Center of Excellence

Support Team

Brittany Howard, MPA

Program Coordinator and Servsafe Instructor, Center of Excellence for Nutrition, Health, Wellness and Quality of Life

Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center and the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences

Born in Lancaster, Texas Brittany Howard grew up and attended Southern University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science with a focus in Dietetics. Brittany returned to Southern University where she completed her Dietetic Internship in May 2021. Currently she works as a Program Coordinator and Servsafe Instructor at the Southern University Agricultural and Research Department.

Email: brittany_howard@suagcenter.com

Evan Egana, MPA

Nutrition Educator, FCS, SNAP-Ed - East Baton Rouge / East Feliciana Parishes

Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center and the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences

Evan Egana is from New Orleans, Louisiana. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Food Service and Nutrition from The Southern University A&M College and currently is working towards her MPA.

Evan is a SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator with the Southern University Agriculture Center serving East BatonRouge and East Feliciana Parish. Evan works with Sisters Together educating the community on healthy eating habits, physical activities and performs food demonstrations.

Email: evan_egana@suagcenter.com

Cornelius Jackson, Jr., MS

ANR County Agent - East Baton Rouge / East Feliciana Parishes

Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center and the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences

Cornelius Jackson is a dedicated Agricultural Extension Agent serving East Baton Rouge and East Feliciana Parishes. Originally from the vibrant city of Marietta, GA, Cornelius brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for horticulture, livestock education, as well as plant and vegetable science to the communities he serves.

He also serves as the garden specialist for the 1890 Center of Excellence, where he not only implements gardens but also provides 101 garden training to youth and adults.

Cornelius holds both a bachelor's and a master’s degree in urban forestry from the Southern University and A&M College, where he developed a strong foundation in plant/tree identification, soil science, and sustainable agriculture.

Email: cornelius_jackson@suagcenter.com

Isabella Jimenez, MS

Program Coordinator, Center of Excellence for Nutrition, Health, Wellness and Quality of Life

Tuskegee University

Isabella Jimenez is a Program Coordinator at TuskegeeUniversity for the Center of Excellence project. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition Dietetics from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Food and Nutritional Sciences from Tuskegee University.

Her graduate research focused on the challenges associated with recruiting participants for a study on the prevention and progression of hypertension among adults residing in Alabama’s rural Black Belt, deepening her commitment to addressing health disparities in underserved communities.

Since 2021, Isabella has assisted with initiatives designed to improve nutrition education, promote chronic disease prevention, and expand community outreach across rural Alabama. Through these efforts, she has contributed to reaching and empowering over 400 participants with practical strategies for healthier living.

Passionate about health equity and community empowerment,Isabella combines her academic expertise, research background, and program coordination skills to drive meaningful impact in the communities she serves.