Cora Dorman
Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics
Agribusiness and Applied Economics
Croton, OH
2022 Distinguished Senior Award Recognition Reception Program (.pdf)
2022 Distinguished Senior Award Recipient Reception Poster (.pdf)
When asked what undergraduate experience afforded her the greatest sense of accomplishment, Cora Dorman identified her extensive involvement in student and community organizations both on and off campus. From Mount Leadership Society Scholars to Alpha Zeta Partners to Alpha Sigma Upsilon, Cora feels honored to have been voted into several leadership positions by her peers and appreciates the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than herself. As a weekly volunteer for Huckleberry House, a home for at-risk and homeless youths in Columbus, her work as a community liaison allowed Cora to make a direct impact on the broader community while deepening her understanding of the challenges of poverty.
Her 2021 internship at AgriGold provided Cora’s most valuable undergraduate learning experience. As a sales intern covering an area stretching from Logan County to Muskingum County, she had the unique experience of working solo most of the time, setting her own schedule and providing her own transportation while carrying out her responsibilities. She credits her time at AgriGold with increasing her confidence and self-reliance, as well as improving her time-management and decision-making skills.
As a teaching assistant for Dr. Specht’s Publication Design and Production class, Cora enjoyed getting to know and help her fellow students while developing her own communications skillset. She found the opportunity to spark an interest in agricultural advocacy within her fellow undergraduates to be particularly rewarding. Cora appreciated the chance to inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and equip them with leadership and critical thinking skills that will advance the entire agricultural industry. Outside of the classroom, Cora also found employment as a part-time Account Officer Trainee at AgCredit in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, where she continues to learn the finer points of the national Farm Credit System and financial operations in agriculture.
Cora would like to recognize Dr. Anna Parkman as her most influential undergraduate mentor. She shared, “she has shown a great commitment to students by staying late to answer questions, encouraging students to think critically, and by truly caring for her students. Dr. Parkman has also been an influential part of my college career by writing my recommendation letters for scholarships. Over the summer, I met with Dr. Parkman to discuss life after graduation (work/life balance) and graduate school opportunities. Dr. Parkman helped me solidify my plans for after graduation and put me at ease for the upcoming school year. I truly appreciate Dr. Parkman’s positive influence during my college career at Ohio State.”
After graduation Cora will continue her work with AgCredit full-time as an Account Officer, assisting farmers and rural Ohioans in navigating their financial needs. In the coming years, she plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree while continuing to work and maintain an active role at her family’s grain and livestock farm.
Service, involvement, and accolades: Alpha Sigma Upsilon, vice president and other leadership roles | Alpha Zeta Partners, treasurer | Agribusiness Club | Mount Leadership Society Scholars Program | CFAES Learning Community | Licking County Farm Bureau | Ohio Agricultural Council | Garland Academic Excellence Award | Huckleberry House volunteer | YWCA | Mid-Ohio Food Bank | American FFA Degree