Showing Up to Serve: How Scholarships Are Helping Wyatt Nebeker Grow as an Agricultural Educator

For Wyatt Nebeker, a sophomore majoring in agricultural education at Utah State University, showing up and serving others isn’t something he schedules — it’s simply who he is.

Originally from Wyoming, Wyatt came to Utah State with a clear sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for agriculture, education, and leadership. He is pursuing his degree in the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (QANR), preparing for a future teaching and mentoring students through school- or community-based agricultural education programs.

“I’ve always enjoyed talking about the things I’m passionate about,” Wyatt said. “As I got older, there was kind of a switch in my brain where I realized teaching agriculture was exactly what I wanted to do.”

That clarity has fueled an impressive level of involvement on campus. Wyatt serves as a QANR ambassador, the president of the Animal Science Club, a Utah Pork Producer Ambassador, and he recently earned his American FFA degree, all while juggling coursework and a part-time job. His leadership style is rooted in consistency and service, and he earned his ambassador role not by seeking it out, but by showing up and helping wherever he was needed.

“I was volunteering, helping clean up after activities, just doing what needed to be done,” Wyatt said. “They noticed that an ambassador spot had opened and reached out to me. That meant a lot.”

Wyatt’s ability to stay deeply engaged is made possible in large part through scholarship support. Over the past two years, he has received both endowed scholarships, which are funded annually through permanent investments, and expendable scholarships, which provide immediate support.

During the 2024-25 academic year, Wyatt received a College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Scholarship (former college name) and a Utah Ag Leadership Scholarship. This year, he was awarded the Jack and Irene Walther Endowed Scholarship, along with a Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources General Expendable Scholarship and another Utah Ag Leadership Scholarship.

“Overall, it has relieved a lot of stress,” Wyatt said. “Not having to worry as much about paying for school has allowed me to focus on classes and get involved instead of working nonstop.”

That relief has translated into opportunity — time to serve on leadership councils, recruit future students, and build meaningful relationships across campus.

“I’m able to be an ambassador for the college, go to high schools and FFA events, give tours, and help with activities,” he said. “I can also just be a student, studying, spending time with friends, and actually enjoying college.”

Scholarships have also provided Wyatt with something less tangible, but equally important: accountability and confidence.

“A lot of the scholarships have GPA requirements, which helps keep me accountable,” Wyatt said. “Knowing people have invested in me motivates me to stay on track.”

Support services tied to his scholarships have also bolstered him behind the scenes.

“Knowing I have resources if I need them makes a huge difference,” Wyatt said. “It reminds me that I’m not doing this alone.”

Perhaps most meaningfully, receiving scholarships has affirmed Wyatt’s belief in the future of agriculture and education.

“It’s reassuring to know that people believe in what agriculture and education can be,” he said. “It shows me that what I’m working toward really matters.”

Wyatt’s path to Utah State wasn’t guaranteed. In fact, he said scholarships played a decisive role in his ability to attend.

“Until I got scholarships, I wasn’t even anticipating coming to USU,” he said. “These opportunities paved the path for me.”

Now, as someone preparing for a career in education, Wyatt sees firsthand how his experience will shape the way he supports students in the future.

“This gives me something to talk about with my future students,” he said. “A lot of kids don’t know what opportunities are out there. I want to be the person who helps them see what’s possible.”

His message to donors is simple and heartfelt.

“I’m so appreciative,” Wyatt said. “There are so many students worried about the cost of higher education. Scholarships allow students to come here, stay here, and achieve their goals.”

And for students considering applying for scholarships?

“The worst they can say is no,” Wyatt said with a smile. “Even if you think you’re not qualified, you might be. Get out of your comfort zone and apply; you never know. I got a lot of yeses, and it’s made all the difference.”

Through scholarship support, Wyatt Nebeker is building his own future — and preparing to help shape the next generation of agricultural leaders, educators and advocates.

Create Your Aggie Impact by supporting student scholarships — whether through expendable gifts that meet immediate needs or endowed scholarships that provide support for generations to come. Your philanthropy helps remove financial barriers, allowing Aggies to focus on learning, leadership, and service while building a more secure future. Together, we can expand access and opportunity for students whose potential is limitless when given the chance.

Contact

Brandon Monson
Senior Development Director
435-797-2208
brandon.monson@usu.edu

Jenny Schulze
Associate Development Director
435-797-1778
jenny.schulze@usu.edu

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