Zion Brigham
Zion Brigham was born into the agricultural industry. Currently a senior majoring in agricultural business, he grew up in Atwater where his family owned a crop dusting company.
When deciding where to transfer after attending Merced College, Brigham went on a tour of Chico State—the beauty of campus and the Northern California environment sealed the deal.
"I enjoyed the Chico State atmosphere. During the tour, I fell in love with the campus and I have been happy here ever since,” Brigham said.
After graduation in May 2023, Brigham hopes to focus on data analysis and international trade for an organization like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the private sector.
One of his favorite memories in the College of Agriculture was competing in the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Agricultural Export Market Challenge in March 2022. Brigham used a case study method to examine the export opportunities for food and agricultural products in the United States, and his team received “top team” both regionally and nationally.
His favorite advisors during the market challenge were assistant professors Mina Hejazi and Tatevik Avetisyan. Brigham has truly enjoyed all of his classes and the feedback he has received from the perspective of his advisors.
“Both of these faculty members have really helped shaped my college experience and time at Chico State,” Brigham said. “I am thankful for all of the advice and mentoring both of them have given me.”
Brigham also has some valuable advice for incoming students within the College of Agriculture:
“Always do research on your professors, because it can make or break the class you are in. It is so important to be true to yourself and expand your work ethic,” Brigham said. “Try to expand your strengths and work on your weaknesses.”
Brigham is looking forward to graduating in the spring and starting his career in the agricultural industry, where he will be able to apply the skills and knowledge he gained from his time at Chico State.
He is currently a manager at a local tractor supply where he is learning how to manage employees and the logistics side of business. In his free time, he enjoys hiking at different national parks—his goal is to visit every one!