Marlee E. Stollar
Marietta, OH
Agricultural Communication
Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership
2020 Distinguished Senior Award Celebration Program (.pdf)
2020 Distinguished Senior Award Recipient Showcase Poster (.pdf)
As a student passionate about agricultural communication, Marlee Stollar acknowledges that her participation in the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) student organization gave her the greatest sense of accomplishment during her four years at Ohio State. She found helping other students gain knowledge and skills through their ACT participation very gratifying, and was proud of the outcome of ACT’s partnership with Cultivating Change, another student organization, to offer programming focused on diversity and inclusion in food, agricultural, and environmental sciences.
Working as the Marketing and Communications Intern for Local Matters in Columbus, Marlee created and wrote social media content. She also interned with Dairy Farmers of America in Medina, Ohio, where as a Communications Intern she designed and created copy for flyers, postcards, and guides which were distributed to Cooperative members, customers, and employees. Marlee described how two additional internships provided her with valuable real-life application of the skills and knowledge she gained from her courses: a remote internship with You Inc. at WCBE 90.5 FM NPR radio, and a position with Congressman Bill Johnson’s Marietta, Ohio District Office.
Currently working on her research distinction project thesis titled, “The Impact of Food Labels and Preconceptions on Ohio State Students’ Food Buying Habits,” Marlee plans to present her research at the CFAES Undergraduate Research Forum and the Ohio State Spring Undergraduate research festival. She appreciates the insights she has gained on the perceptions and opinions about food and agriculture revealed by her inquiry. She is excited to present her research findings and may continue to pursue research on a similar topic once in graduate school.
Marlee received numerous awards and honors during her time at Ohio State, including: Barrett Family Fund Scholarship | Broughton 4-H Scholarship | Mervin G. Smith Student and Faculty Fund in International Agriculture Scholarship | Lindsay Hill Memorial Scholarship | Leo Rummell Scholarship | Brown Family Scholarship | Ohio Corn and Wheat Scholarship | Reuwee Memorial Fund Scholarship | Bishop Family Scholarship | Earl and Wilma McMunn Agricultural Communication Scholarship | Ohio State Panhellenic Association Top Scholar | Towers Agricultural Honorary member | Ed Johnson Scholarship | Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Scholarship | The Ohio State University Alumni Scholarship.
Her post-graduation plans include pursuing a master’s degree in agricultural communication, and employment for an agriculture-related nonprofit or for Extension, where she hopes to contribute to community development and food security initiatives.
When recounting her participation in Alpha Zeta Partners and the associated education abroad trip to Brazil, Marlee lists the AZP program among her most rewarding and enjoyable experiences during her time at Ohio State. Through this program she broadened her perceptions by being exposed to various international agricultural and environmental operations, different cultures, and attending classes at ESALQ at the University of São Paulo.
Marlee wishes to recognize Dr. Annie Specht as her mentor. Dr. Specht has been a guiding voice throughout Marlee’s program, particularly when seeking assistance with technical skills and as her research advisor. She admires and respects Dr. Specht’s dedication and work ethic.