SU Ag Research Assistant Felton DeRouen II Receives the SU System Above and Beyond Award
Baton Rouge, La. – Mr. Felton DeRouen II, Research Assistant at the SU Ag Center, received the Southern University System’s Above and Beyond Award during the Southern University System Board of Supervisors meeting on February 10, 2023.
The“Above and Beyond Award" was established to help inspire and motivate Southern employees to reach their maximum performance. It honors outstanding achievements in the workplace, exceptional contributions toward efficiency and effectiveness of operations, special efforts in promoting workforce excellence, or outstanding service to the University community and constituents. This month marks the 6th year of the award. One award will be presented at the SU Board of Supervisors meetings each month. Recipients of the award are nominated by their peers and the top three nominations are then selected by the Board of Supervisors chair and vice chairs.
Mr. DeRouen received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from Southern University. He participated in the SU Livestock Shows, which began in 1943 and this was the beginning of his love for animals.
He uses his knowledge to inform and encourage farmers on the use of animals on their farms while using sustainable practices working with poultry, rabbits, goats, lambs, cattle, and swine. As Manager of the on-campus livestock, he is responsible for communicating with faculty researchers on animal wellness and research progress as well as encouraging student interactions through hands-on-learning activities. Mr.DeRouen also assists with the collection and testing of meat samples, performs wellness checks on animals, and conducts training on basic animal husbandry. He serves as a Program Trainer for our Sustainable Urban Agriculture & Master Small Ruminant Certification Programs.
Mr. DeRouen is currently a part of helping at least three active grants/projects totaling more than $2,000,000. He is a co-author on at least two livestock publications. He is the recipient of the National Pork Board Certification, Louisiana Department of Ag and Forestry Pesticide Applicator Certification, Wild Animal Trapper Certification, and a recipient of a Research Assistant Award at the Joint SU/LSU Ag Centers Annual Conference on December 12, 2022.