Alumni Profiles
Sue Gray
Hometown: Geneseo, IL
Graduation Information
Bachelors: ACE, 1980
Masters: Crop Sciences, '90
Work Information
Company:Self Employed
Years Worked:17 (as a consultant)
How did you obtain your job?
Naturally, through a UI connection! I was 'launched' into a consulting career when my then-employer closed doors, but from the beginning, I landed Deere as my base client through a former UI professor that had moved to Deere.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
Diversity of assignments. I consult to a variety of enterprises within Deere (as well as outside firms), so each assignment can take me in a completely new direction.
What advice can you provide current students seeking a career in this field?
1-Try to read and stay somewhat current on a variety of issues/research related to your field 2-Have a spouse with insurance benefits!
Achievements
I have had some fun and interesting professional 'breaks' which I will always treasure, but I consider them more as gifts than achievements.College of ACES
What was your favorite ACES class and why?
Working with Mark Roux, Angie Ingrassia, Pat Smith, Kurt McCabe, and others on the Agronomy South Farms.
How do you feel the College of ACES prepared you for your future?
TOUGH CALL, but I'll say Agronomy 418?, Advanced Crop Production, taught by that 'UI/Deere' connection, the late Rich Johnson. In my view, he was one of the world's top agronomists (even more so in later years, when as Deere's corporate agronomist, he had a rare global understanding of crop production.) As in other favorite classes, I was challenged, but due to excellent instruction, I learned and genuinely succeeded.
How do you feel the College of ACES prepared you for your future?
It taught me how to find (and recognize) the answers; today, that is 95% of my job.
What advice would you give current students while a student in the College of ACES?
Be a sponge; academically AND socially (with staff as well as students.) You have an opportunity to develop life-long relationships with the PROFESSORS in ACES--which means benefits for more than just 4 years, but a lifetime.
University of Illinois
Why did you choose to come to the University of Illinois and College of ACES?
First class reputation--but the strong family tradition didn't hurt.
What is your favorite memory on campus?
Being on the Agronomy South Farms.
What activities were you involved in on campus?
4H Report to the State, Ag Econ club, Field and Furrow, Ag Council (I think we started the first ever Ag Day? for students), IlliDell Little Sister. Employed in Weed Science and PAR Food Service.