Lindee Jones

Growing up as the daughter of an agriculture teacher makes for a busy, active childhood. When both parents are agriculture teachers, life is an agriculture-filled adventure. This would describe the fast-paced life of recent crops, horticulture, and land resource management graduate Lindee Jones.

With parents and grandparents all involved in agriculture, it came as no surprise when she chose to pursue an agriculture degree in the area of plant science.

While growing up in Middletown, Jones was part of the Middletown 4-H and joined the Middletown FFA when she enrolled in Middletown High School. Raising sheep, hogs, and cattle for her county fair, Jones learned skills that would serve her well in life. During her time in high school, Jones was also part of the California High School Rodeo Association, where she competed regularly throughout her high school years.

While attending Shasta College, Jones lived on the college farm where she worked in the swine and irrigation units. She was also involved with the Agriculture Leadership Club and Horticulture Club, competed in a national college landscaping competition, and she helped with various events held at the college farm.

It wasn’t until Jones took a couple of plant science courses at Shasta College that she gained an interest in plant science and pest management. Despite her experience, she had never realized pest control could become a career.

After realizing she wanted to continue her college career as a plant science major, Jones transferred to CSU, Chico, drawn in by the proximity to her hometown and the variety of courses in her area of interest. What interest was already sparked only solidified when Jones visited the campus and met various faculty and staff from the College of Agriculture.

“I knew that the numerous course offerings interested me and the warm welcome I received during my visit sold me,” Jones said. “You could tell the atmosphere in Plumas Hall was energetic and full of possibilities.”

During her time at CSU, Chico, Jones was active in Agriculture Ambassadors and the Butte County Young Farmers and Ranchers. Jones also volunteered at numerous College of Agriculture events and was on the 2016 CSU, Chico/ Butte College FFA Field Day Team.

Throughout Jones’ college career she received scholarships from Shasta College and CSU, Chico. She made the principal’s list at Shasta College and graduated cum laude from CSU, Chico in May 2016, placing her in the top five percent of her graduating class.

Jones currently works for Ag Unlimited, which is based out of Lake County. She interned for the company for two years and will become one of its Pest Control Advisors (PCA) once she takes the required exams for certification. Later in life, she hopes to have her own property where she can farm grapes and raise commercial cattle.

Jones said she credits her success and interest in agriculture and horticulture to her family and all her instructors and mentors over the years. She specifically wanted to highlight Professor Betsy Boyd and Professor Rich Rosecrance in the College of Agriculture.

“Both professors Boyd and Rosecrance have influenced my education in a unique way by making me work harder to learn and understand concepts that I will use in my future career. These two have motivated me to do my best and reach my goals,” Jones said.

Jones advice for freshmen is to enjoy the short time they will spend at CSU, Chico.

“Many quality and life-changing memories are held on this campus and at Plumas Hall. Chico and Butte County will always hold a special place in my heart.”