Student Spotlight Kaylee Melton

If you have driven through campus on Barstow Avenue recently, there’s a chance you have seen senior Kaylee Melton working with Fresno State students and quarter horses in classes on our campus farm.

The Clovis native and equine science major was attracted to the program after working with Arabian horses while growing up, and has expanded her academic focus to a second degree in agricultural business.

In this recent interview, learn how the FFA American Degree recipient is considering another career option in animal nutrition and may even attend graduate school to better prepare herself for the feed industry’s needs.

 

Q: When did you start working on the campus farm, and how has it prepared you for your career path?

Melton: “My freshman year I started working at the Gibson Farm Market as a student assistant. I started volunteering at the Quarter Horse Unit on campus in 2019 and was hired as an employee in 2020. I was originally hired as the facilities manager and moved to head rider/trainer. This job has prepared me for the future because of the experience with pasture irrigation, arena maintenance, feeding and working with the different horses at the unit ranging from foals to adult horses.”

 

Q: Which faculty or staff have been key mentors for you at Fresno State?

Melton: “Ariel Diggan (former equine unit manager) has had the biggest influence on me, and has taught me so much about the horse industry and how to work with horses. I can’t thank her enough for helping me be better prepared for my future career.” 

 

Q: What have been some of your favorite classes?

Melton: “In the Feeds and Feedings class you learn about the different types of livestock feeds and what goes in them and how to balance rations. The lab portion was my favorite part because we were given the opportunity to tour and feed at the different units on campus. This class has had a huge impact on my future career as I hope to work in the animal nutrition world. One of my other favorite classes was horse production and colt training because of the hands-on learning it offers students. They were fun classes to take.” 

 

Q: Have you had any other memorable experiences at Fresno State?

Melton: “Volunteering and being involved at the Fresno State quarter horse unit has been my most rewarding experience, especially during foaling season. It's truly amazing watching the foals take their first steps and then become so curious about the things around them as they grow. Another memorable experience was getting to ride again for the first time in colt training. I was paired with a horse named Doc for the class, and I remember getting on it for the first time. Everything else going on around you fades away, and in that moment, it’s just you and your horse.” 

 

Q: What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

Melton: “My mom’s family raised Arabian horses so I grew up around horses. I was involved in the Blossom Trail 4-H Horse Project for a few years in elementary school and junior high. Prior to Fresno State, I was involved in the Clovis FFA Chapter where I bred and raised market lambs to show at fairs and livestock shows. I was also a member of the Vine Pruning and Livestock Judging CDE teams.” 

 

Q: Did you participate in any other outreach activities that benefited the community or attend any conferences?

Melton: “On campus, I’ve helped with the FFA Horse Judging Competition.  Last year I traveled to Indianapolis to the National FFA Convention with the Clovis FFA where I received the American FFA Degree. This is its highest degree, and only 3% of FFA members receive this degree.” 

 

Q: Do you have any other family members that are Fresno State graduates?

Melton: “My father, Gregory, is a Fresno State alumnus, and his degree was in psychology with a business minor, and my younger sister is currently in her third year at Fresno State in the viticulture and enology program.”

 

Q: Have you received any scholarships at Fresno State through the Jordan College?

Melton: “I have received the Dr. & Mrs. M.E. Ensminger Scholarship, Ag One-Fresno County Farm Bureau Scholarship, and California Women for Agriculture Scholarship.” 

 

Q: Did you have to overcome any challenges to get where you are today that have shaped who you are?

Melton: “A challenge I faced was that I double-fractured my ankle a couple weeks into the spring semester in 2020 and had to have surgery on it. My recovery was six weeks on crutches and another six weeks in a walking boot. I had to stay very organized and on top of my classes since I was out for a couple of weeks. I was also not able to work or ride horses for the whole recovery, which felt like forever. Through my recovery I had to learn to be patient, stay organized, and stay positive that I would soon be able to return to my normal routine again.” 

 

Q: Are there any other interesting notes about yourself that you would like to include?

Melton: “I used to be a competitive swimmer. I swam on the varsity team for my high school and with the Clovis Swim Club.” 

 

Q: What's your next career step, and how do you plan to use your degree eventually?

Melton: “I plan to continue school for a masters degree in animal nutrition, and my dream job is to work for Associated Feed.”