SU College of Ag holds its Annual Fall Student Convocation
The Southern University College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences (CAHES) held its annual Fall Student Convocation and SWAG Giveaway on August 20, 2024 in the Event Center on the Southern University campus.
Sophomore Agribusiness major, Bryman Williams, presided over the program.
Dr. Orlando F. McMeans, Chancellor-Dean of the SU Ag Center and the College of Ag addressed the students and encouraged them to take advantage of the services provided through the College.
“You are at the right place at the right time and not only that you are at the greatest university, and I will say the best college in the HBCU system,” said Dr. McMeans. “We not only pride ourselves in producing Ag innovators we also pride ourselves in producing Ag leaders. This is my fifth university and this is the first institution that I have been to in which the College of Ag has all of the wrap-around and support services right here in the palm of your hand,” said Dr. McMeans.
The Convocation also included presentations from Saturn Douglas, Director of Recruitment and Retention, Keandrys Dalton, Student Support Coordinator, and Dr. Tiffany Franklin, USDA Liaison for Southern University.
Students viewed a video presentation highlighting the internships and jobs several Ag students participated in during the summer, the B.A.Y.O.U. Summer Program, and students sharing why they chose to major in agriculture.
Following the presentation, Douglas announced that every full-time, first-time freshman enrolled in CAHES with a 2.5 GPA or higher will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help jumpstart their academic journey for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Southern University Baton Rouge campus SGA President, USDA 1890 Scholar, and senior Agribusiness major, Kennedy Orr spoke to her fellow Ag majors about her journey to Southern University, her internship with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, and provided some tips for the Freshmen students.
“Make sure you are interacting with your professors because you are going to need to know what scholarships and internships are out there, make sure you are interacting with the different clubs within the College, and you are going to the different events and conferences. Just take advantage of all the College has to offer,” expressed Orr. “If you need anything just know that I am here to assist as well as anybody in the college,” she added.
Southern University Ag Center Director of Advancement, Robert Easly, Jr., facilitated a check presentation from the Dr. James Gilmore Institute for Human Development and Excellence. The Institute donated $5,000 to assist in introducing high school and college students to the field of Veterinary Medicine in an effort to increase diversity among veterinarians.
Easly also announced the recipient of the CF Industries Foundation Scholarship. The newly established CF Industries Foundation Scholars program at Southern University and A&M College provides substantial support for two native undergraduate students for four years. Baton Rouge native, Leslie Womack, II was awarded the $40,000 scholarship for Plant and Soil Sciences.
The event concluded with encouraging words by Urban Forestry Chair, Dr. Chris Chappell.
After the Convocation, students visited booths with information on programs and clubs within CAHES and the Ag Center. Freshman students also received a CAHES hat.
For additional information on the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences, visit www.suagcenter.com and click on the “Academics” tab.