Life as a PhD Student at North Carolina A&T

Dallas Cooks offers an honest look into what life is really like as a first-year PhD student in Agricultural and Extension Education at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T), a long-standing education partner of FoodGrads. Her story highlights the dedication, curiosity, and resilience it takes to pursue graduate studies in the agricultural sciences.

Beginning her academic journey at North Carolina A&T, Dallas earned her Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Food Industry Management, graduating summa cum laude and minoring in Speech Communications. Her passion for agriculture and leadership continued to grow, leading her to the University of Kentucky, where she completed her Master of Science in Community and Leadership Development with a concentration in Agricultural Education. While there, she also served as a Graduate Student Coordinator with MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences), supporting students in leadership, networking, and career development.

Now back at North Carolina A&T pursuing her PhD, Dallas is focused on understanding how education, leadership, and community engagement shape the future of agriculture. In the video, she shares insights into her daily routine as a doctoral student, the challenges and rewards of graduate-level research, and what motivates her to continue advancing in this field. Her experience offers valuable guidance for students considering graduate school, especially in agriculture, education, or community leadership.

This video serves as an inspiring resource for anyone exploring advanced academic pathways and wanting a realistic understanding of what graduate studies involve—both academically and personally.