Meet Taylynd Stuhr, a junior ag business and communication major from Gila Bend, Arizona.
Taylynd Stuhr has traveled a remarkable path from Gila Bend, Arizona, to Dickinson State University (DSU). With her roots planted deeply in a seven-generation farming family, Stuhr’s journey to DSU is one of resilience, discovery, and passion for making a difference.
Stuhr’s connection to DSU began with her older brother’s inspirational story. After a life-altering car accident at 16 derailed his collegiate wrestling dreams, he defied the odds, earning a spot on DSU’s wrestling team and completing his undergraduate degree. For him, DSU represented a second chance—a sentiment that would resonate in Taylynd’s own journey.
Initially, Stuhr attended a small community college in Arizona as a track and field athlete but found the program didn’t align with her goals. Feeling disconnected, she decided to transfer to Grand Canyon University and step away from athletics. However, just a week before her sophomore year, DSU Head Track and Field Coach Shayne Wittkopp called with an unexpected opportunity to join the Blue Hawk track and field team. Her decision was swift: she toured DSU’s campus on Wednesday, signed on Friday, flew back to Arizona to pack, and began classes the following Monday.
During her campus visit, Stuhr discovered DSU’s agriculture program, which fit perfectly with her goal of contributing to her family’s farming legacy. Meeting Dr. Chip Poland, director of agriculture and technical studies, sealed the deal. Dr. Poland gave her a personalized tour, showcasing the program’s potential impact on her career. Over time, he became a trusted mentor. “I could tell him I wanted to be a ninja pilot hockey helicopter mom, and he’d respond, ‘Excellent, I love that for you. I know five people who do that—do you want to meet them?’” Stuhr joked, reflecting on his support.
At DSU, Stuhr thrives as a student-athlete, a student ambassador, and a mentor in the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program. She also works as an office assistant for Interim President Ty Orton and remains active in the Ag Club. Off-campus, Stuhr competes in pageants. When she needed a service initiative, she channeled her passion for agriculture into a nonprofit organization, Agriculture in the Classroom. Launching in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit educates young students about agriculture, with support from the Farm Bureau, NRCS, and local farmers.
Stuhr’s initiative stems from misconceptions about food production. “It doesn’t come from the grocery store,” she emphasizes. “It comes from producers like me, whose families have spent generations perfecting this craft and are now investing in degrees to carry it forward.”
Balancing her busy schedule is no small task, but DSU’s small class sizes and supportive professors make it possible. “I know this wouldn’t be manageable at a bigger school,” she shared. Stuhr appreciates the flexibility her professors provide, allowing her to excel in academics, athletics, and her nonprofit work.
For the Stuhr family, DSU symbolizes second chances and a forever home. Taylynd’s gratitude for DSU’s opportunities shines through in how she tackles everything she encounters. Her love for the university has inspired her younger sister to join the Blue Hawk family.