$70, 000 in scholarships awarded during CAHES annual Fall Student Convocation
Baton Rouge, La. – $70,000 in scholarships were awarded to students during the Southern University College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences’ annual Student Convocation on August 26, 2025. The event was held in the Southern University Event Center.
The scholarships were announced during a check presentation facilitated by Robert Easly, Jr., Director of Advancement at the SU Ag Center.
Zaria Batiste, a freshman majoring in Animal Sciences from Zachary, La., received a $40,000 CF Industries Foundation Scholarship.
“It’s truly a blessing," said Batiste. "It means a lot not having to worry about the debt from going to college. I’m so glad that I was able to receive this,” she added.
“I’m so thankful,” expressed Zandrea Batiste, (Zaria) Batiste's mother. “Her father, Fitzgerald Batiste, and I both attended Southern University, and we were trying to figure out how school was going to get paid for because Zaria didn’t get scholarships, so this definitely is going to help us out tremendously.”
In addition to the CF Industries scholarship, 10 students received scholarships from DRAX and one student received a scholarship from the Ag Center’s Livestock Programs. These scholars were: Ty Sam, Zion Singleton, Taylor Colman, Nicholas Carroll, Mishanti Johnson, Ross St. Aime, Hannah Brister, Sterling Brown, Joi Ector, Camille Barnes, and Monyale West.
Prior to the check presentation, Gerroin Dupre, an Environmental Toxicology Doctoral Student, presided over the program.
CAHES Recruitment and Retention staff spoke to the students about the services available through their office. The presidents of the MANNRS, CAHES Ambassadors, Society of American Foresters, Elite Fashion Society, Alpha Zeta, Animal Science/Pre-Vet Club, and Agribusiness Students United student organizations also spoke.
SU SGA Vice President, Bryman Williams and Ag Senator, Connor Kinchen, both CAHES students, encouraged their fellow peers to become active in the SGA and participate in its programs and events.
JiKaya Hart, a Jag STARS Scholar and the Southern University Baton Rouge campus’ Miss Senior, discussed the impact of the Jag STARS Scholarship.
“This scholarship has lifted a tremendous weight off me and my family giving me peace of mind as I pursue my education,” said Hart. “Through this program I have not only gained financial support I have also gained a community of peers and mentors who inspire me. Because of this scholarship, I have not only advanced in my studies but also built long lasting relationships that I will carry with me beyond Southern.”
Sydney Marshall provided a highlight on the NextGen Scholars Program and Destinae Davis discussed her internship at Iowa State University.
Dr. Tiffany Franklin, SU Ag Center Vice Chancellor for Extension and Outreach and Dr. Clyde Bagley, SU Ag Center Vice Chancellor for Research, discussed training opportunities available in their areas.
After the Convocation, students visited booths with information on the programs and clubs offered within CAHES and the Ag Center. The students also received a CAHES t-shirt.
For additional information on the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences, click here.
