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Cody Cornell, WIU Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate student.
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Just Hired: Cody Cornell

August 21, 2025

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Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Western Illinois University has some incredible alumni who are changing the world in the workforce. This series will feature students from all over the world who are hired post-graduation.

MACOMB, IL - - Meet Cody Cornell, a Western Illinois University Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate student, who has been hired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Cornell earned his bachelor's degree in Agriculture from WIU in 2024. During his program, he established numerous connections that helped him land this position.

"My boss from the National Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils (NARCDC), an internship I had during the summer of 2022, asked me if I would like to work as a policy advisor for the Administration. I said yes!" Cornell said. "The interviews and application processes were long. There was a lot of White House vetting prior to receiving the offer letter."

For Cornell, his time at WIU was a transformative experience in which he shaped his path with the support and guidance of others.

"WIU is truly a university that allows students to follow their dreams. Anything is possible!" Cornell said. "My Agriculture Science undergraduate degree, along with my current studies in the MBA program, has helped me every step along the way. My professors have trained me in real-world situations that prepared me to step into the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service."

Now, as an alumnus, Cornell is committed to maintaining his connection to WIU. He plans to give back to the community and support future Leathernecks in fulfilling their dreams.

"WIU has given so much to me, so I feel the need to give back to it! I want to be one of those alumni who give back," Cornell said. "There were so many generous alumni who supported scholarships that allowed me to attend WIU. I want to do the same for students in the future. I am forever grateful to the education I received at WIU and I want more students to chase their dreams while at WIU, just like I was able to!"

To share your hiring story with WIU, visit go.wiu.edu/4eVgEuw.

To learn more about the WIU MBA program, visit wiu.edu/cbt/mba/ and for the WIU Ag program, visit wiu.edu/cbt/agriculture/bachelor.php.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing