Alan Farrior Makes The Most Of College And Internship Experiences

MOUNT OLIVE – Alan Farrior of Princeton is a senior at the University of Mount Olive where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental & Natural Resources with a minor in Agribusiness. This summer he has interned with Johnston County Environmental Health, where he is evaluating and permitting sites for proposed septic systems and wells.

“We are also responsible for inspecting the systems and wells when they are installed, as well as diagnosing issues with old systems that are failing,” Farrior said.

A typical day for Farrior starts in the office drawing up new permits and organizing inspections for the day. Then it is off to the field to complete the tasks. “During my internship, I have further developed my knowledge of soil science and sharpened my intrapersonal skills in dealing with multiple clients each day,” he said.

Farrior notes that his education at UMO has prepared him well for the work at hand.

“In addition to our major subject matter, UMO teaches students to think outside-of-the-box to solve issues,” he said.  “I am using both the knowledge and critical thinking skills I have gained at UMO to succeed in my internship.”

Farrior began the 40 to 50 hour-per-week internship in May.  He has done such a good job, that he has already received and accepted a full-time job with Johnston County Environmental Health.  He will start in December after graduating from UMO.

“I chose UMO because I have family members who attended and they have all excelled in their careers,” he shared.  “The UMO Department of Agriculture has been a good fit for me, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience.”

Outside the classroom, Farrior is a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R).  He is a volunteer firefighter at the Nahunta Volunteer Fire Department and he mixes sound two Sundays a month at the First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Goldsboro.  In his spare time, Farrior enjoys working outdoors, boating, fishing, golfing, and spending time with family.

“I have grown up in a small town where everybody knows everybody,” Farrior said.  “I am very fortunate to have a tight-knit family who has supported me in every way possible. I am also fortunate to have grown up in a Christian household. I give all glory to God in the successes I have had in my life and thank Him for putting things in place to help me succeed. I strive to serve God through my work and in my personal life.”

Farrior is the son of Buck and Kathryn Farrior.  His sister is Dr. Jaclyn Woodall, a PT at Goldsboro Physical Therapy.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University is sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists.  For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

(UMO News Release & Photos)