Kennedy Price: ‘A real go-getter’ graduates
“Passion”, “drive” and “responsibility” are three words natural resources peer adviser and Utah State University Wildlife Society Vice President Sophie Peterson used to describe graduating wildlife ecology senior Kennedy Price.
“Kennedy is a real go-getter,” Peterson said. “I look up to her.”
Price, a wildlife ecology and management major, said her four years at USU were shaped not only by the academic aspect of her classes and studying but by the connections she built through campus involvement.
“Kennedy is an amazing student who has taken advantage of all the opportunities at Utah State to enhance her education,” said Price’s academic adviser Stephanie Myers.
After her first year and getting used to college, Price said she immersed herself in campus life. She has taken on many roles, including participating in student government, leading clubs and working as a peer adviser. She became president of the USU Wildlife Society and represented natural resources students as both the Natural Resources Student Council president and the natural resources representative on the Honors Student Advisory Board.
“Being able to work with her has been great,” peer adviser and Wildlife Society board member Ashley Starr said. “We both want to do all of the things that we can and being able to support each other while we do those things and help each other out has been great.”
Participating in these experiences opened up many opportunities for Price to get involved with her college and build new relationships.
“I got to meet a ton of new people,” Price said. “I really formed a super deep connection with the culture of my college.”
Through these experiences, she was also able to make an impact on other people’s lives by helping them better their college experience, according to Myers.
“Kennedy has an ability to relate to people and to set them at ease when they come in,” Myers said. “She seems to be able to problem-solve and create opportunities and solutions to pretty much anything that she comes across.”
These skills helped her build close friendships and act as a mentor to her peers and friends.
“Kennedy is one of my inspirations here at college” Peterson said.
Price’s involvement also extended to hands-on responsibilities. She helped care for animals housed in the Natural Resources Building, including a salamander, lizard and frog — a role she said she’s especially proud of.
“I was in charge of the cool animals that everyone likes to come see,” Price said.
Through her involvement and her leadership roles, Price said she gained more than just experience. She said she developed stronger time management skills and a broader perspective.
Price has always loved animals. Before she decided to dive into wildlife ecology, she was originally interested in becoming a veterinarian. She said she found her path after discovering opportunities to work with wildlife in natural environments.
“I found out you can monitor wildlife in their natural environment and help make it better for them,” Price said.
Outside the classroom, Price said one of the most memorable parts of her experience was the annual Logger’s Ball hosted by the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. This event, inspired by post-logging season celebrations, brings students together each November for live music, activities and community.
“It’s like the more the merrier,” Price said. “Everyone just comes, and it’s super fun.”
Price plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree at Northern Illinois University.
“I know that the program that she’ll be involved with for her master’s degree will be better because Kennedy is a part of that,” Myers said.
As she prepares to graduate, Price encourages incoming students to take advantage of campus opportunities early.
“Go to every basketball game,” Price said. “Just get involved. It totally changed my college experience.”
Looking back, Price said the university’s community stands out most.
“I think Utah State is super fun,” she said. “The culture and atmosphere on campus — that’s what makes it.”