Ohio State ATI grad grounded in her roots, but growing as a leader
Ohio State ATI grad grounded in her roots, but growing as a leader
By Tracy Turner
WOOSTER, Ohio — Whether leading student organizations, mentoring peers, or representing Ohio State ATI at state and national events, Gracie Sprague has made the most of every opportunity during her time at ATI on the Wooster campus of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
On May 3, she graduated with honors and an associate degree in agricultural communication — carrying with her a resume full of leadership, service, and academic achievement.
Sprague’s decision to attend ATI was driven by a desire for hands-on experience and a close-knit learning environment. Over the past two years, she has embraced both.
“ATI provided me with the chance to grow as a leader while still staying grounded in my roots in agriculture,” Sprague said. “The support from faculty and the connections I’ve made here have truly shaped who I am.”
Her experiences on campus have been wide-ranging. She served as president of the Agricultural Communicators, Educators, & Leaders of Tomorrow, organized events as part of ATI’s leadership programming, and mentored fellow students navigating their own college journeys.
As a student ambassador, she gave campus tours and represented ATI at recruitment events, helping to share what makes the CFAES Wooster campus unique.
“Gracie is an intelligent, hardworking, and natural leader who continuously seeks opportunities to enhance her knowledge and skills beyond the classroom,” said Rachael A. Ramsier, senior lecturer and CFAES Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership program coordinator at ATI.
“Through my experiences at Ohio State ATI, I’ve gained the confidence to lead with purpose and integrity”Gracie Sprague
Outside the classroom, Sprague’s resume includes statewide leadership roles such as Farm Bureau State Ambassador at the Ohio State Fair, intern for the Ohio Pork Congress, and state officer for Ohio FFA. She also worked with Champion’s Choice Camps, where she mentored youth in livestock care and showmanship.
Shari (Peart) Nussbaum, retired instructor and mentor, said Sprague’s impact on campus was evident in both large and small ways.
“Her communication skills are exceptional, and her leadership extends beyond the classroom,” Nussbaum said. “From serving on the Outstanding Student Award committee to helping with campus events, Gracie always steps up when there’s work to be done.”
Sprague has also earned academic accolades, including multiple semesters on the director’s list and scholarships from the Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, and Ohio FFA. She’s been active in volunteer work, including with the Genoa FFA Alumni and National FFA Week Service projects.
“I’ve learned that leadership is not about perfection; it’s about being authentic and uplifting others,” Sprague said. “Through my experiences at Ohio State ATI, I’ve gained the confidence to lead with purpose and integrity.”
