On the occasion of National Small Business Day, we pause to honour the outstanding achievements of Jeanna Smith, an esteemed alumna of Western Kentucky University’s Honors College. Jeanna’s remarkable transition from student to small business owner serves as a shining example of the empowering potential of education in facilitating the realization of entrepreneurial aspirations.
Upon her graduation from WKU in 2015 with a major in communication disorders, followed by the completion of her master’s in speech-language pathology in 2017, Jeanna initially pursued a career in the healthcare sector. While working at Med Center Bowling Green, she found fulfillment in aiding patients in their recovery from cognitive and swallowing disorders, all the while nurturing her enduring passion for her family’s farm.
During her tenure at WKU, Jeanna was actively engaged in multiple pursuits, including her involvement in the Kelly Autism Program and her role as a park ranger at Mammoth Cave. These experiences, combined with her time at the Honors College, played a pivotal role in moulding her multifaceted skill set and shaping her perspectives on life and career.
The Honors College’s HCIC played an instrumental role in equipping Jeanna with essential skills and fostering valuable connections. It was within this community that she found kindred spirits who shared her fervour for learning and effecting positive change. Furthermore, the guidance and support she received from esteemed faculty members such as Dr. Elizabeth Gish and Dr. Cobain were pivotal in encouraging Jeanna to explore her interests beyond the confines of the classroom.
Jeanna attributes much of her success to the Honors College, which instilled in her the confidence to pursue her passions and navigate the intricate landscape of entrepreneurship. The emphasis on independent projects and critical thinking aptly prepared her for the challenges inherent in establishing her own business.
Her venture into small business ownership evolved gradually, catalysed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted conventional healthcare practices. Jeanna discerned an opportunity to meld her professional expertise with her agricultural roots by embarking on small-scale meat production on her family’s farm.
What commenced as a response to meat shortages swiftly burgeoned into a burgeoning small business. Jeanna’s unwavering commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices resonated with consumers in search of locally sourced, high-quality beef. Through participation in farmers’ markets and direct delivery, she emerged as a trusted purveyor of premium meat products.
Today, Jeanna’s small business stands as a testament to sustainable agriculture, in addition to serving as a platform for championing other female-owned small farms in the vicinity. Her journey from scholar to small business owner encapsulates the very essence of entrepreneurship and innovation that defines the Honors College experience.
As we pay tribute to National Small Business Day, let us celebrate Jeanna Smith and her exceptional accomplishments. Her narrative serves as a wellspring of inspiration for current and future scholars of the Honors College, illustrating the myriad opportunities that abound for those resolute in their pursuit of passion and aspiration.
In commemorating Jeanna Smith, we also recognise the profound influence of the HCIC, along with the faculty members who inspire and fortify scholars on their journey to success. May Jeanna’s odyssey remind us that with unyielding determination, resilience, and a supportive community, every aspiration is attainable.