S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Finding Direction: How the Quinney Scholarship Helped Marie Wood
Discover Her Path
For Quinney Scholar Marie Wood, one unexpected conversation sparked a passion for environmental science — now she’s sharing that spark with the next generation as a Natural Resources Ambassador.
When Marie Wood first stepped onto Utah State University’s campus as a high school student, she had no idea that a simple detour would change the course of her life.
“I happened upon the Mason Wildlife Exhibit in the Quinney Natural Resources Library, which I thought was awesome,” Marie recalled. “As I was giving this bison a good, close examination, a woman appeared in a nearby office doorway. I was worried she’d tell me to back away from the taxidermy, but instead she asked me if I was interested in becoming a wildlife biologist.”
That brief interaction led to an impromptu walk down the hall to the advising office — Marie’s first introduction to the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney Scholarship program and the possibilities waiting for her at USU.
“I knew right away that I wanted to apply,” Marie said.
The Power of a Goal
Marie’s path to college wasn’t without challenges. Like many students in recent years, the disruptions of COVID left her feeling disconnected and unmotivated.
“I had kind of a bumpy experience in high school,” she said. “I struggled for motivation to push myself academically, and even to pass some of my classes.”
Learning what it took to become a Quinney Scholar sparked something in her.
“When I heard what was required of a Quinney Scholar, I suddenly saw my goal — a clear way forward,” Marie said. “I retook classes to improve my GPA. I reapplied myself to study for the ACT. I found meaningful ways to get involved in my community … including starting my own environmental club.”
Setting her sights on the scholarship didn’t just help her get into college — it helped her rebuild her confidence.
Time, Choice, and Opportunity
Once she arrived at USU, the Quinney scholarship delivered something Marie considers priceless: freedom.
“Because of the incredible support I received, I’ve had the chance to focus entirely on learning, engaging, and exploring opportunities at USU,” Marie said.
One of those opportunities was a two-summer internship with the Climate Adaptation Scientist of Tomorrow program.
“I had never even heard of the Geographic Information System before coming here,” Marie said. “However, through the experiences connected to this scholarship, I discovered something I love — and something I’m good at.”
Her work analyzing 1950s hand-drawn maps and comparing them to modern land-cover data opened a new world of applied science.
“I used the temporal comparison to see how forests expanded and contracted, and how that affected birds and wildlife,” Marie said. “It made me realize how much I care about practical, real-world solutions.”
Building Leadership — and Community
The Quinney scholarship also requires student involvement, something Marie unexpectedly grew to love.
“To fulfill my involvement requirements, I joined and helped rebuild clubs like the Natural Resource Student Council and the Student Organization for Society and Natural Resources,” Marie explained. “From those experiences, I learned how much I enjoy collaborating with others and that I’m good at organization. These roles have given me the confidence and resourcefulness I’ll need to be effective in leadership positions.”
Marie now serves as a Natural Resources Ambassador and is preparing to return to her old high school to recruit the next generation of Aggies.
“Thinking about how one small moment changed my life makes me want to do that for someone else,” Marie said. “If I can help even one student find an opportunity that changes their life for the better, it’ll be worth it.”
A Legacy of Stewardship: The Quinney Scholarship
The Quinney name has long been synonymous with the protection and stewardship of Utah’s natural environment. Joe and Jessie E. Quinney were pioneers in the state’s outdoor legacy — supporting wetlands conservation, helping launch Utah’s ski industry at Alta, and strengthening natural resources education through their service and philanthropy.
Today, through the generosity of the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney Foundation, that legacy continues.
The Quinney scholarship provides $8,000 per year for up to four years to high-achieving incoming students in the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, helping them pursue degrees that shape the future of conservation, planning, and environmental science.
“Having ‘Quinney Scholar’ on my resume has opened doors,” Marie said. “But more than that, it’s given me the time, support, and encouragement to discover who I want to be.”
Looking Ahead
Marie, now an environmental science and sustainability major with minors in environmental planning and environmental justice, envisions a career focused on applied science — work that bridges research and real-world solutions.
“I want to tackle climate change and help create sustainable communities,” Marie said. “I want to use science on the ground to translate the incredible research from places like USU into meaningful action.”
A Scholarship That Changes Lives
For Marie, the Quinney scholarship has been transformational — financially and personally.
“I would like donors to know just how much their generosity makes a difference,” Marie said. “Easing even a little financial stress changes a student’s entire college experience. It gives us time, focus, and the chance to serve our communities.”
Her gratitude to the Quinney Foundation is heartfelt and simple.
“Thank you for investing in students like me,” Marie said, “Your generosity helps us turn our love of science and the outdoors into workable solutions in a complex world. Thank you for making this possible.”
At Utah State University, endowed student scholarships create lasting access and opportunity by ensuring Aggies can focus on earning their degrees and building brighter futures. With a named, endowed scholarship, your generosity lives on in perpetuity — supporting students year after year and honoring a loved one, family legacy, or personal passion. We invite you to Create Your Aggie Impact by investing in an endowed scholarship that opens doors, fuels potential, and transforms lives for generations to come.
Marie Wood stands in the Quinney Library, the spot where an unexpected conversation set her on the path to USU and the Quinney Scholarship.
USU student Marie Wood, a Quinney Scholar passionate about environmental science.
Presenting her project, Exploring the Legacy of Massachusetts’ 1950s Land Cover Mapping, Marie Wood highlights the value of applied environmental science.
Contact
Jeff Babik
Senior Development Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources
406-890-3868
jeff.babik@usu.edu