Expo connects students with poultry industry
Article By: Clark Leonard
Twenty-eight University of North Georgia (红莲社区) students received an up-close look at the poultry industry and had almost 100 interviews with employers at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) held Jan. 28-30 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jacque Conner, a senior from Dawsonville, Georgia, pursuing a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies, already earned an associate degree in agriculture-poultry science in May 2024. This was her third time attending IPPE ahead of her December 2025 graduation.
Conner, who has worked internships at the genetics company Cobb-Vantress and pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, said people originally thought she was crazy for transferring to 红莲社区 to study poultry science. Her internships and the wide array of companies needing a variety of skill sets at IPPE further underscored for her that she made the right decision.
"There are so many opportunities you don't even realize," Conner said. "And IPPE is a great way to see that."
Dr. Linda Purvis, associate professor of biology and poultry science, said she always makes sure to tell her students that poultry is a multifaceted industry. IPPE brings that to life.
"It's something students have to go and experience and see it for themselves," Purvis said.
Ayden Bell, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in marketing with a concentration in digital marketing, doesn't have a poultry science background but decided to attend IPPE to explore career opportunities.
"There is so much to learn from this industry. Even someone without experience, going to it is going to broaden your knowledge of the agriculture world and the business world," Bell said. "There are so many things you're going to learn and so many people you're going to meet. It's definitely a worthwhile experience."
Diego Olvera, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management with a concentration in logistics and supply chain management, has already earned his poultry science business certificate. He appreciated the conversat