Kayela Golden (Statom)
Summary
Higher education professional with 7+ years of experience in student engagement, agricultural education, and community outreach. Skilled in program development, recruitment, communications, and fostering inclusive environments for diverse learners. Recognized for building strong partnerships and implementing innovative initiatives to advance student success, access, and wellness.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Coordinator of Recruitment & Student Engagement
UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM)
12.2021 - Current
- Recruitment & Outreach: Oversee facility tours and represent UTCVM at conferences, career fairs, and community outreach events. Design and implement educational programs for local K–12 schools, universities, and the general public. Foster relationships with community members and key industry partners. Co-lead initiatives that allow youth to gain insight into the fields of animal science, veterinary medicine, and agriculture such as the Veterinary Summer Experience Program (VSEP), the Virtual Veterinary Science Club in collaboration with TN 4-H, and Kids U. Act as the primary liaison between prospective students nationwide and UTCVM.
- Student Engagement & Access: Coordinate new as well as existing educational and wellness initiatives that support student development and success. These opportunities include but are not limited to those for admitted students such as Admitted Students Day, Student Ambassador and Jr. Ambassador Programs, Orientation, and scholarship coordination. Help foster an inclusive and supportive campus climate in addition to serving as a resource for our diverse student body. Active member of the Student and Academic Affairs Team, Gamma Sigma Delta-the honor society of agriculture, and the Student Wellness Committee.
- Administrative & Program Support: Provide high-level administrative support to the Assistant Dean for Students and the Dean’s Suite of the college. Responsibilities include acting as a primary contact for the college-specializing in internal and external communications related to the Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, maintaining records and office operations, coordinating projects, preparing educational materials, and supporting collaboration across departments.
4-H & Adult Agriculture Extension Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Rensselaer County
08.2017 - 10.2021
- 4-H & Youth Development: Planned, led, and supported animal science and agricultural related youth programs at both the county and district levels for 4-H members, including Quiz Bowls and the Tractor Safety Program. Oversaw Program Development Committees (PDCs), planned educational tours and workshops, and coordinated youth livestock shows as well as the livestock auction for the county fair (Schaghticoke). Delivered established curriculum and developed new initiatives for local schools and the general public, such as Ag Day and the Agricultural Literacy Program-covering various topics.
- Adult Agriculture & Community Outreach: Built and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders, local farmers, and agribusinesses to develop and implement relevant programming. Served as a resource for agricultural related inquiries from producers and consumers. Created and supported outreach events, such as Farm Day Out and contributed to others across the county and state. Played a key role in the Harvest Connection initiative and served as the primary author for the Ag Informer blog.
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): Partnered with educators at the county and state level to advance DEI efforts within the CCE system. Supported data collection, program development, and resource creation for educators and underrepresented communities, including communities of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Education
Master of Science - Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication (ALEC)
The University of Tennessee
12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science with a concentration in Bioscience, Minor: Theatre
The University of Tennessee
05-2017
Skills
- Communication & Public Speaking: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience in creating press releases, blog posts, promotional materials, photography, demonstrations, video content, presentations, and conducting interviews
- Community Engagement and Entertainment (Character Performer): Brings a variety of characters to life for Princess Parties by Mary, engaging with diverse audiences
- Collaboration & Leadership: Demonstrates strong teamwork and leadership skills through effective collaboration with supervisors, colleagues, community groups, and industry partners such as board of directors, county legislatures, and donors
- Technical Proficiency: Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel) and virtual platforms such as Zoom
- Social Media & Marketing: Experienced in utilizing Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for educational outreach and audience engagement Familiar with basic marketing strategies
- Animal Care Knowledge: Experienced in routine care, handling, and management of companion and livestock animals, with an understanding of their basic health and welfare needs
- Research Support: Contributed to animal research projects by assisting with physical exams, data collection, and husbandry in studies such as a Cattle Sleep Study (2017) and a Swine Farrowing Study (2016)
- Lifelong Learner: Committed to continuous learning and professional growth in agriculture, education, and student services, especially in emerging technologies and outreach strategies
Publications
- Cow Breeds (2017) co-authored with James Swart - An introductory lesson plan featuring general information and images to help beginners identify and understand various cattle breeds.
- Cow Anatomy (2017) co-authored with James Swart - A beginner-friendly educational resource with creative component that illustrates the structure and function of the bovine stomach.
Awards
- TN State 4-H Communicator Award for the success of the Virtual Veterinary Science Club (2023)
- 4-H Special Service Award (2020)
Accomplishments
- Selected as a Presenter for the University of Tennessee’s 8th Annual Engagement and Outreach Conference (Knoxville, TN | October 2025)
- Member of The University of Tennessee Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta –The Honor Society of Agriculture (2024)
- Interview with RFD-TV (2020)
Certification
- Youth Mental Health First Aid (2024)
- IAAP Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Certification (2023)
- Diversity in Agriculture (2020)
Timeline
Coordinator of Recruitment & Student Engagement
UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM)
12.2021 - Current
4-H & Adult Agriculture Extension Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Rensselaer County
08.2017 - 10.2021
Master of Science - Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication (ALEC)
The University of Tennessee
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science with a concentration in Bioscience, Minor: Theatre
The University of Tennessee
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