TIMOTHY M. SULLIVAN

 Timothy M. Sullivan

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

Timothy Sullivan came to Ohio State in part thanks to the Farm Science Review (FSR), held each September at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center, near London, Ohio. He worked there before college and talked with other student employees. He decided Ohio State would be the place he would call home. They also recommended his Agricultural Systems Management major. He notes his father—who also works at Ohio State with the FSR— also encouraged him to consider Ohio State. He recalls fond memories of being in the Agricultural Engineering Building as a child with his dad. Now, he’s making memories as a student as appreciates “the same welcoming atmosphere from the faculty and staff.”

He also found a warm welcome through the community of clubs in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. He participated in the Agricultural Systems Management Club, Agri-Business Club, and the Crops and Soils Club. Timothy took advantage of field trips where members learned about agriculture beyond their community. Thanks to these groups, he has been to Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, and California. His nominator noted Tim’s leadership and involvement with the Agricultural Systems Management club has led to increased member numbers and engagement.

Timothy completed three internships. At FMC Corporation in Rochelle, Illinois he learned about the latest in pesticide research and crop protection. At Sunrise Cooperative in South Charleston, OH, he developed an appreciation for the vast number of hours the cooperative pours into assisting growers. He engaged in beneficial conversations with growers and broadened his understanding of the challenges many are facing today. With Corteva Pioneer, Timothy worked with Ohio’s Soybean Yield Contest. He guided several growers who participated in trials across the state.

He credits the connections made throughout the college and especially in clubs for his growing network. “Whether I met someone in class, a club, an internship, or by chance, each interaction led to a unique conversation,” he said. He believes these connections will help him succeed in the agricultural industry and in his community. “I feel there is a close friend and colleague minutes away, wherever I may be in the state of Ohio,” he said.

In addition to creating a professional and personal network, Timothy values his classroom experiences, and the way he applied those lessons during his internship experiences. He learned to push past discomfort in order to get better each day. He has developed lifelong friendships and “a passion to help farmers be more successful.”

Timothy has accepted a position as Associate Territory Manager (ATM) for Pioneer Seed, starting after graduation. He will also continue working with his family at their Circle S Farms to expand their agri-tourism business and grain operation.

Service, involvement, and accolades: Agricultural Systems Management Club, fundraising chair, president | Crops and Soils Club, SASES planning committee | Grove City Church of the Nazarene | Dean’s List