Allen Denkins
NASHVILLE (TSU News Service) – What is the greatest challenge facing agriculture over the next five years?
The answer to that essay question has earned a TSU graduate student a coveted seat at the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s 2013 Agricultural Outlook Forum in Arlington, Va., Feb. 21-22.
Allen Denkins, an Agribusiness major, and nine other graduate students from across the nation will join leading government and industry experts to discuss a broad range of topics and issues affecting agriculture.
The 10 students were selected from among hundreds of applicants from land-grant and Hispanic-serving institutions from across the nation, based on their responses to the essay question.
In his essay, Denkins cited genetically-modified foods, global warming and climate change, and the growing global population as “distinct” areas of promise that also pose serious risk and challenges to agriculture.
For instance, he said although rapidly growing vegetables and meat products help to meet the needs of the population, there is the fear that “this exponential growth” could change the genetic makeup of other plant species, livestock and humans.”
Denkins, who has also won praises and congratulations from his professors in the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences for his success, is expected to further expound on his theory at the forum in Washington, D.C., later this month.
“The forum will give Denkins and others the chance to hear from leading government and industry professionals on a broad range of issues and opportunities in agriculture-related fields,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences.
“We in the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are proud of Allen Denkins for this outstanding achievement,” added Dr. Surrendra P. Singh, Professor and Head of the Department. “The essay he submitted for the competition showed his knowledge and understanding of issues facing the U.S. agriculture.”
Denkins, a married father of four from Houston, will join students from Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, Utah State, the University of Florida, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Washington State and Tuskegee University.
“Competing against some of the top schools in the country, I am surprised that I was selected,” Denkins said. “But I am excited for the opportunity to represent Tennessee State University.”
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With nearly 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university and is a comprehensive, urban, coeducational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top Universities in the county by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912 Tennessee State University celebrates 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu
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