University of Georgia
Associate Professor and Extension Specialist
Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics
Athens, GA
Ben Campbell wanted to be a veterinarian growing up, but when he found out he needed to take a chemistry course, he quickly looked for a new major in college. Campbell grew up on a small cattle farm in Alabama, so he knew he wanted to be in agriculture. “Combining my upbringing with my love of business, I landed on agricultural economics,” he says.
After graduating with his Ph.D., he worked for a nonprofit in Canada. He then moved to the University of Connecticut and finally the University of Georgia in 2016.
“Through all of this, I found a career that fits me perfectly in that I get to teach students on a subject that I love while also getting to work with great people to improve their business skills and provide them with information that can help them make better decisions,” says Campbell.
Campbell teaches two undergraduate courses and one graduate course.
His career led him to the New York Produce Show. Campbell brings students from the University of Georgia to the show to network and to “gain a better understanding of how produce goes from plant/tree to a consumer’s kitchen table,” he says.
“When I first started attending the show 11 years ago, I never thought I would meet so many great people that I would look forward to catching up with each December,” says Campbell.
The thing he likes most about Produce Business is it “provides a window into issues that are impacting my stakeholders and helps me think about ways that I can help them find solutions to their issues,” he says.
Campbell and his wife Julie have three children who keep him busy. He also referees youth soccer and enjoys hunting and fishing.
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