Milling Journal

Overland Park, KS—Drew Pettijohn, a Kansas State University junior from Olpe, Kansas, was named the first recipient of an International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF) Scholarship.

The scholarship will assist in covering his tuition expenses for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Pettijohn is working toward a degree in milling science, with a minor in agribusiness.

Pettijohn said when he first arrived at K-State, he planned to pursue a degree in agricultural engineering.

After only one semester, he said he realized that engineering was not for him and he moved into the milling science program.

“The decision to change majors was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made,” Pettijohn said.

“I’m now pointed down a career path that I will enjoy and be successful at.”

In his three years at the University, Pettijohn has been an active member of several student organizations, including Agriculture Future of America, Grain Science Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and Alpha Mu (Academic Honorary Club).

“Being active in organizations has helped me to develop better leadership skills, and also increased my social network,” he said.

While he noted the importance of extra-curricular activities, Pettijohn emphasized that it is even more important to be active in class.

“Keeping my grades up is key to developing a good work ethic and gaining knowledge,” Pettijohn stated.

Over the past summer, Pettijohn interned at the American Italian Pasta Company in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

“I really enjoyed my experience with this company.

"Throughout the summer I completed a few projects, and I also took part in running the mill everyday,” he said.

“Learning the art of durum milling was probably the biggest benefit I received from this internship.

"They did everything they could to help me in my learning process.”

The IMEF Scholarship program was established to support the education of undergraduates in the sciences of grain milling.

The deadline for applications for the 2010-2011 academic year is March 1, 2010.

Applications are available on the IAOM website.

IMEF is the philanthropic partner of IAOM. IMEF solicits, manages and distributes funds for educational programs related to the grain milling industry. Established in 2003, the Foundation’s mission is to strengthen the grain milling industry through educational programs, professional development efforts and research projects.

Priorities include:

• Revise the IAOM Correspondence Course in Flour Milling,

• Assist to create an international certificate program,

• Develop multimedia online educational courses,

• Create a “Career Kit" and industry recruitment materials,

• Provide IAOM Conference travel grants for professional management speakers,

• Design a senior milling executive workshop,

• Provide assistance for educational material translations, and

• Collaborate on a milling economics short course.

For more information, call 913-338-3377.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• IMEF
• IAOM

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