Shelby Robinette Agricultural Business Student Spotlight

Recent #FresnoStateGrad Shelby Robinette has shined for the equestrian team as an All-Big 12 Selection in reining and on its all-academic teams. 

The Sterling, Colorado native was also drawn to Fresno State by its nationally-regarded Agricultural Business Department, and now looks ahead to a summer internship at the Bank of Colorado as a credit analyst intern.

Learn what's ahead and more about her background in this recent interview.

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State, and how did you pick your major?

“Choosing Fresno State was an easy decision for me. The school is especially known for its agricultural programs, such as agricultural business. I knew that I would receive a great education, setting me up for success in the future. There are many student organizations offered through the university, and opportunities for many different career choices here in the (Central) Valley. Another reason I chose Fresno State is to be on of the Women’s Equestrian Team, which I’m so fortunate to get to be a part of! I’m so thankful to be able to further my education and continue to compete in the sport I love.” 

 

Q: Which classes and faculty members have had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State?

“Two of the faculty members that have had a lasting impact on me while at Fresno State are Professor Neil Tung and Professor Lynn Williams. Both of these professors truly take an interest in their students inside and outside of the classroom. I have learned so many life lessons through these teachers that I will take with me for the rest of my life. Some of my favorite memories have happened in their classrooms. Professor Tung has even come out to support our Equestrian Team at home meets, cheering us on, and conversing with our parents. I can’t thank them enough for all they have done for me, and my fellow classmates. What they do for us doesn’t go unnoticed!”

 

Q: Talk about any campus farm units you have worked at, when you started, types of responsibilities, and skills you have learned that you can apply to your career.

“We put in a great deal of work at our our equestrian facility where we take great pride in our horses, equipment, and facilities we have in order to compete. Without all of these things we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. Throughout the school year we are responsible for the care of our horses and equipment. Skills such as time management, responsibility, communication, and compassion are all attributes that are required in order for us to be successful in our sport. I, along with my teammates, are constantly working on these skills which we can take with us to use for the rest of our lives.” 

 

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

“Where I grew up, everyone was involved in agriculture. Personally, I grew up with a dad who was a large and small animal veterinarian before he passed away, so we were never short of having animals around. Both of my parents were also involved with horses. My mom competitively showed performance horses her whole life, and my dad was a team roper."

"I quickly fell in love with animals, especially horses at a young age. Learning how to work with something that has its own mind and feelings, and be able to come together to achieve a goal is something everyone should get to experience. I’m thankful for where and how I grew up, and that my parents gave me the opportunity to find what I loved so early on."

"Growing up in an agricultural community you learn what it means to work hard and help other people when you can. That is a large aspect of why I love agriculture and plan on being a part of it the rest of my life.” 

 

Q: What organizations at Fresno State have you been a part of?

“As part of the Women’s Equestrian Team here at Fresno State, I have been able to represent our school throughout the last two years of competition. With the help of coaches and teammates I have been able to achieve things such as being named to the 2023-24 All Big-12 Reinig Team, 2023-24 NCEA All Academic Big-12 First Team, 2023-24 NCEA Academic Honor Roll, 2022-23 NCEA All Academic Big-12 First Team, and 2022-23 NCEA Academic Honor Roll. I also set the school record for the highest score in the reining with a 79 during the 2022-23 competition year. These would not been possible without our horses that we get to compete and practice on, our coaches, and my teammates. I’m so thankful for all of them.” 

 

Q: Have you received any scholarships related to campus, the Jordan College or Ag One?  

“This year I was lucky enough to have received both the Ag One-Max and Verda Foster Memorial Scholarship, and the Ag One-Frank Moradian Memorial Scholarship. I can’t say thank you to those who make these scholarships possible. They help allow students like me to be able to continue my education and enjoy this experience to the fullest! I’m so honored and thankful to have been a recipient for these scholarships this year.” 

 

Q: What’s your potential next career step?

“I haven’t fully decided what career I want to pursue, but I have an interest in the lending side of things. I am hoping to do an an internship this summer with the Bank of Colorado as a credit analyst intern. I am looking forward to furthering my knowledge and experience in this field in order to get a better understanding of what the banking/lending industry looks like. I want to stay in the agricultural field, so I hope to find something full-time after I come back to complete my master’s degree.” 

 

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

“A big challenge that is a big part of who I am today is the loss of my dad. When I was 13, my dad took his own life. I had to watch my mom take on the responsibility of providing for my sister and I, and she continues to be the most amazing mom. Nobody can prepare you for the loss of a parent, especially in such a shocking and drastic way. I believe that my dad’s passing was a large reason I got so involved with horses. It was a way for me to take my mind off things and be able to connect with something on a deeper level. Thankfully my mom was and always will be my biggest supporter in order to get me to where I am today within the sport. Even to this day, there are times where my dad’s passing is hard and it is something I do not take lightly. I hope I have been able to make him smile from above and always ask that he watches over my family and I.” 

 

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

“I can’t thank everyone that has been a part of my life in whatever way. I wouldn’t be here or who I am if it wasn’t for you guys. The biggest of thank you’s to my mom (Judy), sister (Hadlie), all my other family, all my coaches (before and during college), friends, and teammates for always pushing and supporting me.”