Angela Faryan

Not many people can say they maintained a better-than-perfect grade point average in high school, but Angela Faryan can say that and more. Faryan graduated high school with a 4.3 GPA, making her a top recruit for many colleges. Faryan was offered numerous opportunities, but none offered the passion and personal touch that she found at CSU, Chico.

Agriculture has a rich history in Faryan’s family dating back to the early 1900s when her great grandfather purchased a portion of the Chicago Stockyards, raising cattle and hogs that were to be harvested for meat. A couple of generations later, that zeal for agriculture has been reignited in Angela, whose interest arose when she began to work at a Hereford cattle ranch near her home in Sutter Creek, Calif.

Once Faryan discovered her love for cattle, becoming a large animal veterinarian was the most appealing option. Upon the advice of her high school counselor, Faryan applied to three California State University schools. Disliking odd numbers, Faryan applied to Chico to make it an even four.

“I am always glad that I chose to come to CSU, Chico,” Faryan said. “Upon visiting the University Farm, I fell in love. The faculty and staff were so welcoming, and it just fell like home right from the very first moment.”

Faryan signed her intent to enroll as an animal science major in the pre-veterinary advising track with a focus on beef cattle. Shortly after enrolling at Chico State, animal science professor Cindy Daley approached her about working at the University Farm’s organic dairy to diversify her experiences. She has worked there for four years now.

While Faryan knew that the position at the dairy would help her diversify her cattle experiences, she never dreamed of all the opportunities it has presented. In 2015, Faryan accepted a summer internship with the animal pharmaceutical company, Zoetis. The internship was sales-based, and Faryan worked in the dairy division in Northern California.

Since becoming involved in the College of Agriculture and taking a variety of animal science classes, Faryan has begun to appreciate the broad horizons for a career in animal agriculture. She decided to pursue options other than becoming a vet, and added an agriculture business minor. Now, Faryan is interested in working in cattle genetics and reproduction.

If Faryan wasn’t already busy enough, she has been involved with numerous clubs during her time at CSU, Chico and the College of Agriculture as well. While maintaining an impressive grade point average throughout her college years, Faryan has been a part of the honors agriculture fraternity, Alpha Zeta. She has not only been an active member of the fraternity, but has also served as vice president.

Faryan has also been an active member of the professional sorority for women in agriculture, Sigma Alpha, the Young Cattlemen’s Association of Chico State, and the agriculture marketing team.

In 2015, Faryan was selected to be on the Chico State team that competed in the Food Distribution Research Society’s student marketing case competition in Philadelphia. After making it through to the finals, the team competed against three other teams to win the national title.

Faryan has found support and mentorship in many of the faculty in the College of Agriculture, in particular Professor Patrick Doyle. As an advisory for Alpha Zeta, he helped her as a member and as Vice President for the past two years.

“Perhaps the most important thing Dr. Doyle has taught me is that it’s okay not to know exactly what you want to do. As long as you find something you’re passionate about, stay committed, and work hard, you will succeed.”

Family is one of the most important things in Faryan’s life, and she credits her parents and grandfather for encouraging her that she could do anything if she put her mind to it. They also taught her from a young age what it meant to have a good work ethic.

“They have given me unconditional love and support in my career path, in school, and in every aspect of my life.”

As a CSU, Chico student for her whole college career, Faryan advises freshmen to get involved in anything and everything that they find interesting. She urges students to make at least one new friend in every class, if not more.

“Spend at least as much time making memories as you spend doing homework. Don’t worry, whatever it is, it’s going to work out. Pray, pray, pray. God has a plan for your life and it will all come together in his timing.”

Faryan is not sure what life holds for her after graduation this spring. She is deciding between continuing her education to get her master’s degree and going straight into starting her career, being that she already has job offers waiting for her.

Faryan would like to stay involved with the agriculture industry and help out wherever possible. While she intends to work with cattle genetics and reproduction, she also plans to stay active in shaping politics and consumer perceptions.