SU Ag Center Livestock Show, a Family Affair

Camryn Castrogovannie, 7, prepares to take ring

Freddie Allen, 11, takes the ring with steer

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s 70^th Annual Livestock Show is in full swing.  The day started bright and early with showmanship competitions, involving hogs, lambs, steers and goats. Group tours for local k-12 students included stops at cow milking, gardening, and potato harvesting stations.  This family friendly event continues to draw crowd until Saturday, March 2. 

For further information, please contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-4350 or Christie_monroe@suagcenter.com 

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Youth poised for 70th Livestock Show at SU Ag Center Arena

youth shears animal for show

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s Maurice Edmond Livestock Arena is teeming with people and activities as youth arrive for the 70^th Annual Livestock Show.  The next couple of days will be filled with contests among young farmers and ranchers from across the state displaying prime animals and vying for top prizes. This family friendly event kicks off tonight and concludes on Saturday, March 2.

For further information, please contact Christie Monroe at  225-771-4350 or Christie_monroe@suagcenter.com.

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SU Ag Center begins new session to teach Louisiana small farmers leadership skills

Dr. Mellion-Patin interacts with participants

Baton Rouge, LA - The Louisiana Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute held its first training session for the year on February 23. Participants from various parishes gathered to focus on developing leadership skills, while learning about agricultural legal, management and risk issues. The event took place at A. O. Williams Hall, Southern University Ag Center, Baton Rouge.

The institute is a course of study designed to guide small, socially disadvantaged, limited resource and/or minority farmers through the transformative process of becoming more successful agricultural entrepreneurs.  The overall goal is to promote the sustainability of small family farms through enhanced business management skills and leadership development.  The training sessions are designed to be highly interactive and include seminars, video lessons and study tours.

At today’s session, topics of discussion included the definition of leadership, and leadership assessment by Dawn Mellion-Patin, Institute Director; leadership characteristic group activity by Tiffany W. Franklin, Extension Associate; overview of agricultural risks by Emily M. King, Outreach Specialist; and understanding farm taxes by John K. Pierre, Esq., Vice Chancellor and Professor, SU Law School. 

For further detail, contact Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin at 225-771-3532.

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Honors College Black takes first place in Annual Black History Quiz Bowl

L-r: J.P. Douglas, Thomas Hulbert, Mario Johnson,  Dr. Bandele, David Hulbert, Dr. Eubanks

Baton Rouge, LA – The Southern University Ag Center held its 19^th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl on Thursday, Feb. 21 in A. O. Williams Hall. The Honors College Black team came out on top of the five competing teams. Dr. Gina E. Eubanks, vice chancellor for Extension, presented the plaques to the winners.

Dr. Owusu Bandele, Professor Emeritus has been committed to this high school-college educational contest for the past 19 years.

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The SU Ag Center is set for its 9th Annual Procurement Conference

Exhibitor registration form

Conference registration form

Baton Rouge, LA – The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold its annual "Connecting Businesses with Contracts" Procurement Conference on Thursday, April 4. The event will kick-off with registration at 7:30 a.m. in the Smith-Brown Student Union on the Southern University A&M College campus, 500 Jesse N. Stone Avenue, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813.

                                            

The conference fosters partnerships between all small businesses including small disadvantaged, woman-owned, veteran-owned, Hubzone, Federal, State and Local Government Agencies and major prime contractors. This event is free and open to all current and potential small business owners, contractors and the public. However, pre-registration is required.  The registration deadline for conference participants is March 29. 

Now in its 9^th year, this annual Procurement Conference has become the premier event for small businesses throughout the state of Louisiana. Attendees will receive information on developing effective marketing strategies and capability statements, pricing, contracting with federal, state and local government agencies, methods of financing, licensing laws and consumer protection issues. Participants will also be able to network with other small business owners and contracting agents.

Representatives from the United States Small Business Administration will be available to discuss Small Business Administration programs and services, loan guarantees, certification process, government contracting opportunities and surety bonds. The Louisiana State Contractors License Board, Louisiana Economic Development and Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office will also be available to answer questions from individuals and business owners.

The conference is being hosted by the Center for Rural and Small Business Development at the Southern University Ag Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Small Business Development Centers of Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Please fax your participant registration form to (337) 482-1215, ATTN:  Peggy Sammons at the Louisiana PTAC before March 29, 2013.  Onsite registration will also be available. Federal, State, Local Government Agencies and major prime contractors are welcome to serve as exhibitors for the event. Potential exhibitors are urged to submit an exhibitor registration form to jo.lawrence3@sba.gov or fax to (504) 589-2339, by April 2, 2013. For further detail, please call (504) 589-6688 or (504) 589-6690. 

To obtain more information or a registration form to serve as a participant or exhibitor, contact Gloria London, Director of the Center for Rural and Small Business Development, at (225) 771-4107; Eual Hall, Business Development Specialist, at (225) 771-4105; or LaKeeshia Giddens, Program Director – E-Learning Center, at (225) 771-2160.

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LaKeeshia Giddens assisted with this press release.

Claims Filing Deadline for Hispanic and Women Farmers is March 25

Baton Rouge, LA - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has reminded Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades that there are 45 days remaining in the filing period closing March 25, 2013.

"Hispanic and women farmers who believe they have faced discriminatory practices in the past from the USDA have 45 days left to file a claim in order to have a chance to receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness," said Secretary Vilsack. "USDA urges potential claimants to contact the Claims Administrator for information and mail their claim packages on or before March 25, 2013."

The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can prove that USDA denied his or her application for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000. As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to participate in the program.

Call center representatives can be reached at 1-888-508-4429. Claimants may register for a claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) or may download the forms from the website. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages are encouraged to attend meetings in your communities about the claims process and contact the website at any time or call center telephone number Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Website: www.farmerclaims.gov

Phone: 1-888-508-4429

Claims Period: September 24, 2012 - March 25, 2013.

Audio and video public service announcements in English and Spanish from Secretary Vilsack and downloadable print and web banner ads on the Hispanic and women farmer claims process are available online.

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SU Ag Center: kudos to staff author

Mrs. Tiffany Franklin

Baton Rouge, LA – SU Ag Center recognizes Mrs. Tiffany Wilkerson-Franklin, Extension Associate, for her contribution to a recent book publication. She co-authored a book chapter entitled, “Private Prisons as Economic Development:  Evidence and Implications for Public Policy.”  The book is titled “Prison Privatization: The Many Facets of a Controversial Industry,” Volume II:  Private Prisons and Private Profit.  Other authors include Drs. Leslie Taylor-Grover and Eric Horent, both from the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy, Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA.  Mrs. Franklin completed the policy implications and the conclusion portions of the aforementioned book chapter. 

“It is my distinct honor to recognize Mrs. Tiffany Wilkerson-Franklin,” said Dr. Gina E. Eubanks, Vice Chancellor for Extension.  “We are proud of Mrs. Franklin for her accomplishments and look forward to future contributions to the field of public policy regarding vulnerable populations, and here at the Southern University Ag Center.”

Franklin is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Public Policy with a concentration in Sustainable Futures. 

The book’s ISBNs are 10: 0313395713 | and 13: 978-0313395710, available online at Amazon. This three-volume set brings together noted scholars and experts in the field to provide a comprehensive treatment of the subject of privatized prisons in the United States.

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SU Ag Center holds “How to Start a Sustainable Business” seminar in Kentwood, LA

BATON ROUGE, LA— The Center for Rural and Small Business Development in the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold a free business development seminar on “How to Start a Sustainable Business,” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 16 inside the E-Learning Center, which will be parked in front of the Ebony Beauty Supply Store, 800 third Street, in Kentwood, La.

The seminar is free and open to all current and potential small business owners. In the event that more participants attend the seminar than can be accommodated in the E-Learning Center, the seminar will be moved inside the Ebony Beauty Supply Store. Participants will learn how to start or expand an existing business and receive the forms and applications needed to legally operate a business in the state of Louisiana, as well as, information to ensure that an existing business continues to operate efficiently.

To register or for additional information about the Center for Rural and Small Business Development or its E-Learning Center, contact LaKeeshia Giddens at lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.2160, Eual Hall at eual_hall@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.4105.

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SU Ag Center to hold raised bed workshop for women on the farm, February 16

Baton Rouge, LA - Southern University Ag Center will hold a workshop for women on the farm, Saturday, February 16, 2013 in A.O. Williams Hall/Greenhouse Complex, from 8:30 am-2:00 pm. Topics will include constructing, planting and using raised beds for gardens.

For further details, contact Emily King at 225-771-2242 or emily_king@suagcenter.com  

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SU Ag Center’s 2nd Annual Louisiana Small Farmer Conference starts March 14

conference registration form

exhibition registration form

Baton Rouge, La – The SU Ag Center will hold its annual Louisiana Small Farmer Conference, March 14-16, 2013 in A. O Williams Hall, 181 B. A. Little Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70813.

Registration is $25.00 by March 1, 2013.

Pre-conference sessions will include grant-writing opportunities.  Conference sessions will cover topics such as farm diversification, record keeping, marketing strategies, estate planning and USDA programs.

The Louisiana Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute is a course of study specifically designed to guide small, socially disadvantaged, and limited resource farmers through the process of becoming more successful agricultural entrepreneurs.

This unique training prepares small farmers to make better decisions on their farms or agricultural operations, while also equipping them with the necessary skills and expertise to assume positions of leadership in the agricultural community.

To register or obtain further details, visit us at www.suagcenter.com or call 225-771-2242.

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SU Ag Center to hold free ‘Non-Profit Start-Up’ Workshop

Baton Rouge, LA - The Center for Rural and Small Business Development in the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold a “Non-Profit Start-Up” workshop from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, February 5 in room 191, A.O. Williams Hall, 181 B. A. Little Drive, in Baton Rouge, LA 70813.

               

The workshop is free and open to the public.

               

Workshop attendees will receive information on how to start a viable, operational non-profit organization, and the steps to receiving 501© 3 tax exempt status.

For additional information about the Center for Rural and Small Business Development or its E-Learning Center, contact LaKeeshia Giddens at lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com; 225.771.2160; or Eual Hall at eual_hall@suagcenter.com; 225.771.4105.

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Seminar on how to start a sustainable business

Baton Rouge, LA - The Center for Rural and Small Business Development will present a free business development seminar entitled “How to Start a Sustainable Business,” at noon, February 2, 2013 aboard the E-Learning Center, which will be parked at 65424 South Hookfin Road in Fluker, Louisiana.

The seminar is open to all current and potential small business owners. Participants will learn how to start or expand an existing business and receive the forms and applications needed to legally operate a business in the state of Louisiana, as well as, information to ensure that an existing business continues to operate efficiently. To register or for additional information about the Center for Rural and Small Business Development or its E-Learning Center, contact LaKeeshia Giddens at lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.2160, Eual Hall at eual_hall@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.4105.

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SU Ag Center Leadership Institute mentioned in article

Mr. Washington on his farms

Baton Rouge, LA - An article published by Civil Eats entitled “Farmer Knows Best: How Mentoring Programs Can Help the Next Generation of Farmers Land on Their Feet” mentioned Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute as one of the mentoring programs that help the next generation of farmers succeed. The Agricultural Leadership Institute is a course of study specifically designed to guide small, socially disadvantaged, and limited resource farmers through the process of becoming more successful agricultural entrepreneurs. Brennan Washington, a former IT employee turned owner and operator of Phoenix Gardens, LLC, is a graduate of the program. He talks about his mentoring experience. Click here to read the full article.

Dr. Dawn Mellion Patin, agriculture specialist, is director of the Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute and can be reached at 225-771-2242.

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Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Reminds Producers to Complete 2012 Census of Agriculture

Baton Rouge, LA, Jan. 28, 2013-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack continues to remind producers to complete forms for the Census of Agriculture-the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agricultural data for every county in the nation. The 2012 Census of Agriculture will provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with current information to help ensure an abundant, safe, and accessible food supply for all of America. Speaking to thousands of American farmers and ranchers in Nashville, Tenn, Vilsack emphasized that the Census of Agriculture is one of the most important tools for providing certainty to producers and sustaining the unlimited economic potential of rural America. Completed forms are due by February 4, 2013. Visit USDA for the full story.

"It's important for farmers and ranchers in America today to stand up and be counted by participating in the Census of Agriculture," said Vilsack. "By participating in this survey, producers help provide a snapshot of the current state of agriculture in our country, which helps policymakers make better decisions about farm safety net programs and policies."

Currently underway by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Census collects detailed data covering nearly every facet of U.S. agriculture. It looks at land use and ownership, production practices, expenditures and other factors that affect the way farmers do business and succeed in the 21st Century.

All farmers and ranchers should have received a Census form in the mail by early January. Completed forms are due by February 4, 2013. Farmers can return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov. Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the Census and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.

For more information about the Census, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828). The Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future, your responsibility.

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SU Ag Leadership Class participant doubles crop yield from knowledge gained

Mr. Ware, left gives a tour of his farms 

Baton Rouge, LA, Jan. 28, 2013-Louisiana Small Farmer Boatner Ware of Richland Parish farms about 400 acres of wheat, which he double crops with soybeans, on some of the richest soil Louisiana has to offer.

Ware has attended trainings and classes offered by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center on and off for years. But, it wasn’t until he enrolled in the Louisiana Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute that the trainings paid off in a big way.

He cites a particular training that has had a major impact on him, his business and his family. At that training, the leadership class participants had a round table discussion with the leaders of the United States Department of Agriculture agencies in Louisiana, namely, the Farm Services Agency, Rural Development and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. At this meeting, Ware learned about the Environment Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offered through NRCS.  He once visited the local NRCS office many years ago and was told that the agency had no programs that he could benefit from, so he never returned. NRCS: Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Mr. Ware is one of a few African American farmers in his parish. He saw the improvements that were being made on the larger farms, but just assumed that those farmers were having improvements made to their land. He had no idea that there were government programs assisting with land improvements.  As a result of hearing about EQIP during the leadership class, he visited the office and enrolled in the EQIP program.

Several practices were employed on his farm. Through the EQIP program, more than over half of his 400 acre farm was precision leveled. This one practice increased his wheat yield two-fold and his income by $100,000 annually. 

Another benefit of the Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute that Mr. Ware said he received was an increase in self-confidence and motivation. During these training sessions, he realized that he wasn’t just a minority farmer, or an ordinary farmer. He indeed was just a very good farmer and that was something to be proud of.

The Louisiana Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute was funded through the Outreach and Assistance of Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (2501) program. Dawn Mellion-Patin, Ph.D., MBA, Agricultural Specialist, serves project director and can be reached at 225-771-3532.

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SU Ag Center: Eubanks, Monroe Announce 70th Livestock Show on YouTube

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold its 70^th Annual Livestock Show for youth participants, February 28-March 2, 2013 at the Maurice Edmond Livestock Arena, 14600 Scenic Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70807.  During the three-day event, young farmers and ranchers from across the state will have the opportunity to display animals that have been showcased or have won in parish competitions. To this end, the Southern University Ag Center's Vice-Chancellor for Extension, Gina E. Eubanks and the Livestock Show Manager, Christie Monroe have shared some information on the history of the show. Click here to watch Dr. Eubanks’ video and here for Mrs. Monroe’s.

The purposes of the show are to stimulate a greater interest in increasing the production of livestock among farmers in Louisiana; serve as a basis for improving breeding practices for livestock; create interest in producing livestock products as business enterprises; assist in developing a better spirit of cooperative effort among rural and urban residents; and provide an opportunity for youth to develop ownership and leadership skills.

For further information, please contact Christie Monroe at Christie_monroe@suagcenter.com or 225-771-4350.

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SU Ag Center to hold 2nd Annual Louisiana Small Farmer Conference

Small farmers learn in the field as part of conference 

Baton Rouge, La - Louisiana Small Farmer Conference themed “Enhancing Opportunities for Louisiana Small Family Farms” will take place March 14-16, 2013 at A. O Williams Hall.

Registration is $25.00 by March 1, 2013.

Pre-conference sessions will include grant-writing opportunities.  Conference sessions will cover topics such as farm diversification, record keeping, marketing strategies, estate planning and USDA programs.

To register or obtain further details, visit us at www.suagcenter.com or call 225-771-2242.

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Annual Black History Quiz Bowl is slated for February 21

Teams vying for 2012 top prize

Baton Rouge, LA – The SU Ag Center will hold the 19^th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl on Thursday, Feb. 21, 3:00 pm at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center Studio (Auditorium). study guide

The Black History Quiz Bowl is an exciting educational event that stimulates our students.  All divisions, clubs and other organizations and individual students within the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences form teams including students from other colleges for this event with encouragement from faculty members. Each team consists of four players, one of whom serves as captain.  The competition covers a variety of topics, including current events, politics, history, sports and entertainment.

Each team will consist of four players, one of whom should serve as captain.  Divisions and organizations can form more than one team if they so choose, and are encouraged to do so.

Teams must sign the roster in the Dean's complex by Wednesday, February 13, 2013 in order to participate. 

The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences jointly support the Black History Quiz Bowl under the leadership of Owusu Bandele, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Horticulture, SU Ag Center.

For a copy of the study guide and further details, please contact Dr. Bandele at obandele@cox.net or 225-771-2242. Study guide can also be obtained by contacting Ms. Sheila Smith in the Dean’s Complex at J. W. Fisher Hall, Room 102; calling (225) 771-3660 or emailing sheila_smith@subr.edu.

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SU Ag Center concludes successful spring convocation

CoC team celebrates 1st anniversary of 100%  tobacco-free SU System
Below: Motivated employees chant "Yes we can."

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Ag Center’s spring 2013 convocation and planning conference concluded on a high note, January 9.   The conference which brought together all employees for retreat, reflection, and interaction focused on strategies to facilitate the development of a plan that meets and addresses the needs of the Ag Center’s clientele. Professor Emeritus Kirkland Mellad, Vice Chancellor for research, and Professor Emeritus Owusu Bandele, horticulture, joined the team in charting a path for the Center’s future.

The conference educated and guided faculty and staff on developing the 2014-2018 five-year rolling plan of work for the Ag Center.

In his state of the SU Ag Center address, Chancellor Williams praised the faculty and staff for resilience in the face of budget cuts and emphasized the need for accountability under the current economic crisis.  Additionally, he asked the faculty and staff to be diligent in their deliberations by designing programs and activities that will meet and address the changing needs of clients.

Gina E. Eubanks, Vice Chancellor for Extension and Adell Brown, Jr., Executive Vice Chancellor & Vice Chancellor for Research brought greetings to the convocation participants, praising past performance and encouraging future innovation in generating new skills, techniques and tools that will ultimately generate revenue for the SU System.

The three-day conference included training sessions, current breakout sessions for program areas; special guest speakers from SU System’s Office of Human Resources, College of Business; and a professional development session entitled “Navigating Academic Hierarchies Are you on the right path to reaching your career goals?” 

The convocation was culminated with a celebration marking the first anniversary of the Southern University System 100% Tobacco-free policy which originated from the Ag Center.

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Southern University System Marks One Year as 100% Tobacco-free Campus

Poland pins anniversary button on faculty at convocation

Baton Rouge, LA – This January, the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s Communities of Color Network (CoC) celebrates the first year anniversary of the Southern University System 100% Tobacco-free policy.  The policy, in general, means that use of tobacco products is prohibited by students, staff, faculty or visitors in all campus buildings, facilities or property owned or leased by the SU System.  The policy aims to make the SU System a healthy place to live, work and learn. 

Linda Early Brown, Director of Communities of Color Network at the Southern University Ag Center states:

“The Southern University System and CoC are very excited about this life-altering and awe-inspiring opportunity for the students, faculty, staff, and communities statewide.  We are equally motivated to continue to educate our constituents during the implementation stages of the 100% tobacco-free policy.”  Mrs. Brown adds that, “the 100% Tobacco-free policy will inevitably save lives and create a healthy environment that should be replicated on other college and university campuses.”

In an effort to celebrate this magnificent accomplishment, CoC will implement some activities statewide throughout the month.  The network will provide informational booth displays to include policy handouts at Freshmen Orientation and Convocation; an anniversary celebration cake; a T-shirt Design contest for a 100% Tobacco-free logo; a Smoke Out/Cookout for students, faculty and staff.

For the past year, CoC has been involved with educating the university family and the community at large regarding the policy. 

“The next step in this ongoing process will be to fully implement the policy, says Frankie Poland, regional coordinator, adding that “we are looking forward to the combined efforts of all who are impacted by this policy.”

The Communities of Color Network is a tobacco initiative funded by The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living. 

For further detail, please contact Linda Early Brown at 225 771-4456.

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SU Ag Center Holds Spring Convocation

Chancellor Williams addresses employees

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Ag Center’s 2013 convocation and planning conference kicked off with a general session presided by Chancellor Leodrey Williams. Executive Vice Chancellor & Vice Chancellor for Research, Adell Brown, Jr., and Vice Chancellor for Extension, Gina E. Eubanks, joined the Chancellor in welcoming faculty, staff, and some professor emeriti of the Ag Center to the event held in Ashford O. Williams Hall, January 7-9.  The conference brings together all employees for a time of retreat, reflection, and interaction. The focus of the conference is to facilitate the development of a plan that meets and addresses the needs of the Center’s clientele. Faculty and staff were recognized for years of service following the state of the Center address by the chancellor. 

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