USDA's Hawkins visits SU Ag Center

The Southern University Ag Center welcomed Clarence W. Hawkins, the new Louisiana State Director of USDA Rural Development, to the campus on December 17.  

Hawkins told the crowd that his task "is to pick up the baton and carry on, to change the paradigm, and make the philosophy a reality.  Our task is to change the negative perception of rural communities and it’s just that simple.  I’m serious about accountability and I’m serious about service. Service is the rent I pay to stay here.  We must build co-operations and collaborations.  My hope is that Southern University continues to grow and to serve,” said Hawkins. 

The former Bastrop, Louisiana, mayor was appointed director by President Barack Obama in September 2009. In this capacity, Hawkins is responsible for the direction and delivery of the agency's rural development programs in Louisiana. 

SU Ag Center chancellor Leodrey Williams showed his support, saying, “we must do everything possible to give the people who are qualified and happy to live in rural parishes opportunities to thrive there.” The Southern University community including system president Kassie Freeman along with representatives from the system and community showed their support for Hawkins and USDA. 

Pictured are Southern University Ag Center specialists Eual Hall, Center for Rural and Small Business Development director Gloria London, USDA state director Clarence Hawkins, Southern University Alumni Affairs officer Robyn Merrick, and Ag Center chancellor Leodrey Williams. Photo by Christopher Rogers II.