The John Deere Scholars Campus Program is pleased to introduce our John Deere Scholar of the Month for January, Tracey Morgan.

Tracey was born and raised in Davenport Iowa, where he graduated from Davenport North High School. In Davenport he worked at a nursing home, and was also able to complete his associates degree while attending high school. Tracey’s family has a long-standing relationship with John Deere Company, and both his grandmother and aunt work there.

Tracey’s fall schedule as a first-semester biology major on a Pre-Veterinary track included General Chemistry, Mathematics for Biological Sciences, and African American History, as well as his favorite class, Elementary Spanish.  When he’s not in-class or studying you might find him working with Dance Marathon, volunteering at an animal shelter, or serving on the executive board for the Black Student Union.  He loves to cook and bake, and his plans include going to veterinary school and opening his own practice specializing in exotics and small animals.

Tracey is paired this year with two John Deere Mentors, Jay Strief and Nick Retzl. Since being matched last spring the three of them have connected in a number of different ways, mostly focusing on, “transition to college, adjusting to new routines, and balancing academics and life.”   Jay remembers being impressed with Tracey from day one.  

“When I met Tracey, he was graduating with an Associate’s Degree that following Friday, then graduating from High School a week later.  He is definitely the first person I have ever met who has done that.”

- Jay Streif, John Deere Program Mentor

Nick has also been impressed with Tracey’s engagement and discipline. “I do a lot of college recruiting for Deere and I typically don't see students as mature as Tracey until they're late into their sophomore year or into their junior year.” For his part, Tracey feels like having the mentors on his team has made a big difference, and that “their feedback, encouragement, and perspective have helped me feel more confident and supported through the challenges of starting college.”  

The John Deere Scholars Program has played an important part in Tracey’s transition to college at the University of Iowa, and he recommends that Davenport area students explore what the program has to offer.

“Take full advantage of the opportunities this program gives you. Stay connected with your mentors, ask questions, and be open to learning from others. The support and connections you make through JDS can really shape your college experience and help set you up for future success.” 

- Tracey Morgan, first-year Biology/Pre-Veterinary major from Davenport, IA

Congratulations to Tracey Morgan, our January 2026 John Deere Scholar of the Month!