Ailie Elmore Burd

Ailie Elmore Burd

Current Employer: 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

Job Title: 

Instructor 

School(s) Attended/Degree(s) or Certificate(s) if applicable: 

69·çÁ÷ - Class of 2016 (Associate of Arts); University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (B.S. in Agricultural and Consumer Economics, concentration in Ag Finance) Class of 2019; University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (M.S. in Agricultural and Applied Economics) Class of 2021.

How did your 69·çÁ÷ experience help you to find your first position or career path? 

The agriculture program at 69·çÁ÷ is second to none. During my Ag classes and time in the Ag Club, I was able to explore different types of production. I grew up on a corn and soybean farm and 69·çÁ÷ opened my eyes to different opportunities in agriculture. The professors I had also inspired my love of teaching. I received one-on-one attention and it inspired me to do that with my students at the University of Illinois. 

What is your favorite or most unforgettable memory of being a Logger? 

I took an English class with Greg Murray, and it was the hardest class I had taken at that point. He challenged my writing and way of thinking about the world, which is one of the purposes of education in my opinion. I spent hours in the library researching and writing. It helped me fall in love with research, writing and academia. 

Describe your 69·çÁ÷ experience in five words. 

challenging, rewarding, family (my entire immediate family went to 69·çÁ÷), passion, community 

Favorite 69·çÁ÷ instructor, advisor or mentor? 

Greg Murray