MBA Graduate Earns Miss Rodeo Utah Title
Published: September 20, 2022 | Author: Kate Lyons | Read Time: 3 minutes
Southern Utah University alumna, Madisen Wallace, was recently titled Miss Rodeo Utah 2023. Passionate about agriculture and the outdoors, Wallace is using her platform to bring awareness to rural issues and guide other women into the field of agriculture.
“Less than two percent of the US population feeds over 350 million people, meaning that there are very few with ties to agriculture,” Wallace said. “Because of my upbringing, I’m very passionate about this lifestyle and want to make sure people know where their food comes from.”
Miss Rodeo Utah provides title holders with the opportunity to represent Utah and promote traditional values and rodeo through a public relations platform. Contestants not only must look the part but should be able to ride a horse, possess extensive knowledge of the rodeo, maintain professionalism, and possess the ability to harness positive public relations. Wallace is excited to spend the next year sharing her knowledge and passion through her title.
“Each year, more people are becoming increasingly removed from agriculture and rodeo, and it is important to me to help maintain it,” said Wallace. “Rodeo was born from agriculture, and I am passionate about both. I find it rewarding to be Miss Rodeo Utah because the sport has taught me the values of showmanship, sportsmanship and mentorship, which I can then teach others.”
Wallace earned her master’s of business administration with an emphasis in leadership after receiving her bachelor’s in agribusiness in 2020 from SUU. She was an active student on campus, participating with the SUU Animal Ambassadors and in the SUU Agriculture Club. Both gave her ample opportunities to be involved in her interests and provided a foundation to practice public speaking and community engagement. Due to SUU’s ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts like Wallace, she was able to explore the Cedar Breaks National Monument and the Parowan Gap while in attendance. Most importantly, Wallace thoroughly enjoyed the quality education she received from the University.
"Having students like Maddie is one of the reasons I enjoy teaching,” said Dr. Dean Winward, associate professor of agriculture. “She is remarkable - an outstanding student, buffalo hunter, Sunday School teacher, farmer/rancher, rodeo queen and just an all-around good person. She's making a difference."
Choosing the leadership emphasis in SUU’s MBA program helped to prepare Wallace for her title as Miss Rodeo Utah and how she wants to spend her life making a positive impact. Her education at SUU taught her that leadership means guiding others to be the best versions of themselves. Understanding the struggle to overcome the stigma of women running agriculture operations, Wallace advises women who share her interests.
“Take a few business classes, but most importantly, find a good mentor who has been involved in agriculture,” Wallace said. “Support groups and networking with others build a strong foundation to keep you thriving in this industry, and obtaining some business education will help you make financially sound decisions.”
Wallace will compete for Miss Rodeo America 2024 this upcoming December in Las Vegas, Nevada. After her reign as Miss Rodeo Utah, she plans to use the land she owns to grow a tillable farm and raise a small herd of beef cattle, as well as pursue a career in agriculture or education. You can visit SUU’s master of business administration program and agriculture program websites to learn more.
Tags: Alumni MBA Agriculture