Joshua Toran III
A Triple Dawg, Toran works to promote cultural competence and community development through agricultural engagement
BSA — Agriculture, '20
MAEE — Agricultural and Environmental Education, '21
PhD — Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, '25
Joshua Toran III
A Triple Dawg, Toran works to promote cultural competence and community development through agricultural engagement
BSA — Agriculture, '20
MAEE — Agricultural and Environmental Education, '21
PhD — Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, '25
Where are you from, and why did you choose to study at CAES?
I am from Augusta, Georgia. I grew up in downtown Augusta, roughly a mile from the Savannah River, and had a variety of experiences through school and summer camp that fostered my appreciation for the environment. I always had an affinity for science and math. I chose the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) because I felt like the learning I would engage in connected me to where I grew up while also opening doors to spaces I hadn’t been exposed to in my upbringing.
Why did you choose your field of study?
Put simply, I aim to do the most good for the most people. I believe that the complex environmental and food system problems we face around the world can be solved when people come together. Growing as a professional within the social dimensions of agriculture has afforded me the experiences and skills I need. These skills help me engage people in this problem-solving in positive and effective ways.
What was your favorite course?
There were so many! The most meaningful was AESC 2050, “Effects of Global Agriculture on World Culture,” taught by Associate Professor Brian Kiepper. This course touched on several topics I was already interested in and how they were all connected to agriculture.
We discussed the intricate global relationship between agriculture and human culture, focusing on how food production shapes societies, politics, economies and the environment. The course deepened my sense of belonging in CAES and the agriculture industry.
What are you currently working on?
I recently defended my doctoral research, which explores how short-term study abroad programs can help students develop cultural competence. My goal was to better understand how students become more effective at navigating unfamiliar cultures in their personal and professional lives after engaging with new information, strategies and actions during their study abroad experiences.
Next I will be working at North Carolina State University as a workforce development postdoctoral research scholar at the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein, a joint initiative of the College of Engineering and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. My work will focus on identifying the skills needed for careers in sustainable protein and developing training programs for community college instructors. I will also conduct workforce development research, participate in conferences and contribute to advancing innovative, eco-friendly and affordable protein solutions for the future of food and agriculture.
You've also been involved in MANRRS — what has that experience been like?
MANRRS has played a transformative role in my life. Through this national organization, I’ve developed skills in communication, program development and relationship building, among others. More importantly, I’ve formed lasting personal and professional connections. As a Black man entering the field of agriculture without a traditional background, the journey hasn’t always been easy. MANRRS has supported and shaped my growth every step of the way. I look forward to remaining engaged with this community for a lifetime.
What has been the best experience you've had so far throughout your academic journey?
Being able to travel internationally three times has been the highlight of my academic journey so far. My favorite study abroad program was my most recent one in Morocco. I think everyone should take time to engage with people who see life from a different perspective than they do. That is what Morocco was for me.
Toran (far right) celebrates with his teammates after UGA's MANRRS chapter won first place in the MANRRS Bowl at the 37th annual MANRRS Training Conference and Career Expo in Atlanta. The national quiz-style competition tested students’ knowledge of agriculture, natural resources and MANRRS history.
Toran (far right) celebrates with his teammates after UGA's MANRRS chapter won first place in the MANRRS Bowl at the 37th annual MANRRS Training Conference and Career Expo in Atlanta. The national quiz-style competition tested students’ knowledge of agriculture, natural resources and MANRRS history.
Have you had any mentors along the way?
I’ve been mentored, both formally and informally, at every stage of my journey by several people. Each mentoring relationship has been unique, and I’ve learned so much from those who were willing to share their time, energy and experiences with me. But my path wouldn’t be the same without James C. Anderson II, associate professor in the CAES Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC) and my advisor during both my master’s and doctoral studies.
Toran (left) explores Chefchaouen, Morocco, with Cora Keber (center), director of education at the UGA State Botanical Garden and fellow CAES ALEC student, and James C. Anderson II (right), CAES ALEC associate professor and Toran’s longtime mentor.
Toran (left) explores Chefchaouen, Morocco, with Cora Keber (center), director of education at the UGA State Botanical Garden and fellow CAES ALEC student, and James C. Anderson II (right), CAES ALEC associate professor and Toran’s longtime mentor.
How has your experience at UGA changed you?
I’ve grown up at UGA, figuratively and literally. The 18-year-old kid who moved to Athens in August 2016 has learned more about the world and himself at UGA. One of the biggest things I have learned is that there is so much more to learn, and I’m eager to keep learning.
What do you want to do with what you have learned at CAES?
My philosophy is to serve as a bridge between people and ideas that are historically disconnected. I aim to embody my philosophy through storytelling and community engagement.
What would you most like the public to understand about your field of study?
The biggest thing I want people to understand is that we are all connected to agriculture. It’s in every fiber of civilization. We must appreciate its role in our lives and how we can help this industry add value to the lives of others.
What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
I love traveling and appreciating the unique pockets of life this planet has to offer. Food, music and art from around the world tell stories about people past and present. I like engaging with these stories because it fills my cup. I love sharing these experiences with others as well.
I’m a kid at heart and love games. One of my hobbies since I was a child has been playing pool. Since visiting the Tate Student Center as a high school student, I’ve been inseparable from the pool tables. I’ve built some long-lasting friendships there over the years.
Toran delivered the keynote address at the Black Male Leadership Society’s Spring 2024 new member pinning ceremony, held at the University of Georgia.
Toran delivered the keynote address at the Black Male Leadership Society’s Spring 2024 new member pinning ceremony, held at the University of Georgia.
Toran ziplines during his travel to the Dominican Republic.
Toran ziplines during his travel to the Dominican Republic.
Toran roots for the Dawgs on game day.
Toran roots for the Dawgs on game day.
"Put simply, I aim to do the most good for the most people. I believe that the complex environmental and food system problems we face around the world can be solved when people come together."
Learn more about learning opportunities in the CAES Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication at alec.caes.uga.edu.
Interested in becoming a CAES student?
Schedule a campus visit and learn more about the admissions process today.
CAES students work alongside world-class scientists to get hands-on experience in their field. Through scholarship opportunities, small class sizes and faculty support, CAES students are empowered to become the next generation of leaders.
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