COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - There are more than 2,000 students in Tennessee Tech University’s new freshman class, but there’s only one Tennessee Future Farmers of America (FFA) President. For him, the choice to become a Golden Eagle could not have been clearer.

“My mom and two older sisters attended Tennessee Tech,” said Troy “T. Wayne” Williams. “I went and visited last fall, and it felt like home, just like it did for them … We’re a top public university in Tennessee and we have so many students, but the professors and staff – they really want to see each student succeed.”

The 2024 – 2025 Tennessee FFA President and Woodbury native is now a proud part of Tech’s class of 2028, where he is pursuing a major in agricultural communications with a focus in pre-law. It’s a program of study that he said Darron Smith, dean of the College of Agriculture and Human Ecology, and James Baier, assistant professor of agriculture, personally helped him discover.

“They really worked hard with me in finding that perfect fit,” said Williams.

While Williams’ freshman year is just beginning, the Cannon County High School graduate has bold goals for the future, including attending law school and potentially seeking a future role in public office.

“Agriculture is our number one industry in the state of Tennessee and, to be completely honest, I feel it’s our most important industry,” said Williams. “We’re seeing so much farmland lost. I looked at that and knew I wanted to be a change agent. I want to help our farmers and producers stay in this industry and keep feeding not only our state but our nation and our world. I feel like I can help do that through law and policy.”

Williams comes by his passion for agriculture honestly. He grew up on a fourth-generation beef production farm and recalls seeing family members working from the early morning hours until 10 p.m. or later.

“When people ask me how I got my start in agriculture, I tell them it’s literally in my name,” Williams added with a laugh. His full name – Troy Martin Wayne Williams – pays homage to his father, grandfather and great-grandfather – all of whom tended to the family farm.

The decision to get involved with FFA was also an easy choice, said Williams. He knew the program would enhance his knowledge of agricultural issues but said he had not anticipated the way it would grow his leadership skills.

This past spring, Williams was one of 25 candidates to apply for just eight statewide officer roles. The nominating committee was so impressed by Williams’ performance that they chose him as the state chapter’s 2024 – 2025 president. He says he has been “living in a dream” ever since.

“FFA has opened up more doors than I can count,” Williams added.

One of those doors of opportunity that Williams has found especially meaningful: receiving mentorship and support from Tennessee FFA Foundation Executive Director Chelsea Rose, a Tech alumna, former recipient of the Derryberry Award – Tech’s highest student honor – and wife to U.S. Congressman John Rose.

“I’ve learned so much from her,” said Williams. “She’s an incredible leader and she is providing me with some amazing opportunities for which I’m forever grateful. She has been a mentor for our whole state officer team.”

Williams recalled how, last month, Rose helped coordinate a trip to Washington, D.C. for the state’s FFA officers. It included a visit to the White House, a tour of the U.S. Capitol, and the opportunity to visit the hearing room of the House Committee on Agriculture.

“As a fourth-generation beef production farmer, that was a truly surreal feeling,” he said.

As Williams looks ahead to the duration of his term as president, he wants others to know that FFA isn’t just about farming, but rather raising up leaders in every professional sector who bring a passion for agriculture to their diverse fields.

“We are proud that we are producing the future farmers of America, but we’re also cultivating future teachers, engineers and entrepreneurs,” said Williams. “The people who come through FFA are truly the future leaders of our nation. So many people find a love for leadership within the blue jacket.”