An ISU student won one of the five national scholarships offered by the National Corn Growers and Baden Aniline and Soda Factory Corporation.

Nicole Schubert, senior in animal science, was the scholarship winner.

“Receiving this scholarship is a huge honor,” Schubert said. “It’s nice to see how many people know who you are and consider you as a professional.”

Schubert was notified of her scholarship win over voicemail. She realized the significance of the award when the entire scholarship committee that chose her as a recipient congratulated and told her she can do what she puts her mind into and to believe in herself.

“As a professor and academic advisor, I am always quite proud whenever a student with whom I work receives national recognition,” said Curtis Youngs, professor in animal science. “Earning national honors is fantastic for the students, and it helps distinguish them from others in their field of study.”

When applying to the National Corn Growers Association scholarship, Schubert had to prepare paperwork.

She had to submit three letters of recommendation, a transcript, a resume and an essay. The essay topic pertained to why she wants to pursue an agriculture-related career.

The award is $1,000 and also provides transportation and lodging for Schubert and her family to San Antonio, so they can attend the 2014 Commodity Classic and then the NCGA Banquet.

“[Iowa State] has a great history of producing NCGA Scholarship winners,” said John Burnett, student services specialist in natural resource ecology and management. “We have had at least one recipient in each of the past five years, [and] we are very proud to have Nicole Schubert continue that legacy. She is well-deserving of this national recognition.”

Schubert is also a member of Phi Beta Chi and Beta Beta Beta, a biological honor society. Schubert has pursued many volunteer opportunities and has been involved through research projects with professors in both of the organizations.

Schubert is also an active member of the Pre-Veterinary Club and is the 15th member in her home chapter to receive the National FFA American Degree. In order to receive this degree, she had to complete approximately 10 hours of community service.

She has also taken advantage of many international opportunities. In December 2013, she went to Thailand, and on Spring Break 2014, she will travel to New Zealand for study abroad.

Schubert said her dream goal is to become a veterinarian of exotic wildlife. She aspires to travel around the world to work with animals and biodiversity.

Her parents played a role in helping Schubert visualize her career path, as her father is a farmer and her mother is a nurse.

“Nicole is a phenomenal individual who is very deserving of the scholarship,” Youngs said. “She is blessed with native intelligence, dynamic personality, a strong work ethic, dependability, trustworthiness and genuine care and respect for others. She is, and will continue to be, a ‘high impact’ person not only in her profession, but also in the community in which she lives. It was an honor and privilege for me to work with [her].”