NIFA Director Jaye Hamby Visits TSU, Strengthening Ties in Agricultural Education and Community Innovation

By Charles Morrison

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture recently welcomed Dr. Jaye Hamby, director of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), for a pivotal full-day visit this fall. This was Dr. Hamby’s first official trip to TSU, providing a unique opportunity to engage with students, faculty, and university leadership while highlighting the college’s long and expanding role in agricultural education, research, and outreach.

Dr. Jaye Hamby

In a meeting with Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, and other senior officials, they explored how NIFA-supported programs, such as student scholarships, 4-H youth development initiatives, the New Farmer Academy, and the UT/TSU Extension partnership, play a crucial role in enhancing TSU’s influence among 1890 institutions.

“The research, Extension, and student support programs at Tennessee State are exactly the kind of work that makes NIFA’s mission meaningful,” Hamby said. “TSU is preparing a new generation of agricultural leaders and advancing innovation that serves both Tennessee and the nation.”

Dr. Chandra Reddy

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hamby to TSU,” Dean Reddy responded. “His insights and support are invaluable to our mission. It is crucial for us to collaborate with leaders like him to foster a brighter future for agriculture in Tennessee.”

Hamby continued his visit with extensive tour of TSU research facilities in food science, animal science, plant science, wildlife ecology, soil health, and hydroponics, illustrating how federal investments have spurred innovation across various agricultural disciplines. At the Agricultural Research and Education Center, Hamby observed field research sites and learned about upcoming infrastructure enhancements designed to bolster TSU’s capacity for large-scale agricultural research.

Dr. Hamby observes a student’s research in food science. (Photo by Charles Morrison)

Before ending his visit, the NIFA boss participated in a forum of about 100 undergraduate students, including USDA 1890 Scholars and other scholarship recipients who have benefited from NIFA support. Students shared their academic journeys, engaged in discussions about future opportunities in agricultural science, and expressed gratitude for NIFA’s commitment to their educational success.

The NIFA Director visits one of the major labs in food and animal sciences, and confers with Department Chair and Professor, Dr. Samuel Nahashon. (photo by Charles Morrison)

“It’s inspiring to witness the passion and commitment of the TSU community in advancing agricultural education,” Hamby said, as he concluded his visit. “Together, we can cultivate a future where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our agricultural practices, benefiting not only our students but also our communities and the nation as a whole.”

Dr. Hamby participates in a field experiment on the research farm with Dean Reddy and other researchers. (Photo by Charles Morrison)

Reddy emphasized the significance of Dr. Hamby’s visit and commended him on his leadership. “We are honored to host Dr. Hamby and to show him the breadth of TSU’s impact as an 1890 land-grant university. His leadership at NIFA is vital to our ability to support students, conduct groundbreaking research, and serve farmers and communities across Tennessee.”

Before ending his visit, Dr. Hamby shares a moment with students, faculty, and staff of the College of Agriculture. (Photo by Charles Morrison)

Officials say Hamby’s visit marks a significant milestone in fostering a partnership that empowers the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthens TSU’s mission as a leading land-grant institution.

For more information on the TSU College of Agriculture, visit www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/index.aspx.

Featured photo: During his daylong visit to TSU, Dr. Jaye Hamby participated in a forum of about 100 undergraduate students, including USDA 1890 Scholars and other scholarship recipients in the College of Agriculture. (Photo by Charles Morrison)