Iowa State is the home of the university’s first student named to the USA Today’s All-USA College Academic team. Lisa Ahrens, senior in agronomy and agricultural business, was named to the second team last Thursday.Ahrens competed against more than 700 applicants from around the nation for the 60 student spots named to three academic teams based on academic performance, activities, leadership skills and contributions to the community. The highest any individual from Iowa State received prior to Ahrens’ accomplishment was honorable mention, said Sherry Pogranichniy, agronomy recruitment and retention coordinator.Ahrens’ adviser, Arden Campbell, has known her since she came to Iowa State and has seen her grow as a leader on the local, state and national levels. He nominated her to the Iowa State Honors Program for consideration because of her level of community service, especially with her involvement in FFA.She was the national FFA president from 1998-1999 and Iowa FFA state president from 1997-1998. Other involvement includes student representative on the state Board of Regents, International Youth Panelist for United States Agency for International Development Conference, one of five panelists from around the world concerning the topic of international rural youth development, and she has served on the State of Iowa Governor’s Council on Agricultural Education.Ahrens has always been interested in working with people and being a leader, said Campbell, professor of agronomy.While many students struggle with a busy schedule, Ahrens said she enjoys the experience gained from her diverse involvement. “Each experience you’re involved with will prepare you in a different way and prepare you for the future,” she said. Pogranichniy recognized Ahrens for being a great student and being able to balance her many activities while still maintaining a high academic standing. “She’s got a sense of priorities and balances things very well,” she said. “When you start balancing academics, social activities and campus activities, many people begin to struggle.”Campbell said he wishes he had more students like Ahrens. “She’s the type of student that doesn’t need a lot of advice,” he said. “I’m fortunate to have a person with that caliber, be able to visit with her and follow her career as she grows.”Ahrens said she thought the possibility of receiving the honor was a “shot in the dark.””I’m glad the college nominated me, and that I had the opportunity to apply,” she said.Campbell gives all bragging rights to Ahrens, but the university in general, the College of Agriculture, the agronomy and agriculture business departments all benefit from her achievements, he said “We have lots of people in the department and within the university that are comparable, but she has those unique characteristics that set her apart from the rest,” he said. “It’s great she was selected as high as she was, and I’m really proud of her.”