Texas A&M Transfer Student Wins Top Poultry Industry Honor

Kailey Kulhanek spent her first college years at Blinn College wondering if transferring to Texas A&M would put her behind her peers. Instead, she just won the Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year, one of the poultry industry's highest national honors.

The poultry science major received the award at the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta, the world's largest annual gathering for the poultry, egg, and meat industry. She competed against students from across the country through a rigorous application process that included recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and a video outlining her career goals.

Kulhanek's path wasn't traditional, but she made every moment count. She joined the national champion poultry judging team and attended the department's reverse career fair, building connections that set her apart from other applicants.

The scholarship honors Frank Perdue's legacy of mentoring young people entering the poultry industry. Perdue personally interviewed students for years before his passing, making the award even more meaningful for recipients.

Why This Inspires

Transfer students often battle imposter syndrome, feeling like they've missed critical networking time or bonding experiences. Kulhanek felt exactly that way when she arrived at Texas A&M.

Her win sends a powerful message: your timeline doesn't determine your potential. She credits the Department of Poultry Science for creating opportunities that let her catch up and excel, proving that supportive programs can level the playing field for students taking different routes.

"I feel like I have spent my time at Texas A&M as a transfer student in the right way," Kulhanek said. "Doing what I love."

Her story reminds us that passion and dedication matter more than how quickly you reach the starting line.