From the Utah Valley to the
mountains of West Virginia, Hayley Trotter is a non-traditional undergraduate student
at West Virginia University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary
studies in the Davis
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Trotter didn't follow the typical path to getting her education. For some it may seem “backward,” but for Trotter, it seems just right.
“I’m a very non-traditional student. I had children first and then decided to go back to school,” Trotter said. “I really want to exemplify to my kids that I’m still an important human being outside of being mom. For me, I see education as an important part of life no matter when you decide to pursue it.”
Trotter moved to West Virginia to pursue education and instantly fell in love with the state and community that it comes with.
“I’ve fallen in love with Appalachia in general, but especially West Virginia. It feels like home, more so than anywhere else I’ve ever lived. I feel like I found a sense of community here,” Trotter said.
A newfound sense of belonging helped her clarify what she wanted her future to look like.
“I always knew I wanted a job where I wasn’t sitting in an office every day. I wanted to work with my hands and work with people.” Trotter said. “Agriculture really embodies all of that – community and physical work.”
When Trotter realized she could also throw fashion into the mix, she knew a multidisciplinary degree was the right path for her.
“I’m getting minors in fashion, soil science, and horticulture, and my goal is to marry all three of those subjects together to create the perfect husbandry between them,” Trotter said.
“Honestly, working in the Small Farm Center has completely changed the trajectory of my academic experience. I’m learning about soil health, greenhouse production, sustainability, fashion – and then I’m applying it directly to fibers, sheep farmers, wool use, and local food systems,” Trotter said. “These are real world experiences I never would’ve gotten from just taking regular academic courses. It’s completely shaped who I am and where I’m going.”
The WVU micro-mill lab has also become another space where Trotter can stitch all her passions together.
“Working in the WVU micro-mill lab has been my favorite because it brings together all my interests – fashion, textiles, agriculture, and soil health – and connects them to real people in our local communities. It’s given me a way to weave all my passion into something useful.”
Trotter has truly found her home right here in the Mountain State and is eager to take the next steps towards her future in West Virginia agriculture.
“Agriculture in West Virginia isn’t just another career; it’s a way of life,” Trotter said. “To me, it’s the heart and soul of the state.”
The Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources envisions a West Virginia with healthy food, resilient natural resources, and thriving communities. To learn more about the Davis College, visit davis.wvu.edu. Keep up with the latest updates and news on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube by following @WVUDavis.
-WVU-
an/03/24/2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Aden Nickerson
Communications Specialist
WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement