Four years, one voice: A University of Kentucky student’s leadership journey to graduation
When Jackson Baird first arrived at the University of Kentucky in 2022, he wasn’t thinking about serving in the UK Student Government Association (UKSGA) or representing thousands of students on campus.
Baird is graduating from the University of Kentucky, with a dual degree from the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) and the College of Communication and Information, as the UKSGA Student Body vice president – a role that allows him to advocate for students across campus.
“I remember being a freshman and thinking the university was so big that nothing like that would ever be possible,” Baird said. “As SGA vice president, we are giving students a voice who otherwise wouldn’t think they would have one.”
Baird grew up in Taylorsville, Kentucky, on a small dairy and beef farm where agriculture was simply a way of life. His father served as his FFA advisor at Spencer County High School, and leadership opportunities came naturally through the organization.
“The UK College of Agriculture has always kind of been running in my blood,” Baird said. “Both my parents are UK grads.”
Baird’s sister is also a UK alumnus. This connection to agriculture and UK made Martin-Gatton CAFE feel like home when Baird first arrived on campus.
“The college made it possible for me to find my footing,” Baird said. “It really first helped me get comfortable in being a leader.”
Baird chose to major in agricultural economics and communication, and also became a member of UK's Lewis Honors College. While his sister first encouraged him to pursue agricultural economics, it was the sense of community in the department that made him stay.
“I can go up to the Barnhart building right now and everyone’s always there with a welcoming smile,” Baird said.
Experiences outside the classroom also helped shape Baird’s path. One moment that stands out came during a trip with the Agriculture Economics Academic Team to Puerto Rico for the 2024 Food Distribution Research Society case study competition, where students were able to showcase their creativity and skills in areas such as farm-to-institution programs and university student farms.
“That experience really opened my eyes,” Baird said.
Baird initially thought he would finish his four years at UK and begin his career; however, that quickly changed when he returned from Puerto Rico. Baird now plans to attend law school after graduating from UK in May.
Being the voice for students
It was Baird’s leadership roles that defined his time at UK.
As UKSGA vice president, Baird works between the executive and legislative branches of student government — meeting with university officials, helping guide legislation and ensuring students’ concerns are heard.
“Whether I’m meeting with the director of transportation, trying to work on parking, or the director of well-being, or trying to work on different things for students’ mental health — it's just such a wide variety,” Baird said.
For Baird, it all comes back to making sure that “students' voices are represented.” The most meaningful part of the role is helping students feel heard.
“Our big thing in student government this year was if we can change one person’s day for the better, if we can make one student’s life just a little bit easier, then we were successful,” Baird said.
As one of The Bill Gatton Foundation Scholars, Baird also experienced firsthand how scholarships can impact students’ lives. Baird said the scholarship allowed him to devote more time to school and get involved on campus.
“The Bill Gatton Foundation Scholarship has just been so important,” Baird said
Looking back on his four years at UK, Baird said the growth he has experienced is clear.
“When I first came in, I was very immature, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” Baird said. “Now I really understand what my passions are, especially in agriculture. I feel stronger and more confident with myself and have had so many opportunities because of it.”
A simple leadership philosophy
As he prepares to graduate and pursue law school, Baird hopes his story encourages other students to believe in themselves and that leadership is within their reach.
“I always saw people and was like, oh, I’m never going to be able to be in their spot,” Baird said. “I now believe you really, at the end of the day, can do it.”
And if his time at the UK is remembered for anything, Baird hopes it reflects a simple idea.
“I just hope that when I leave that somebody had a better day at least once because of me,” Baird said.
The Spring 2026 University of Kentucky Commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, at Rupp Arena at the Central Bank Center.