Harrison Goode, current equine science and management student at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, was among the winners recognized with the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer award in a ceremony earlier this academic year. 

UK’s academic colleges select at least one Black student displaying outstanding academic achievement and the ability to impact the lives of others to receive this prestigious award. 

This year marks UK’s 75th anniversary of desegregation and Lyman T. Johnson’s legacy. His successful lawsuit against the University of Kentucky granted him admission as the first African American student at the university. 

“My name being paired with Lyman T. Johnson is big for me,” Goode said. “It means a lot. It makes me feel good and important to my community.” 

Growing up in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Goode’s parents and sister were influential in shaping his current leadership traits — entrepreneurialism, tenacity, character, kindness and passion.”

At age 12, Goode served in the Boy Scouts of America, where he learned valuable lessons in servant leadership, time management and community outreach — becoming an Eagle Scout recipient. 

Goode’s choir teacher in high school taught him how to interact with people, be confident and positively impact other people’s lives. When it came to looking at furthering his education in college, Goode was deciding between music and equine. 

Discovering his passion for horses, finding UK 

Goode’s older sister was playing basketball with friends at the local YMCA. Following a loss on the court, one of those friends, Parker Lovell, decided to help cheer the team up at Cash Lovell Stables and Riding Academy, a family-owned riding academy.

Everything changed when Goode saw the horses for the first time. 

“The horses were so perfect,” Goode reflected. “I remember how they shined, the thudding sound on the ground. This is the moment that I fell in love with horses. As a result, attending the University of Kentucky was the right decision. I wanted to learn more about the equine industry and how to better take care of horses.”

MANRRS 

Goode’s passion for helping animals then turned to people. As a UK student, Goode has been a thought leader in the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (UK MANRRS) program at Martin-Gatton CAFE, which encourages and empowers minorities to pursue degrees in agriculture and related fields on campus and nationwide. 

UK MANRRS’ members participate in diverse activities supporting their academic and professional development achievements through networking, mentorship programs like Equine is For All, guest speakers, conferences, events like Deere Day to build their personal brand and more. UK MANRRS won its 8th national chapter of the year award in 2023. 

“The UK MANRRS advisors spend so much time helping us succeed,” Goode said. “Our MANRRS chapter helps you become a better prepared and successful leader.” 

Because of the networking and internship opportunities offered through UK MANRRS, Goode already has a professional opportunity secured at John Deere following graduation in May of this year.  

Lyman T. Johnson’s impact on Goode

As a freshman, Goode received the Lyman T. Johnson scholarship. At that time, Goode’s MANRRS mentor was Jahqethea “Kee Kee” Johnson, one of the Martin-Gatton CAFE students recognized with the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer award. 

“Receiving both the Lyman T. Johnson scholarship, torch bearer award and being mentored by a torch bearer alum is a full circle moment,” Goode said.  

Reflecting on Black History Month, Goode shares the importance of understanding the past in creating a better future. 

“Being Black is amazing. The more people understand our history — the fight, the struggle, the triumph — then this helps create more empathy and understanding. It’s so important to understand this history, especially in agriculture. We were the people that originally built this industry, and we can be the leaders that help drive it today.” 

UK Memories 

Goode reflects fondly on his collegiate experience. He was crowned Mr. Black UK during the 2023 homecoming celebration. He also served as a Wildcat Wrangler equine ambassador for the UK Ag Equine Programs and diversity, equity and inclusion charter committee member for the American Saddlebred Horse Association. 

In the future, Goode aspires to become a world champion equestrian and remain prepared for the next growth opportunity that awaits. 

“My best UK memories are the small and sometimes vulnerable moments, “Goode shared. “When you are planting a seed, the seed needs time to grow and eventually it flourishes with proper care and support. I sometimes put limits on myself; however, I cherish those times when it wasn’t always beautiful, yet my friends and family still supported me. Now I feel unlimited.”

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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.