A Bright Future for Future Poultry Leaders: Kailey Kulhanek Honored

Kailey Kulhanek, a dedicated student in the Department of Poultry Science at the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has received one of the poultry industry’s most prestigious accolades—the Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year.

The announcement was made during the USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program held in Atlanta, in conjunction with the International Production and Processing Expo, the largest global event for the poultry, meat, and animal food industries.

Honoring a Legacy of Mentorship

This scholarship commemorates Frank Perdue’s unwavering commitment to supporting and nurturing young talent in the poultry field. He significantly contributed to the College Student Career Program, often engaging directly in student interviews.

A Journey of Determination

Kulhanek explained that the selection process was highly competitive, requiring candidates to submit an extensive activity sheet, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and a video detailing their aspirations in the poultry industry. The winners were chosen by a committee from the USPOULTRY Foundation.

After transferring to Texas A&M University from Blinn College, Kulhanek feared that her limited time within the department would restrict her opportunities for engagement and professional development. However, this award alleviated those concerns.

“I feel like I have spent my time at Texas A&M as a transfer student in the right way,” she shared. “I am doing what I love.”

Gaining Competitive Edge

Participating on the national champion poultry judging team and attending initiatives like the department’s reverse career fair provided Kulhanek with invaluable experience, setting her apart from other candidates nationwide.

“Our department truly does an amazing job of putting students in front of the people and opportunities necessary to achieve an award like this,” she concluded.

Source: Texas A&M AgriLife