South Johnston FFA Alumni Among UMO’s American FFA Degree Recipients

MOUNT OLIVE – Two people with ties to South Johnston High School are among six University of Mount Olive students and alumni who received the American FFA Degree this year.

Kimsey Bagley, a current UMO student and former member of the South Johnston FFA chapter, and Morgan Simpson, a 2025 UMO graduate who now works in agricultural education at South Johnston High School, were among 5,816 FFA members nationwide to receive the honor.

The American FFA Degree is the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. Fewer than 1% of FFA members earn the recognition.

Bagley is majoring in agribusiness at UMO with a minor in plant science.

She said some of her favorite FFA memories include competing at the state convention, preparing for contests and spending time with fellow members.

Her advice to students pursuing the American FFA Degree is to keep their records current.

“Staying organized and keeping your records updated along the way will make the application process much easier and help you recognize just how much you’ve grown through your Supervised Agricultural Experience,” Bagley said. “Consistency is key.”

Simpson graduated from UMO in 2025 and has returned to South Johnston, where she now works in agricultural education.

Her favorite FFA memory was winning the Milk Quality competition during her senior year.

“Don’t give up,” Simpson said. “The application process can seem like a lot of work, but it is so worth it.”

To qualify for the American FFA Degree, members must previously earn a State FFA Degree, complete agricultural education coursework, maintain an approved Supervised Agricultural Experience, complete at least 50 hours of community service and meet academic requirements.

Recipients receive the organization’s gold American FFA Degree key.

UMO also had four other recipients this year: Amelia Lackey of the Providence Grove High School chapter, Quinton Rouse of the South Lenoir chapter, Briar Scott of the North East Carolina Prep chapter and Riley Sellars of the Southeast Guilford chapter.

Dr. Stephen Edwards, associate dean of UMO’s House of Raeford Farms School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, said the degree is recognized throughout the agriculture industry and reflects a student’s leadership, agricultural knowledge and work ethic.

The University of Mount Olive helps sponsor travel expenses for students attending the National FFA Convention to receive the degree.