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Dr. Orlando F. McMeans is a leader in agricultural research and education, currently holding the position of Chancellor of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences in Baton Rouge, LA. Assuming his role on September 1, 2019, Dr. McMeans has overseen remarkable growth and progress within both the Ag Center and the College, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Under Dr. McMeans' guidance, the Southern University Ag Center has achieved unprecedented success, securing increased funding through strategic presentations to legislative bodies, resulting in significant advancements and improvements within the institution. Notably, this includes addressing deferred maintenance projects and facilitating partnerships with esteemed organizations like the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to establish a pioneering ARS lab on campus, marking a historic milestone for 1890 Land-Grant Institutions.
Furthermore, the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences has experienced notable increases in enrollment and retention, attributed to various initiatives, such as enhanced financial support for scholarships, the establishment of the Office of Student Success, bolstered recruitment and retention efforts, and extensive outreach programs targeting K-12 students across Louisiana.
Prior to his current roles, Dr. McMeans held diverse leadership positions at West Virginia State College (WVSU), where he made significant contributions to research, public service, and outreach. His tenure at WVSU saw the implementation of impactful programs and the renovation of essential campus facilities, showcasing his commitment to advancing agricultural education and research.
Dr. McMeans is actively involved in numerous national, regional, and local organizations, holding leadership positions and memberships that reflect his commitment to agricultural advancement. Notably, he served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Public Land-GrantUniversities (APLU) and chaired the APLU’s Board on Agriculture Assembly (BAA) Policy Board of Directors. He is also engaged in various committees and steering roles within organizations such as the Association of Research Directors (ARD) and the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy.
His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science from Alabama A&M University, followed by a Master of Science, and a Ph.D. in Horticulture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. McMeans further pursued postdoctoral studies in genetic engineering at Virginia Tech.
Originally hailing from Theodore, Alabama, Dr. McMeans attributes his success to his upbringing and family support, being the proud son of RosieM. McMeans Nettles and sibling to Charles, LaTrenia, and Tanjanika.
Dr. Orlando F. McMeans is committed to excellence in agricultural research, education, and service, making significant contributions to the advancement of the field throughout his distinguished career.
Dr. Katara A. Williams currently serves as the Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and External Relations. She is formerly the Chief of Staff for the Southern University System- the nation’s only Historically Black College System. Williams was previously appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards as the Executive Director for the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Williams is a skilled professional with an impressive track record in the education, policy, and public affairs sectors. Having worked for more than 20 years in both K-12 and higher education, Dr. Williams has made her mark around the state and nation as an advocate for education. Prior to returning to Southern University as a top administrator, Williams served as the Associate Commissioner for Public Affairs and Advisor to the Council of Student Body Presidents at the Louisiana Board of Regents. Williams has also worked at the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), where she developed and executed stakeholder engagement strategies statewide for Louisiana’s teacher evaluation system.
Prior to her work in the state department, Williams served as the Director of Media Relations for the Southern University System and Assistant to the Chancellor and Public Relations Specialist at the Southern University Ag Center. Dr. Williams also has extensive experience in broadcast journalism having been an air personality and public affairs talk show host on Cumulus Radio Stations.
Williams remains actively engaged in the community and beyond by serving on the Learn for Life National Advisory Board, the Higher Education Leadership Foundation, the Louisiana Association of Diversity Officers and an evaluator for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Williams has also dedicated her time and talent as a past board member for Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB), the North Baton Rouge Women’s Help Center, the Baton Rouge Ballet Theater, and the YWCA of Greater BR to name a few. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a lifetime member of the Southern University Alumni Federation and the 1880 Society.
Williams has been recognized nationally for her commitment to education and is a life-long learner. She is a 2012 Graduate of the 2012 Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Leadership Baton Rouge Class, a 2014 Graduate of the Council for a Better Louisiana’s Leadership Louisiana Class, and a 2015 Graduate of the Higher Education Foundation’s Leadership Institute, a 2015 member of the American Council of Education’s (ACE) Aspiring Leaders cohort, and a 2019-2020 American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Millennium Leadership Fellow. In 2020, Williams was recognized by HBCU Campaign as one of Ten HBCU Alumni to Watch.
Williams is a proud alumna of Southern University and A&M College where she holds a B.A. in mass communications, a M.A. in public relations, and a Ph.D. in public policy from the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy. She is also an adjunct professor in public policy where she teaches courses in political leadership, philosophy, and philanthropy, and the Owner/Broker for Compass Real Estate Group of Louisiana.
Mila Berhane has been employed at Southern University Ag Center as a Senior Research Associate with a concentration on Sustainable Agriculture and Greenhouse Manager since 1992. Her work focuses on sustainable agriculture issues such as vegetable production and fertility research, trueness to variety trials, crawfish waste, kenaf research, pasture poultry, and small ruminant research.
Mila has also held several positions in the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences. These positions include Instructor of Soil Sciences, Adjunct Professor of Vegetable Production, Plant Propagation, and Ornamental Horticulture classes. She is also an instructor for the Ag Center’s Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certification program.
Outside the classroom, Mila has been establishing community gardens around Louisiana since 1996. She is the State Co-Coordinator for the Sustainable Agriculture, Research and Education (SARE) Program for Southern University. She is a member of the Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance (BREADA) Board of Directors, the Farmers BREADA Advisory Board, and the Southern Sustainable Agricultural Working Group (SSAWG) Board of Directors.
Mila is also the co-author of the Southern University Ag Center’s Ethnic Vegetable Planting Guide.
Specialization area: Research and outreach on Sustainable Agriculture
Camellia Brown serves as an FHS Agent, Parent Educator, Nutrition Educator, and Nutrition Educator Supervisor with the Southern University Ag Center. Camellia works in Avoyelles, Evangeline, and Rapides Parishes, where she has dedicated 10 years to improving community health. In addition to her work with families and children, she also supports senior citizens in the community by helping them make better choices, assisting them with smart shopping methods, and utilizing food banks and farm markets.
She works closely with the WIC clinic in each parish, providing recipes and food demonstrations, and partners with various organizations and businesses in the area to enhance community health knowledge and initiatives. Throughout her career, she has published several articles in the Snapshot Magazine, hosted numerous Facebook Lives and challenges, and organized multiple health fairs. Her primary goal is to educate others on the importance of nutrition and healthy living.
Camellia Brown holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree.
Specialization areas: Nutrition and healthy living.
In his role, Danna assists in scheduling maintenance work orders and represents the facilities area during campus facilities meetings. He earned his B.S. from Southern University in Plant Science and his M.S. from Tuskegee University in Environmental Sciences. Danna has over two decades of agricultural chemical sales experience with such companies as DowDuPont and Valent USA.
Specialization areas: Document management and facilities management.
Myra Campbell is a dedicated Program Manager and Fiscal Coordinator at the Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center. She plays a key role in overseeing the SNAP-Ed and Family and Human Sciences (FHS) programs, ensuring effective program leadership and administration.
With expertise in resource management, strategic planning, and compliance, Myra manages daily operations, oversees budget allocations, and ensures program efficiency. Her commitment to organizational excellence supports the Ag Center’s mission to serve the community through impactful research and extension services.
Specialization Area: Program management and fiscal operations.
Melody Coco has been working as an Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Nutrition Educator Assistant for the Southern University Ag Center for 18 years, serving Rapides Parish. She currently holds a Certification in Dietary Management. Passionate about health and wellness, she simplifies nutrition concepts to help participants make informed choices. Through a hands-on approach, she creates a positive learning environment that encourages lifelong healthy habits. In addition to her educational work, Melody actively participates in health fairs as a Nutrition Educator Assistant, engaging with diverse audiences and supporting community wellness initiatives and gardens.
Specialization area: Nutrition Education, community wellness initiatives, and gardens.
Dawn is a skilled and detail-oriented administrative assistant with a solid foundation in office management and organizational support. Holding an Associate Degree in Office Systems Technology, Dawn combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience to streamline daily operations, improve efficiency, and provide exceptional administrative support.
With a comprehensive understanding of office software, document management, scheduling, and customer service, Dawn excels at managing diverse tasks and collaborating with teams to achieve business goals. Whether coordinating meetings, maintaining office supplies, or assisting in project management, Dawn brings a proactive and problem-solving approach to every responsibility.
Dawn is committed to maintaining a high level of professionalism, ensuring smooth communication between departments, and supporting executives and team members in achieving organizational success. Known for a keen attention to detail, excellent time management skills, and a strong work ethic, Dawn continues to grow and contribute to an efficient, organized workplace.
Aralynn Davis is a mathematics and education expert who has made her mark on the community. She has taught a variety of Mathematics courses at the secondary and collegiate levels since 2017. Not only has Aralynn made her mark in the classroom, she has also touched her community through her efforts to increase Autism Awareness.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a Master of Science degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Jackson State University.
Specialization areas: Mathematics, Education, Youth Development, and Community Outreach.
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Dr. Tyra Davis, is a dedicated veterinary professional, educator, and mentor with a passion for advancing veterinary medicine and education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern University and A&M College-Baton Rouge in 1999 before obtaining her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University in 2003. She began her career at Hammond Animal Hospital and Pet Lodge and later expanded her expertise by earning a graduate certificate in Teaching in the Health Care Professions from Louisiana State University in 2019.
Currently, Dr. Davis serves as an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Sciences, Pre-Veterinary Program Lead in the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences (CAHES) and Campus Veterinarian at Southern University. She is deeply involved in organized veterinary medicine, having served as President of the National Association for Black Veterinarians (2020-2021) and maintaining active memberships with the AVMA, LVMA, BRAVMA, MCVMA, Louisiana Equine Council, and the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators.
Beyond her academic and professional roles, Dr. Davis is a dedicated mentor, guiding pre-veterinary, veterinary technology, and veterinary students. She serves as a veterinary school application reviewer for Kira Talent and sits on the advisory board for veterinary technology at North Shore Community College. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she is committed to service and leadership.
Specialization area: Veterinary medicine, Animal Science
Evan Egana is a dedicated Nutrition Educator with the SNAP-Ed Program at the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, where she has served the communities of East Feliciana and East Baton Rouge Parishes. In this role, Evan has collaborated with various organizations, including Head Start programs, elementary, middle, and high schools, senior living facilities, the Council on Aging, and local food pantries. Her passion lies in promoting healthy eating habits and making nutritious choices accessible to all members of her community.
Throughout her work, Evan has introduced innovative and exciting recipes, encouraging individuals to explore new foods they might not have previously considered.
She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Administration from Southern University, where she also completed her Dietetic Internship. With her extensive education and hands-on experience, Evan is committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities she serves.
Specialization area: Nutrition education
Stephanie M. Elwood is a licensed LDAF Horticulturalist, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center Horticulture Assistant Specialist, and SNAP-Ed Growing Healthy Program Coordinator. Elwood is an adjunct professor in Plant and Soil Sciences with the SU College of Ag and has helped to develop over 100 community or school gardens throughout the state of Louisiana.
Specialization areas: Horticulture and community, and school gardens.
Allison Ezidore-Tassin is the Creative Specialist/Graphic and Digital Designer for the Southern University Agricultural Extension & Research Center’s Office of Communications, Technology & Advancement. She is responsible for producing all artwork and branding for the SU Ag Center, College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences, and the Chancellor’s Office. She started working at the SU Ag Center in 2020 as the Graphic Artist/Web Content Specialist for the SNAP-ED and Cooperative Extension Programs.
Allison started free-handing at the age of five. She immediately noticed that she had a passion for art and music at a very young age. She enjoyed drawing underwater scenes which included fish, sea coral, and mermaids. While in grade school, she entered many art contests, was very successful and won numerous awards.
Allison graduated from Louisiana Technical College in Graphic Communications & Desktop Publishing in the year 2000. The school recognized her motivation and found her a job before she graduated. This first job gave her the opportunity to design artwork for arena football teams in Louisiana. Over the years, she started working as a graphic designer for various companies in the Baton Rouge area as both an employee and contractor. While working, she went back to school and obtained a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science / Business Option from Southern University and A&M College. Later, she became an instructor at a technical institution teaching classes in the department of Visual Communications.
Allison started her own small business, Créations de Dieu, in 2010. It focuses on customized novelty products, multi-media graphic design, web, and print services to personal clients, businesses, churches and organizations. From 2010-2019, she also worked as a newspaper paginator and billboard designer for several companies.
Allison obtained her Master’s of Business Administration degree at Southern University and A&M College with a concentration in Entrepreneurship in December 2021. In the future, she also plans to teach students the art of web development, graphic design, and how to start their own businesses. “The Lord has placed my artwork in households across the nation, in the hands of thousands through newspapers, and in the eyes of millions driving along the highways. His promotions are greatly appreciated!”
Dr. LaShunda A. Hodges, rejoined the SU Ag Center faculty in 2020 as an Associate Research Professor of Agricultural Sciences. She collaborates with federal, state, and industrial partners on the integration and availability of climate-smart technology and techniques for Louisiana agriculture stakeholders. She has performed drone imaging and mapping work for the SU Ag Center Masterplan, Vineyard, industrial hemp, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) stakeholders throughout Louisiana. Dr. Hodges also conducts soil elevation, crop stress, and plant count studies. Environmental data for agricultural production in Mississippi River Alluvial Soils. Dr. Hodges is continuing to develop and establish drone Agricultural Research Applications and Certification Courses.
Specialization areas: Drone Imaging and Mapping, Environmental Monitoring, and Precision Agriculture.
Born in Lancaster, Texas Brittany Howard grew up and attended The Southern University where shereceived her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science with a focus in Dietetics. Brittanyreturned to Southern University where she completed her Dietetic Internship in May 2021. Currently sheworks as a Program Coordinator and Servsafe Instructor at the Southern University Agricultural andResearch Department.
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.
Si-Arah Jones, a Baton Rouge native, is committed to improving community health as the Assistant Nutrition Specialist and Field Coordinator for the SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Program at the Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center. Through these roles, she delivers impactful nutrition education across Louisiana, empowering individuals to make healthier choices.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family & Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Business Administration in Health Care Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her academic expertise in nutrition, combined with hands-on experience, allows her to seamlessly translate knowledge into practical, impactful health and wellness solutions.
Specialization area: Nutrition and health care.
Prior to Dr. Kelly’s role, she served as the Vice President of Strategic Community Partnerships and Health Equity Research at Northwell Health in New York City. Dr. Kelly was jointly appointed as an Assistant Professor of Northwell’s partnering academic institutions, Hofstra University Zucker School of Medicine; School of Physician Assistant Studies; School of Nursing; and the Maurice A. Deane School of Law. She created, developed, and leveraged relationships across multi-sectoral entities within the partnerships portfolio and built programs and initiatives to address disparities throughout New York communities.
Joynetta has also served at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) as the Public Health Analyst leader of the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, as a public affairs specialist under President Barack Obama's Administration, Deputy Director of the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Community Partnerships and Health Equity where she directed the Community Capacity Building Program.
Dr. Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Liberal Arts from Southern University, a Master of Arts in Public Health Law from Hofstra University’s School of Law, and a Doctor of Health Sciences from Nova Southeastern University.
Specialization areas: Communications; Public Speaking; Health Policy; Intergovernmental Affairs; Health Equity Strategist; Partnership Development; Community Engagement/Outreach; Ethics; Health Law
Chrishana began her career as a health and physical education teacher, where she spent a decade educating students on the importance of fitness, healthy living, and overall well-being. This experience not only sharpened her teaching skills but also fueled her passion for promoting health within the community.
Building on her teaching background, Chrishana moved on to a role at the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Here, she applied her expertise to advance her career in the health field, contributing to the development of innovative initiatives aimed at improving community health.
Chrishana has also become a trusted resource for health initiatives and garden projects, offering guidance and support for various community events and outreach programs. Her dedication has made her an invaluable asset to the community.
Specialization area: Health and physical education.
Joshua B. McDonald is a native of Albany, Georgia. He began employment with the Southern University Ag Center’s Cooperative Extension Program in 2019 as the Field Coordinator of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). In 2021, he was promoted to the Nutrition Education Programs (NEP) Coordinator, as the Program Director of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
Within his years of service at the SU Ag Center, McDonald has become a member of several prestigious professional organizations, such as the Association of Extension Administrators, the Society of Nutrition Education and Behavior, and the 1890 Extension Leadership Academy. He is also a proud recipient of the SU Ag Center’s Outstanding Extension Award (2023).
Joshua obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from Bethune-Cookman University in 2012 and his master’s degree in public administration from Southern University and A&M College in 2018. He is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy.
Specialization area: Nutrition education, sales and marketing, creating sustainable branding, graphic design, social media programming, and office and property management.
Dr. Jodi Morton serves as an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences at Southern University and A&M College. Her primary research interests include sustainable livestock production for pigs, poultry, and meat rabbits, the utilization of animal fibers, and the integration of virtual reality applications in STEM education. Dr. Morton instructs courses such as Introduction to Animal Science, Poultry Production, Swine Production, and Animal Breeding. Additionally, she advises the Louisiana Delta Colony of Alpha Zeta and the Pre-vet/Animal Science Club. Dr. Morton holds a B.S. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a M.S., and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University.
Specialization areas: Swine Physiology and Stem Cell Biotechnology
Kandace Moss is a dedicated multimedia professional specializing in digital storytelling, public relations, and content creation. She currently serves as the Multimedia Content Coordinator for the Southern University Ag Center's SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Program, where she develops photography, videography, graphic design, podcasts, and other marketing materials to enhance nutrition education outreach. She also manages the program’s social media, produces press releases, and oversees the SNAP-Ed website.
Her media experience includes roles as a News Producer and Sports Photographer at KTAL NBC 6, a Graduate Assistant in Sports Media at ULM Athletics, and a News Intern at KNOE 8. She has also contributed as a journalist for KEDM Public Radio and served as Editor-in-Chief of The Hawkeye, ULM’s student newspaper.
Kandace earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication with a concentration in Journalism from the University of Louisiana Monroe, and a Master of Arts in Communication, and is pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Strategic Media at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA.
Specialization Area: Digital storytelling, public relations, and content creation.
Research Assistant Professor of Plant & Soil Sciences
Dr. James Obuya is a Research Assistant Professor of Plant & Soil Sciences at the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Science (CAHES) and the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC). His research focuses on agronomy, sustainable agriculture, and pest management. He earned a B.S. in Horticulture from Egerton University in Kenya and a Ph.D. in Agronomy and Crop Science from the University of Wyoming. He then worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Florida A&M University’s Viticulture Center in Tallahassee, FL.
Specialization area: Industrial hemp and small fruits
Larisa L. Pearce is a dedicated SNAP-ED Nutrition Educator at the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, serving Jefferson Davis and Calcasieu Parishes. She has been employed with the Southern University Ag Center since March 2023.
She graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA, in 1999, earning a B.S. in Food and Nutrition and furthered her expertise by completing a Dietetic Internship in 2000. She is also Serve Safe Certified and a Certified Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Health Coach
Larisa’s career has spanned several roles, where she applied her knowledge in nutrition and food services to improve health outcomes in the community.
Specialization areas: Food and Nutrition education, Serve Safe, and Diabetes Prevention.
