For Tom Moss (’25) the decision to attend Morningside was sparked by two passions: track and agriculture. Initially drawn in by the track program, Tom discovered the ag program and visited campus. The small, entrepreneurial mindset of the program sealed the deal for him. 

Once at Morningside, Tom wasted no time immersing himself in academics and campus life. He double-majored in Applied Agricultural and Food Studies with an emphasis in Agribusiness, as well as Business Administration. “I always knew I wanted to be in the business side of agriculture,” he explains. “The opportunity to double major allowed me to dive deep into both disciplines and explore how they intersect.”

Tom’s academic journey was marked by distinction. He earned honors in both departments, with his research culminating in a groundbreaking project: a farm profitability stochastic simulation model. “We built a model to forecast farm profitability over the next 10 years, taking into account multiple variables,” Tom shares. “It was a project I never imagined myself doing, but it ignited a passion for research and problem-solving in the ag industry.”

Beyond the classroom, Tom was very involved on campus. He was a member of the track and field team, transitioning from running to javelin after an injury. He co-founded The Grill Masters, an on-campus business that combined his love for agriculture and entrepreneurship. “We wanted to create a student-run business that gave hands-on experience,” Tom says. “What started as an idea among friends quickly grew into a venture that has served thousands and taught students the ins and outs of running a small business.”

Tom also held leadership roles as Vice President of External Relations for the CEO club, a student government senator, and a camarada singer in the men’s choir. His dedication extended beyond Morningside, as he became an Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Fellow, attending national conferences and representing the next generation of ag leaders. 

Internships played a pivotal role in shaping Tom’s career. From managing Morningside’s greenhouse and marketing its products to local restaurants, to interning with Union Pacific Railroad, Amazon, and Lashley Land and Recreational Brokers, Tom gained a wealth of experience. Today, Tom works as a farm and ranch manager and real estate salesperson at Lashley Land and Recreational Brokers. His research at Morningside continues to influence his work. 

Tom’s research journey didn’t end with graduation. His work was published in the American Journal of Undergraduate Research in December 2025. The journal’s acceptance rate of just 22% made the achievement even more meaningful. But what truly sets this accomplishment apart is that all articles published in the journal are archived in the United States Library of Congress. 

When asked for advice for current students, Tom emphasizes the importance of exploration and curiosity. “Don’t limit yourself to one path,” he advises. “Take internships, ask questions, and find the challenges in your industry that excite you. Research doesn’t have to be intimidating—it’s about adding value.”

Tom Moss’s journey from North Platte to Morningside and beyond is a testament to the power of curiosity, hard work, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.