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College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

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Spencer D. Logan

Spencer D. Logan  Spencer D. Logan 

Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering 
Agricultural Systems Management 
Cortland, OH 

2023 Distinguished Senior Award Recognition Reception Program (.pdf) 

2023 Distinguished Senior Award Recipient Reception Poster (.pdf) 

Coming from a small city near the Pennsylvania border, Spencer Logan’s two years at the CFAES Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) in Wooster, OH suited him perfectly. The CFAES Wooster campus preserved the small community feeling that he cherished, but still allowed him to stretch his legs, learn, and earn some independence. Living off campus with friends his second year taught Spencer to cook, clean, and fend for himself while keeping up with coursework. The connections and friendships Spencer made at ATI have sustained him throughout his time on both CFAES Wooster and Columbus campuses. 

The independence Spencer cultivated would prove useful for his internships with the grain exporter EGT, a joint operation between Bunge and Pan Ocean America and a very reputable company in the grain industry. As an Operations Management Intern, Spencer spent two summers in eastern Montana, 1,500 miles away from his family. Reflecting on the isolation of the high plains, Spencer recounted, “It was an adjustment living in a town where there was one grocery store and the next closest town was about 2 hours away.” Yet the experience paid off for Spencer, who made an impression on his employer for his work ethic and maturity. Putting in 80- to 100-hour workweeks while independently maintaining his physical and mental wellbeing, Spencer forged a sterling professional reputation, with his hard work already paying dividends.

His time at EGT was far from Spencer’s first introduction to hard work. While at ATI, Spencer worked at a farm near his hometown every chance he got, keeping in touch with the annual rhythm of spring planting and fall harvest that will continue to guide his life 
after college. In the winters, he worked making maple syrup. After transitioning to the Columbus campus, Spencer began working for his girlfriend’s family raising stocker calves and brood cows. He discovered a newfound passion for cattle, a passion that has carved out even more of Spencer’s rare free time.

Spencer recognizes Dr. Jon Witter of the CFAES Wooster campus as his mentor. Spencer fondly recalls Dr. Witter’s Soil Drainage and Surveying course early in his undergraduate career, including an exercise that saw the class digging a drainage ditch. He shares, “We were able to use an excavator, skid steer, and a spectra laser for grade. This application of skills we learned was the best part of my education. My classmates and I still talk about building that ditch, even though it was a simple task. My teacher in high school said I was going to school to not be a ditch digger, but little did she know it would be one of my favorite moments in my academic career. Dr. Witter inspired me to have a true passion for what I do in life and in my career.”

Spencer takes his greatest sense of pride in the new career he is poised to enter. After distinguishing himself through his commitment to hard work and practical education, Spencer accepted a full-time position with Cargill as an Operations Management Associate. While pursuing his career, Spencer hopes to find time to raise cattle of his own. 

Service, involvement, and accolades: Agricultural Systems Management Club

Spencer Logan - Press Release