SC State junior named one of six Field to Future Scholars nationwide

Manning, a junior agribusiness and business management major at South Carolina State University, has gained real-world experience in this specialized area of the agriculture sector as one of only six Field to Future Scholars in the nation.

Farm Foundation's Field to Future Scholar Program was created in partnership with PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation. It is a two-year, fully funded leadership and career development program that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers in agriculture and the food industry.

"Field to Future is a program that is sponsored by Farm Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is essentially trying to empower the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. It essentially puts people on a pathway to become more innovative with ag," Manning said.

As a Field to Future Scholar, Manning received a $30,000 scholarship and will attend professional conferences across the nation and participate in internships as a PepsiCo procurement intern.

Manning is a member of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College at SC State. He is also an 1890 Agriculture Innovation Scholar.

Frito-Lay is a subsidiary of PepsiCo and is known for working directly with farmers and potato growers.

Manning interned at Frito-Lay North America's headquarters this summer, working on a plan to revamp its business continuity plan. Next summer, he will work in the field with one of the company's potato farmers, learning about the logistics of moving potatoes from field to factory, among other aspects of the operation.

Manning said he loves the procurement aspect of agriculture.

"It's been cool identifying different plant species and doing research work, but it wasn't what I necessarily knew I wanted to do. I enjoyed it for the time being, but I also enjoyed the other side of agriculture. I wanted to find that middle ground, which I learned is procurement," he said.

Manning has also attended conferences that have complemented his academic studies and supported his career development in the food and agriculture industry.

For example, he attended the Black Ag Summit on Sept. 18-20 in Dallas, his hometown.

He will attend the 40-Acre Summit, which is designed to teach land ownership, self-sufficiency and rural living skills, Sept. 26-27 in Ferris, Texas, followed by the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference Nov. 12-15 in Kansas City, Missouri.

He will attend the Top Farmer Conference on Jan. 8 in West Lafayette, Indiana.

SC State lays a foundation for success

Dr. Windy Stephenson, interim dean of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, said Manning's selection as a Field to Future Scholar was noteworthy.

"Shelton Manning Jr.'s selection as one of only six Field to Future Scholars nationally is an outstanding accomplishment and a reflection of the talent, ambition and promise of our students at South Carolina State University," she said.

Stephenson said opportunities such as the Field to Future Program extend learning beyond the classroom by connecting students with industry leaders, professional networks, mentorship and experiences that help prepare them for meaningful careers.

"Shelton represents the kind of scholar we want to develop through the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College - academically focused, intellectually curious, professionally engaged and intentional about preparing for his future," she said.

Stephenson said she is proud of the way Manning has continued to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom and represent the university with excellence.

"I believe we are only beginning to see what Shelton will accomplish," she said.

Sydney Keith, state program leader of 1890 Extension Education, Innovation and Support, said Manning has made tremendous strides since arriving at SC State as a freshman agribusiness major, including being named an SC State 1890 Scholar "Rookie of the Year."

"Not only does Shelton take full advantage of the opportunities presented to him, but he also intentionally shares those resources with his fellow students. His willingness to help others grow alongside him speaks volumes about his character and leadership," Keith said.

Manning said the instruction and opportunities he has received at SC State have been tremendous, noting that his professors and academic advisers have thoroughly supported his growth and development.

"I honestly don't think I'd be where I'm at if I didn't choose SC State. I feel like if I had gone to a PWI or a different HBCU, I wouldn't be who I am today," he said.

"I represent my alma mater with pride. Everything happens for a reason, and I just played my part," Manning said.