New leader joins Bay College forestry, agriculture programs
Coordinates partnership with MSU
Bay College's partnership with the Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology provides opportunities for hands-on learning in the forestry and agricultural industries. (Photo courtesy of Bay College)
Students in the Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology — Forest Technology certificate program, from left, Logan Arnold, Matthew Faccio, Liam MacFadyen and Mike MacIntosh view log scaling demonstrations at Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands. (Photo courtesy of Bay College)
Students in the IAT Forest Technology certificate program, coordinated and offered by the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) and Bay College, visited St. John’s Forest Products property in Spalding to learn harvest operations and cutting methods during the Forestry 115 introductory course in August, 2023. Pictured are, from left, Jordan St. John, Carl Hurkman, Logan Arnold, Matthew Faccio, Brogen Hall, Liam MacFayden and Trevor St. John. (Photo courtesy of Bay College)
Bay College's partnership with the Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology provides opportunities for hands-on learning in the forestry and agricultural industries. (Photo courtesy of Bay College)
Students in the Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology — Forest Technology certificate program, from left, Logan Arnold, Matthew Faccio, Liam MacFadyen and Mike MacIntosh view log scaling demonstrations at Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands. (Photo courtesy of Bay College)
Students in the IAT Forest Technology certificate program, coordinated and offered by the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) and Bay College, visited St. John’s Forest Products property in Spalding to learn harvest operations and cutting methods during the Forestry 115 introductory course in August, 2023. Pictured are, from left, Jordan St. John, Carl Hurkman, Logan Arnold, Matthew Faccio, Brogen Hall, Liam MacFayden and Trevor St. John. (Photo courtesy of Bay College)
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ESCANABA -- Students interested in careers in forestry and agriculture will find a new face leading Bay College’s partnership with the Michigan State University (MSU) Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT).
Taylor Shay joined Bay College in early July as coordinator of the Forestry Technology and Agricultural Operations programs, overseeing student support, instruction and recruitment.
The MSU IAT partners with Bay College in Escanaba to offer dual-enrolled certificate and associate degree programs in both Agricultural Operations and Forest Technology.
The partnership was initially launched utilizing a $749,000 Higher Education Challenge grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Full-time students are able to complete the Associate in Applied science degree from Bay College and an Agricultural Operations Certificate through the MSU IAT in two years, while also having access to Bay College's financial aid and student support services
Upon completion of the program, graduates can immediately enter the workforce or continue their education at universities, such as MSU.
Prior to her new position at Bay College, Shay served as district manager for the Delta Conservation District, where she gained experience in forestry and agriculture while managing grants. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries resource management at Clemson University.
"I'm not a forester, but forestry and natural resources are heavily related along with agriculture," Shay said. "I've always had a passion for natural resources, so having the opportunity to kind of foster that passion in other people and into a new generation drew me to this program and this position."
Although new to the position, Shay has already established priorities for her first year.
"My highest priority is always supporting the students, making sure that they're successful in whatever path they take, whether that's completing the program or moving on to work in the industry after graduation, selection of a four-year program, going into the workforce, etc.," she said.
In addition to coordinating the programs, Shay will teach courses including field explorations in forest technology and career development, where students learn how to navigate the job search process, resumes, CVs, interviews and other professional skills.
"I'll be taking students around to discover what their careers could look like through this program, to timber harvests, we're going to a logging expo, meeting a consulting forester, and just exposing them to what their culture could hold through this program," Shay said.
Students will also hear from guest speakers, including representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Gladstone Field Office and the Delta Conservation District, and participate in field trips to locations such as the local MSU Forestry Innovation Center.
Both the Forestry Technology and Agricultural Operations programs require students to complete a 480-hour internship in the industry.
Shay said many employers appreciate Bay College's natural resources equipment and worker safety course, where students are introduced to power equipment that is commonly used in the natural resources field.
Students also complete CPR and first aid certification.
"We take everyone as entry level, so one student might have grown up cutting down trees with his dad, and one student might have never seen a chainsaw in real life," Shay noted. "We take everyone at entry level and build off of their skills after they are exposed to the equipment," Shay said.
She is also responsible for recruiting students, which includes visiting area schools to introduce students to the programs offered through the Bay College and MSU IAT partnership.
Shay said educating the next generation of forestry professionals is critical to the long-term health of the region’s forests.
"Forests are a natural and sustainable resource, so having education and experienced people managing our forests and being out in the field, providing technical assistance to landowners and to other organizations, it will help the health of our forests in the U.P. and surrounding regions," Shay said. "Wherever those students go, they are going to be well-equipped to make educated and well-rounded decisions about forests, timber harvests, logging and whatever else."
The deadline to submit an application for the fall 2026 semester is Saturday, Aug. 1. The next application deadline for the spring 2027 semester is Dec. 22. Students must apply for admission to the MSU IAT and Bay College to participate in one of the partnership programs.
Enrollment information for the MSU IAT is available on the IAT Admissions website, https://www.canr.msu.edu/iat/apply/. Information to enroll at Bay College is available at the college's website, www.baycollege.edu.
Those interested in the programs and need assistance can reach Shay by calling 906-217-4196.
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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.