Meet the 2025 SASES national officers

Join us in welcoming our 2025 national officers for SASES (the Students of Agronomy, Soils, and Environmental Sciences), the undergraduate program of ASA, CSSA, and SSSA. Students from SASES clubs around the country elect their national officer team every year. The officer team meets via video conference and plans student events and sessions during CANVAS.

CSA News asked each officer to introduce themselves below in their own words.

Ashlynn Hartman, President

I am a junior pursuing a double major in Agronomy and Agricultural Economics, along with a secondary major in Global Food Systems Leadership and a minor in Plant Pathology. At K-State, I am actively involved in the College of Agriculture Ambassadors, serve as vice president of the Wheat State Agronomy Club, and compete on both the Crops Team and Weeds Team. Upon graduation, I plan to serve the industry as a crop protection agronomist with the long-term goal of working in agricultural policy. Growing up on a grain farm in southeast Nebraska gave me a deep appreciation for agriculture and a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing rural communities. My passions include protecting family farms, supporting rural communities, and advancing the future of agriculture. As a previous SASES officer, I am honored to serve as this year’s SASES president and look forward to making CANVAS a valuable and impactful experience for students.

Ruby Slentz, Vice President

I am a junior in Agronomy with minors in Horticulture and Food and Farm Sustainability. I have not fully figured out what I want to do after college, but I am slowly figuring it out! At Purdue, I am involved in the Agronomy Club, Agronomy Ambassadors, and Sigma Alpha. Outside of my classwork and clubs, I am a Learn-to-Swim Coordinator, and I work in the Agronomy Department's resource center! I chose to run for a SASES officer position because I thoroughly enjoyed my time last year as recording officer and wanted to see what I could accomplish this year and what new people I will meet! I am so excited to serve as the vice president for this year!

Steven Bachelor, Treasurer

My name is Steven Bachelor, I am a sophomore at Oklahoma State University majoring in Plant and Soil Science. I currently serve as the Ferguson Student Council Representative for the Agronomy Club, am on the Crops Judging Team, and conduct research in the bermudagrass improvement program. After graduating, I will pursue graduate school, focusing on plant breeding. I have had the pleasure of attending two SASES meetings and had an interest in becoming involved in SASES even more. As an officer, I am excited to share all these great opportunities and experiences with new and returning members.

Brayden Sexton, Historian

Hello! My name is Brayden Sexton, and I am from Huntsville, AL. I am currently a sophomore attending Auburn University and majoring in Crop and Soil Sciences. Growing up, I have been around agriculture my whole life. My family how been in the row crop production business for more than 50 years. We also have been in the agritourism business with our pumpkin patch for nearly 30 years. Being around the farm has allowed me to grow a deep passion for all things related to agriculture. I can remember from a young age wanting to grow up and work on the farm, following the footsteps of my grandfather. Today, I am pursuing my degree at Auburn to further my knowledge of the agricultural industry and all of the practical uses it can bring to this world.

Pedro Chavez Villanueva, Recording Officer

Howdy. My name is Pedro Chavez. I’m a junior at Texas A&M majoring in Plant and Environmental Soil Science, focusing on Soil and Crops, and minoring in Horticulture. I've always been interested in the field of science, and growing plants, and I feel I've found the perfect place to expand my knowledge. I was born in Dolores Hidalgo Guanajuato, Mexico and moved to the U.S. when I was seven years old. Growing up on a small farm has had a great impact on my interest in growing things, so from a young age, I've always loved sowing seeds and seeing what grew from them. Currently, I serve as assistant chair of the Aggie Corn Maze at Texas A&M and plan on taking full responsibility of the maze next fall as chair. My current goal is to take what I've learned back home and implement modern farming practices. I was inspired to run for officer because of the incredible people I have met from around the country through SASES. My hopes are for others to have a similar experience as I have had and to be able to expand their knowledge and connections.