Q&AGR

CLIMBING HIGH REQUIRES CONTINUALLY STEPPING UP. FRANK SANTIAGO HAS STEPPED UP OFTEN, INCLUDING HELPING REVITALIZE HIS HOME CHAPTER

Brother Frank Santiago was raised in a family of lettuce harvesters who migrated between fi elds near Yuma, Arizona and Salinas, California. Frank was the fi rst in his extended family to be born in the U.S. Because he changed schools often, he did not graduate from high school. His mother had earned both her U.S. citizenship and a G.E.D. while working the fi elds. She pushed Frank to get a G.E.D. He stepped up, choosing a vocational school. He became a recreational vehicle technician for eight years. At age 25 in 1997, he stepped up again to fulfi ll his mother’s dream that he be the fi rst in his family to attend a university. A childhood friend who had just completed his degree at the University of Arizona helped Frank with enrollment and getting fi nancial aid. Frank chose agriculture because he had grown up in it. He joined the Fraternity as a junior. In 2002, Frank earned a BS in agricultural education. He taught agriculture and advised FFA one year, then stepped up to the challenge of returning to the University of Arizona to pursue an MS in agricultural education. Frank earned it in 2010 while working in career and academic services in the College of Agriculture. On campus, he also stepped up to be Chapter Adviser to both Alpha Pi Chapter and MANRRS. In 2017, Frank left his position as Director of Student Recruitment for the College of Agriculture to step up to a new challenge — agribusiness. He is now territory manager, Pacifi c Northwest Territory, of Corteva Agriscience.

Which key attributes make a “better man?”

It begins with integrity and high standards. It also includes professionalism and quality recognized by others.

Was joining AGR an easy decision?

It was not. I was a junior and also, at age 27, a much older student. But, I observed the brotherhood and also the connections of AGRs throughout the industry of agriculture. In addition, I was attracted to the professional benefi ts extending a lifetime.

What led you to ag business as a career?

Through FFA and as a member and advisor of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources And Related Sciences), I saw the career opportunities in ag business and commitment of companies to hire

minorities. I grew up with migrant families. I still have a migrant mindset. I don’t mind moving and accepting new opportunities in new places, which is part of a career with a large company. I also remember as a youth the guy in the lettuce fi elds who drove a white pickup truck. He was the fi eld manager. I always wanted to be that guy! In my work now I have contact with young people and can help them understand the diverse agricultural industry and consider it for a rewarding career.

How did you help Alpha Pi win the Sleeter Bull Award for most improved chapter in 2016?

Membership at Alpha Pi Chapter had fallen over the years from 90 undergraduates and was around 12 undergraduates when I was asked to be Chapter Adviser in 2014.

I worked with several alumni on a plan to revitalize the Chapter. We did not seek a quick solution. Our priority was quality. Quality attracts quantity in any organization. With hard work in recruitment, within three years we were able to rebuild to 45 undergraduates with quality men who refl ected the ideals of AGR. One way we did that was to emphasize professional development. We took brothers on tours to alumni to showcase their careers. In turn, it showed alumni the quality of AGRs on campus. This helped rebuild alumni relations and created the Alpha Pi Chapter Professional Tours Program, supported by the Sayre Grant Project.

“Quality attracts quantity in any organization.”