Stackable Degree Options Give Her Head Start

Brinley Rhodes proudly shows off her herd of 15 show goats and says firmly, “These guys help pay my tuition.”

Since she was 8 years old, Rhodes has been breeding and selling these goats, and they later became part of an FFA project. Her love for agriculture was born in the rolling fields of her family’s alfalfa farm in Fielding and among the trees of their tart cherry farm in Santaquin, where she spent countless hours on tractors, helping ensure that the farms thrived.

But Rhodes isn’t just a farmer at heart — she’s a creative force, with a passion for design, branding and photography.

These dual loves of agriculture and creativity blended seamlessly into a clear goal for her future: a career in agricultural marketing. And Rhodes isn’t wasting any time getting there.

At only 19 years old, Rhodes is starting her second and final year at Utah State University. Her savvy use of concurrent enrollment during her years at Bear River High School allowed her to shave years off her educational journey.

During her senior year in high school, her hard work freed up her schedule to focus on her future career. By the time she graduated from Bear River, she had already earned a certificate in media design from Bridgerland Technical College.

“I loved it, and it honestly changed my career path and direction in life completely,” she said.

That certificate played to her creative side, teaching her a variety of graphic design skills and principles. She decided to take things another step forward and “stack” that certificate into a degree at Utah State University.

Degree stacking, where credits earned toward certificates at USU or technical colleges throughout Utah can be applied to two- and four-year degrees at USU, allows students to focus on specialized skills, graduate faster and avoid student loan debt.

“I’m able to get out in the field and start working, start chasing those goals and dreams, just a little bit earlier than I would have been if I had taken another degree route,” she said. “That’s what I love about this program.”

Rhodes is now at USU, getting a degree in technology systems. This unique degree program covers a wide range of topics: robotics, cybersecurity, manufacturing, product development, management and others. The subjects all have one thing in common, though: hands-on, industry-driven education.

Rhodes is focusing her studies on the technical management pathway, which involves business, economics, management, finance and ethics. This pathway is designed for leaders who want to build their own businesses or move into management positions.

“I’ve been able to build my own course map and take classes that will best benefit me in the actual work field,” she said. “Hands-on, real-life learning is the way to go for me.”

Even though she will only be at the main campus for two years, she is making good use of her time, making an impact and getting involved. She’s actively involved in campus life, working with Sigma Alpha and serving as a communications specialist on the USU College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Council. She also volunteers to assist with FFA, which has instilled a deep passion for leadership and self-improvement throughout the many years was a member of the national organization.

Lisa Hunsaker, the academic adviser for the Technology, Design and Technical Education Department at USU, is not surprised to see Rhodes thriving.

“I first met Brinley while she was still in high school,” Hunsaker said. “Her ability to juggle high school, BTech, concurrent enrollment courses, and all her other extracurricular activities was impressive, and it’s no surprise that she has continued to excel at USU. Brinley’s leadership extends beyond the classroom; her involvement with Sigma Alpha, the CAAS Council and the FFA showcases her passion for agriculture and her dedication to serving others. It’s been a privilege to watch her grow and succeed on this journey.”

With an understanding of the importance of hands-on skills, Rhodes isn’t waiting until graduation to start gaining real-world experience. She’s already landed multiple marketing internships with companies like Mountain Land Supply Company, Arrowhead Cabinets, and C&R Trailer Sales. On top of that, she’s building her own freelance business, Tiny Thunder Creative, specializing in branding, logo design and photography.

Rhodes’s passion for marketing in the agricultural industry is palpable. She envisions herself helping agricultural companies grow, boosting their sales and guiding them toward success.

One day, she hopes to start her own marketing firm — a goal that feels more within reach with every passing day.

“I feel like I’ve really been able to make the most of my time at USU,” she said. “I’ve truly embraced the concept of technical education, and it’s given me the tools I need to succeed.”