Cultivating Passion in Plant and Landscape Systems

By Lily Dohman

“Who majors in plants?” “You can’t get a good job with an agriculture degree.” “Plants are not even that important.” These are all responses that Haley Klement dealt with when deciding to major in plant and landscape systems with minors in landscape design and plant pathology.

Her passion for plants began in high school through her involvement in Future Farmers of America (FFA). Through FFA she participated in floral design competitions, which then led her to shadow a woman pursuing plant and landscape systems. “Originally, I thought I wanted to be an architect,” she admitted.

Klement faced skepticism from her family when deciding on a degree. “My dad wanted me to go into agronomy, and my parents often asked if I was sure about my choice,” Klement recalls. “It is challenging to explain my major to them because people do not realize how many opportunities there are in the plant industry.”

There are limited agricultural programs in Nebraska, but Klement was determined to stay close to her family for college. “UNL stood out the most because it has an amazing horticulture program. I also thought having a four-year degree would be more beneficial for my future career.”

Klement received the Martha McKelvie Centennial Fund and the Clara S. Tillotson Memorial Scholarship through the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). Financial support from donors has played a crucial role in Klement’s education. “Without scholarships, I wouldn’t be able to attend UNL. My life would be vastly different if I had not attended UNL,” she said. “I wouldn’t have the same connections or opportunities. UNL offers a unique environment that fosters growth and learning.”

Reflecting on her freshman year, Klement appreciates the connections she has made at UNL. Alumni visits, including one from a CASNR alum who owns a flower shop in Kansas City, have shown her all the possibilities within her major.

As she continues her studies, Klement is dedicated to educating others about the importance of agriculture and horticulture. “If you like eating food, then you should consider donating to CASNR because we are the people who study how to grow food, how to produce more food, how to raise crops for cattle, which we eventually eat,” she urges. “The grass you walk on, the trees you pass by, any plant nursery you drive by, and even the garden centers at Walmart or Home Depot are important to our environment. If no one cared for our plants, we would be dealing with extreme environmental issues.”

With her roots firmly planted in Nebraska, Haley Klement is poised to cultivate a future where her passion for plants can flourish, benefiting both her community and the environment.

To see more students like Haley Klement succeed, consider making a gift of any amount to the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

This fund shall be used to provide renewable scholarships for undergraduate students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.