Ellice Pierce manages the department’s Rhoden Farm.  She grew up in Mendocino County, a rural part of northern California known for its grape and pear production.  She graduated from ACU in May 2008 with a BS in Agribusiness.  As a sophomore she began working at the farm teaching horse and horsemanship labs.  Each year her involvement at the farm increased and upon gradating she assumed the responsibility of farm manager.

Ellice has always loved working outdoors and caring for anything- plants, animals, even little sisters!  Back in California, she spent most of her time playing in the woods, working in her parents’ nursery and landscaping business, and raising everything from chickens and dogs, to cattle and horses.  These interests and the influence of her community encouraged her to pursue an agricultural degree.

When she’s not working, Ellice spends most of her time riding horses, playing with the dogs, and puttering in the garden.  She enjoys friends in small groups and getting to know people one-on-one.  Her desire is to make the farm a place where students feel welcome to come have fun and learn hands on skills.  On hard days Ellice likes to remember that “those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.  They will rise up on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.” Isaiah 40:31.