CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Over 200 FFA members gathered on Campbellsville University’s campus last week for their regional FFA Day. Students competed in various presentation contests ranging from ag mechanics to wildlife. Students also received a warm welcome from faculty about the new CU agriculture program.
More than 200 high school and middle school students from more than 13 area schools in Kentucky gathered in Campbellsville University’s Ransdell Chapel on Thursday, March 12. These students came prepared to participate in FFA speaking knowledge and talent contests that will qualify them for future state competitions.
While on campus, these students received information packets on the new CU agriculture program and CU agriculture T-shirts and participated in an agriculture-themed scavenger hunt that took place around campus.
Clinton Corner of Pulaski County and KY FFA Lake Cumberland State Vice President said, "The faculty and staff at Campbellsville University always provide an exceptional experience for members from across the entire Lake Cumberland Region. Whether it is talent or public speaking, the beautiful campus and support allow students to expand their knowledge within agricultural education and FFA. Over the past five years, I have always looked forward to coming to Campbellsville to showcase the hard work and dedication of our local agricultural leaders."
Samantha Gaddie, Professor and Director of Agriculture, places great value on FFA days. “I grew up in the Lake Cumberland FFA Region. 20 Years ago, I came to regional day for the very first time as a freshman. I know first-hand the amount of talent that this region has.”
Gaddie served as an FFA regional officer and state officer and has been an advisor for the last 12 years. With the strong partnership between Campbellsville University and FFA members, Gaddie announced the establishment of the Lake Cumberland FFA Scholarship, a four-year renewable scholarship for any student earning the title of Lake Cumberland Regional Officer or Lake Cumberland Regional Star who attends Campbellsville University.
After the FFA Day, Gaddie shared her enthusiasm for the FFA members and the future of the agriculture program: “I am always so excited to have FFA members visit our campus; we are in an incredibly talented FFA region full of agriculturists who will make a difference for years to come.”
Adair County Teacher and FFA Regional Chair Brittany Smith expressed her joy over the students’ experience at CU. “The Lake Cumberland Region was honored to be able to hold the Regional FFA Speaking Day at Campbellsville University. The launch of their Agriculture major was a wonderful addition to the day as well. All students were able to see the campus and take in the facilities provided by CU in addition to competing in their respective contests. We greatly appreciate the cooperation and hospitality shown to all students and advisors from the CU Faculty and Staff.”
Announced in February of this year, the CU agriculture program will offer a four-year and a two-year degree as well as a minor in agriculture. These degrees are designed to provide students with a fully hands-on education in animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, and agribusiness. Graduates will be prepared to work in the agriculture industry, services, education, and production.
“Campbellsville University has offered itself to students as a place to ‘find your calling,’ but so many of those students have felt a calling to agriculture. Now, in the fall of 2026, I am proud to say that students will find their calling at CU in our agriculture program,” said Gaddie.
Applications for the Campbellsville Agriculture program are now open for the 2026 fall term and can be submitted at www.campbellsvill.edu/apply.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs, including doctoral, master's, bachelor's, associate and certificate programs. For complete information, please visit www.campbellsville.edu.