For Jace Green, agriculture isn’t just a major—it’s a family legacy. A senior ag business student at Western Illinois University, Green grew up in Arthur, Illinois, a town surrounded by rich farmland and a large Amish community.
“My family has farmed there for generations,” he says. “It’s always been clear to me that agriculture was where I wanted to stay.”
But while his older sister has a knack for agronomy and returned to the farm full-time, Green took a different path.
“That side of things was never really my strength,” he laughs. “I’m more of a people person. I enjoy the business side and connecting with others.”
That gift for connection has served him well, especially this year in his role as Student Government Association President. After getting involved with SGA as Vice President of Internal Relations during his junior year, Green stepped into the presidency this spring.
As SGA president, Green acts as a liaison between the student body and the university administration. He meets regularly with WIU President Dr. Kristi Mindrup, vice presidents, and department heads to advocate for students’ needs.
“A lot of university policy has to be run through us for recommendation or approval,” he explaines. “Right now, we’re working on restructuring student fees, making sure the dollars coming from students are going to the things that directly serve them.”
Green credits his campus involvement, whether through SGA or his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho, with shaping his leadership skills and preparing him for life after college.
“You always hear that half of what you get out of college happens outside the classroom,” he says. “That’s really true. Being part of these organizations has taught me more about leadership, collaboration, and networking than any textbook could.”
Before arriving at WIU, Green was a collegiate cross-country and track athlete. But after a year of running, he traded his racing shoes for a broader college experience.
“There’s a lot more to school than just running in circles,” he says jokingly.
After graduation, Green plans to return to Arthur and wear a few different hats: working part-time on the family farm and building his career as a farm real estate and equipment auctioneer with Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company.
