also helped me to see and notice ideas from different perspective,” she said.
Despite having a full academic schedule, Fantroy still had time to participate in extracurricular activities. She was a member of the FVSU Lady Wildcats Women’s Basketball team, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANNRRS), FVSU Agri-Demic Forum and the FVSU Choir.
Fantroy also participated in internships while attending FVSU. She worked as a human resource and marketing intern at AgGeorgia Farm Credit in Perry, Georgia, and at AgriSompo North America, an agriculture insurance company. At AgriSompo, she worked at its offices in Illinois and Kansas where she served in several departments from marketing to smart farming. She is currently employed by AgricSompo as a claim auditor intern while completing her graduate degree.
When discussing her sales pitch to a perspective student, the FVSU alumna’s advice is straightforward. “If you want to attend a school that will bring out your very best, then FVSU is the place for you,” she said.
Fantroy is scheduled to complete her graduate studies in May 2024. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in agricultural finance or agricultural policy.