Baton Rouge, La. – Recent
Southern University graduate and Baton Rouge native Kalaia Tripeaux has been
accepted into Pennsylvania State University to pursue a Master’s degree in
Urban Forestry.
“When I opened my
official acceptance letter from Penn State University, I was extremely excited
and relieved,” said Tripeaux. “Being accepted into Penn State was not only an
exhilarating feeling for me but it was also a proud moment for my family,
friends, and mentees who have all been with me along the interesting journey
through my matriculation at Southern University,” expressed Kalaia.
“Ever since I was a little
girl, I have been goal oriented, strong minded, and determined to accomplish
all of my dreams and aspirations,” she added.
This determination and
drive was evident throughout her college career where she consistently ranked
at the top of the urban forestry student body.
She has presented
research papers at national conferences and demonstrated her academic
excellence through her course works, internships, scholarships, international
study, and professional services.
Her efforts have resulted in many honors and awards,
including being named the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCU) All-Star, U.S. Department of Agriculture 1890
Institution Scholar, Society of American Foresters Diversity Ambassador,
Southern University International Research Experience Global Scholar, and
Auburn University Graduate Diversity Campus Experience Program Scholar.
During Southern University’s Spring 2018 Commencement Exercise
on May 11, in which she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Urban
Forestry, Kalaia earned the title of student marshal – the student graduating
with the highest grade point average – for the College of Agricultural, Family
and Consumer Sciences.
“Kalaia is a young lady who does not settle for business as
usual, she goes the extra miles to be a leader. She has made us proud and she
represents the quality of the students whom we have mentored and nurtured at
Southern University,” said Zhu Ning, Ph.D., an Endowed Professor at Southern
University. “I whole-heartedly recommended Kalaia to Penn State University,
where she will work under my collaborator professor Bill Elmendorf with a
graduate assistantship of $40,800 annually,” added Ning.
Tripeaux was recruited into the Urban Forestry undergraduate
program at Southern University in the Fall of 2014 by then Urban Forestry professors
Andra Johnson, Ph.D., and Ning through the Beginning Agriculture Youth
Unlimited (BAYOU) Program, with Dr. Johnson’s outstanding ability in attracting
new students, and Ning’s externally funded projects providing students with research
stipends.
“It has been one of the great joys of my life to watch
Kalaia grow and develop into the leader she has become,” said Johnson, who is
currently the Vice Chancellor for Research at the Southern University Ag
Center. “Her commitment and dedication to her studies, peers, family, and
community are a testament to a truly remarkable young lady,” added Johnson, who
is also a proud alumni of both Southern University and Penn State University.
“Congratulations to Ms. Kalaia Tripeaux and her mentors for
not only mentoring Kalaia through undergraduate school, but paving the way for
her to continue on into graduate school,” remarked Bobby R. Phills, Ph.D., Chancellor
of the Southern University Ag Center and Dean of the SU College of Agriculture,
Family and Consumer Sciences.
“My advice for students around the world is to never give up
on living your dreams. This means not only wishing and praying but putting in
the work that it takes in order to actually achieve your dreams and goals. Try
new and different things,” said Kalaia. “Who would have ever thought a city
girl like me would major in Urban Forestry? Well, I just remained my authentic
self and never changed for anyone while incorporating my academic and professional
skills needed in my field,” she said.
As for her future academic plans, Kalaia says she will obtain
a Masters in Human Dimensions and Natural Resources then pursue a doctorate in
another area of agricultural sciences to gain more knowledge about
environmental policies. She ultimately plans to gain employment with the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“Even though I have found a new home at Penn State, Southern
University will always be my foundation and I am a proud alumni,” said Kalaia. “If
you believe in your dreams, you can achieve them. Live your best life and make
your dreams a reality,” she added.
For more information, please contact Miss Kalaia Tripeaux’s
Academic Adviser Zhu Ning at zhu_ning@subr.edu.
###
No comments:
Post a Comment