Tag Archives: 1890 Land-Grant Colleges

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TSU celebrates 135 Years of the Second Morrill Act of 1890

September 22, 2025 Alexis Clark

By Charlie Morrison

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – This year marks the 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, legislation that reshaped American higher education and established the 1890 land-grant university system. For Tennessee State University, one of 19 historically Black colleges and universities designated as land grant institutions under the Act, the milestone is historic.

To honor the anniversary, the TSU College of Agriculture led celebrations on campus and represented the university nationwide. Earlier this month, Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the college, traveled to Washington, D.C., joining leaders from fellow 1890 institutions for a series of events commemorating the occasion. Highlights included the Cyber and AI Games in Agriculture, a reception, and a photo exhibit showcasing the “19 Strong Legacy Pathway.” Each event emphasized the legacy and ongoing impact of the land-grant HBCUs created under the 1890 Act.

Reddy said the anniversary provides an important moment to reflect on both progress and promise. “TSU is a proud 1890 land-grant university serving students and the public since its founding in 1912,” he said. “We evolved from a simple agricultural education facility to a major, research-intensive institution offering a variety of programs, including several Ph.D. degree programs.”

At the heart of the celebrations was the legislation itself, which created a system of HBCU land grant institutions in states where African Americans were denied access to public higher education. That legacy continues to shape TSU today.

Over the years, the College of Agriculture has built a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and extension. With hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students, more than 70 faculty members, 37 state-of-the-art laboratories, and Cooperative Extension agents serving communities across Tennessee, the college remains central to TSU’s mission.

“We have employees on the ground in 65 of the state’s 95 counties, directly supporting producers, 4-H students (a national youth development program), families, and the public at large,” Reddy explained. “Through state-of-the-art research facilities on and off campus, we are addressing the challenges faced by stakeholders. These teaching, research, and Extension programs are having a positive impact on Tennessee agriculture.”

In recent decades, TSU’s research portfolio has grown steadily. Faculty and students are leading advancements in food security, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability. This work benefits Tennessee while also addressing global challenges that will define the future of agriculture and society.

The legacy of the 1890 institutions extends far beyond classrooms and laboratories. For generations, these universities have opened doors for first-generation and economically disadvantaged students, strengthened rural communities, supported small farmers, and empowered families to thrive.

From its founding in 1912, TSU embraced this charge and has emerged as a national leader in agricultural research, community outreach, and student achievement.

Learn more about the College of Agriculture at www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.

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Nation’s Youngest Farmer Explores Future at TSU College of Agriculture

May 29, 2025 Alexis Clark

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – “Tomayto-tomahto” or “potayto-potahto”, it doesn’t matter the fruit or vegetable. Ask 10-year-old Kendall Rae Johnson to grow it, and she absolutely can. As the youngest certified farmer in the nation, she’s already planting the seeds of success.

Kendall Rae Johnson sits inside a greenhouse at Virginia State University, a partner institution on her national tour. In collaboration with USDA’s NUAg initiative and VSU, Kendall is promoting financial literacy, urban farming practices, and USDA youth loan opportunities.

Johnson visited Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture (TSUAg) recently to explore what could be her future college home. From a Q&A session with TSUAg Dean Dr. Chandra Reddy, students, faculty, and staff to lab and greenhouse tours on the TSU farm, the Atlanta native is already laying the groundwork for a fruitful academic journey.

Her visit was part of the 1890 Youth Ambassador Tour, an initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which also funds the National Urban Agriculture (NUAg) Project. Johnson serves as the USDA’s National Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador, a role that allows her to represent young voices in agriculture and connect with TSU and fellow HBCUs that have a strong agricultural legacy.

Kendall’s agricultural adventure began at just three years old. Inspired by her great-grandmother’s advice to “put collard greens back in the dirt,” the phrase sparked her curiosity and passion for gardening.

A TSUAg researcher, left, gives Kendall Rae Johnson a hands-on demonstration of extracting DNA from a plant.

“My dad let me put the collard greens in the backyard, and one day it finally grew,” she shared during a Q&A with TSUAg students, faculty, and staff. “It felt magical to see, and I started checking on them every day.” That moment led to even more planting, as she began saving seeds from the kitchen and replanting them in the soil.

Now Kendall and her parents, Ursula and Quentin Johnson, run aGROWKulture Urban Farm in Georgia, growing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and more. They also raise chickens and honeybees all stemming from Kendall’s love for agriculture.

During her TSU visit, Kendall toured a newly renovated research lab, where she tested DNA on plants and was presented with a white coat by TSU researchers. She also met with President Dwayne Tucker and explored TSU’s farm and greenhouse, dressed in her overalls and boots.

Kendall, center, and her parents, Ursula, left, and Quentin Johnson at the greenhouse on TSUs farm.

At age six, Kendall declared, “I want to be a farmer.” Her parents embraced the vision, launching a business in her name. By the time she was nine, they discovered she was officially the youngest certified farmer in the nation. She now has several agriculture-themed children’s books available on Amazon.

Her parents were impressed by the experience TSU provided. “It’s amazing that TSU gave her this opportunity,” said her father, Quentin. Her mother, Ursula, stated, “We want kids to know they can be in this field, and Kendall is the example they can look to.”

Ursula also shared her excitement about Kendall potentially returning to TSU in the future for mentorship and continued support in agriculture.

Leigh Oliver, interim director of recruitment and retention for TSUAg, coordinated Kendall’s visit and said she was inspired by the young farmer.

“I’ve never met someone her age so passionate about farming,” said Oliver. “Her visit really means a lot. Agriculture isn’t always a common interest among young people, but it’s at the heart of TSU’s legacy—as we were originally founded as Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State University. We want people to truly understand what TSUAg represents and what our mission is. Kendall’s presence has the power to inspire other children and college students to take an interest in farming and see the value in agricultural careers.”

Aaliyah Cotton

Agriculture students like Aaliyah Cotton also joined the tour. Cotton, a rising senior, said Kendall’s visit was refreshing and impactful.

“When I was younger, I didn’t see the representation of a Black woman in this field,” Cotton said. “She’s a young entrepreneur, and TSUAg is providing an authentic experience. Seeing her here brings a sense of community and comfort not just for her, but for us too.”

In 2021, Kendall’s story caught national attention, leading to appearances on Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, CNN, Nickelodeon News, and Sesame Street. She’s also been recognized by former First Lady Michelle Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Kendall Rae Johnson, left, and her mother Ursula Johnson showcase Kendall’s new book, My Farm Biz, during a Q&A session with TSUAg students, faculty, and staff.

Through her nonprofit, Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, she’s on a mission to empower youth through agricultural practices, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

Her visit to TSU was not only a tour but a reminder of the university’s A&I roots and its future. As TSUAg continues to grow the next generation of agricultural leaders, Kendall Rae Johnson’s story is proof that even the smallest seed can grow into something special. For more information about the College of Agriculture, visit www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.

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TSU College of Ag awarded nearly $2 million in grant from National Institute of Food and Agriculture

May 16, 2022 Alexis Clark

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced an investment this week of nearly $4 million – $1.9 million of which will be award to TSU’s College of Agriculture.

The NIFA is awarding the college $1,920,000 for a new 1890 Center of Excellence grant, an investment that helps increase rural prosperity and economic sustainability of food systems in underserved farming communities, according to Dr. Dionne Toombs NIFA Acting Director.

TSU is one of two institutions to receive the grant this year, along with Delaware State University.

Dean and Director of Research/Administrator of Extension Chandra Reddy said the funding is a recognition of TSU’s capacity in Environmental Sciences and capabilities in finding solutions to the Climate Change, which is threatening the sustainability of human life on earth.

“Together with our 1890 partners, we will not only generate smart ways to manage climate change problems but also train minority workforce in this all-important field,” Dr. Reddy said. “This Center of Excellence will strengthen our graduate programs and improve our research and extension capabilities in climate change field.”

The College of Agriculture will collaborate with four other HBCUs – Alabama A&M University, Southern University, Florida A&M University and Langston University, to host the 1890 Center of Excellence for “Natural Resources, Renewable Energy, and the Environment (COE-NREE): A Climate Smart Approach.”

Dr. Reddy will be the Centers director, while Dr. De’Etra Young, Associate Dean for Academics and Land-Grant Programs, and Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Dr. William Sutton, will be the co-directors.

“These grants continue to support projects that address critical needs for developing global food security and defense, enhance academic and career activities for students pursuing careers in food and agricultural sciences, and address vital needs in nutrition and health to improve the quality of life of underserved populations,” Dr. Reedy said.

Dr. Sutton said the 1890 Center of Excellence will begin this month and the term will last 3-5 years following initial approval.

“It feels great to receive approval to move forward with this effort,” Dr. Sutton said, noting how talented the faculty and students are.

“We put in a large amount of work with this effort, and to get the announcement that we received the funding is a huge validation on what we are doing in our Department and the College of Agriculture.

Drs. Reddy, Young, and I are excited to lead this effort.”

This will provide collaborative opportunities among 1890 Institutions to develop management practices that will promote natural resources, explore renewable energy sources, and develop climate smart agricultural production practices to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and improve environmental quality and sustainability, according to NIFA.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

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Southern states may lag behind on marijuana laws, but Tennessee State University is leading the way in hemp research

January 25, 2019 Lucas Johnson

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is among the nation’s leaders in hemp research, and the recently passed U.S. Farm Bill is making sure it remains at the forefront.

Hemp workshop at TSU in March. (Photo by Joan Kite, College of Agriculture)

The bill Congress approved in December legalizes the growth and manufacturing of industrial hemp, cannabis plants with little of the chemical that can cause a high. The legalization clears the way for existing programs at land-grant institutions like TSU to expand research and development programs for medicinal and textile production.

“I am excited for this opportunity for TSU, and I look forward to seeing how this will help produce the next generation of agricultural leaders in our state,” said Tennessee Congressman Jim Cooper.

Historically, industrial hemp has been regarded primarily as an agricultural crop valued for fiber and grain. Hemp fiber is used to make textiles, building materials, animal bedding, mulch, paper, industrial products, and biofuels. Hemp grain, or seed, is used in food and feed products, and oil from the seed is used to make personal care products and industrial products, including paints, solvents, and lubricants.

TSU’s College of Agriculture has charged a team of scientists to develop hemp production practices for Tennessee. The research projects include developing hemp nutritional products for human consumption and studying the economic viability of hemp production in Tennessee. Currently, the university is growing and evaluating 10 varieties of hemp.

Products made from hemp. (Photo by Joan Kite, College of Agriculture)

“TSU wants to be at the forefront of this new interest that’s cropping up across the country,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture. “If it’s ever approved for large scale use, we have some knowledge about it and can work with the farmers.”

TSU has hosted several hemp workshops/meetings, including one on Jan. 11 with the Tennessee Hemp Industries Association, an advocate for the production of industrial hemp. More than 200 people attended the meeting.

Joe Kirkpatrick, president of the TNHIA, said Tennessee currently has the largest state HIA chapter in the nation and he credited “TSU for helping us facilitate those meetings and outreach to the public.”

“It’s also great to have the world-class laboratories and scientists there, the researchers, to help … move the hemp industry forward,” Kirkpatrick said.

Dr. Fitzroy Bullock heads up the hemp research at TSU. He said people have come from as far as Colorado to attend the university’s hemp workshops.

“We have been very successful,” Bullock said. “We have established something that folks need.”

Tonya Lewis, a Nashville resident interested in growing hemp, said the meeting she attended at TSU was beneficial.

“It helped me understand where the state is in regards to research on hemp, and how to go about getting everything from a license to actually grow hemp, to looking at the benefits of it statewide, as far as economically,” Lewis said.

Farmer Michael Walls talks to local television reporter at TSU hemp workshop in September. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)

Anand Kumar is a research assistant in TSU’s College of Ag. He said the College has extension programs that allow researchers to visit individuals who are growing hemp and assist them as needed.

“We designed our program so we can be responsive to the demands of farmers in Tennessee,” Kumar said. “We try to reach all counties throughout the state.”

Michael Walls is one farmer who has benefited from TSU hemp researchers. His family has a 140-acre farm in Hardeman County that is using an acre to grow hemp.

“There’s a lot of potential for what hemp can do,” said Walls, adding that his family plans to broaden their hemp growth. “I’m just trying to get more information to see what other possibilities there are.”

In addition to hemp legalization, the Farm Bill also provides TSU and the other 18 historically-black land-grant institutions the following funding over the next five years:

$95 million for student scholarships and grants
$50 million to support three HBCU Centers of Excellence in agricultural workforce development, nutrition and food security, economic development and emerging technologies
$15 million for HBCU cooperative extension and research

To learn more about TSU’s College of Agriculture, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

With more than 7,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. 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 country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

Alumni, Athletics, EVENTS, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Hundreds Run at TSU to Raise Funds for Education, Celebrate 125th Anniversary of 1890 Land-Grant System

April 11, 2015 Emmanuel Freeman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Nearly 600 participants, including alumni, faculty, students and fans took part in the Second Annual “Big Blue Tiger 5K Run/Walk” at Tennessee State University today to culminate a weeklong celebration of Ag Week, alumni fundraising activities, and the 125^th anniversary of the 1890 Land-Grant system.

LandGrant — Representative Brenda Gilmore (fifth from left, front) congratulates 1890 Land-Grant anniversary events organizers minutes before blowing the whistle for the start of the Big Blue Tiger 5K Run/Walk. (Photo by John Cross, Media Relations)

State Representative Brenda Gilmore kicked off the day’s events with a statement at the Gentry Pavilion on the main campus, applauding race participants for their courage and determination to promote healthy living.

“Tennessee is in the top ten when it comes to obesity and ranks high with other ailments in the nation,” Gilmore said. “Your showing here today demonstrates your determination to help eliminate these diseases that affect so many of our people. I am here to encourage you for taking this step to healthy living.”

She thanked the race organizers, including the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences, the Office of Alumni Relations, and the TSU National Alumni Association for their collaboration to mark the anniversary of “an event as important as the land-grant system.”

“The 1890 Land-Grant has been a major source of help and resources for Tennessee State University and many of our HBCUs. It is more than fitting for us to join in the celebration of such major milestone as 125 years of a mission that continues to support so many,” Gilmore said.

Following Gilmore’s presentation, runners and walkers took to the starting line for the 3.2-mile trek that took them around campus by way of 33^rd Street, Alameda, Walter Davis, up to the Olympic Statue, and to the finish line in Hale Stadium.

TSU Athletics Director, Teresa Phillips, left, congratulates Big Blue Tiger 5K winners Adrienne Hicks, first female finisher, and David Johnson, overall winner. (Photo by John Cross, Media Relations)

Finishing in 21 minutes and 11 seconds, David Johnson, a TSU sophomore and Health Science major, came in first as the overall winner. TSU alum Adrienne Hicks (’02,’06), who finished in 26 minutes 44 seconds, was the first female to cross the finish line. “Please mention that I am an AKA,” Hicks said, as she celebrated with friends.

As part of the celebration at the finish line, Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of CAHN, presented a check for $2,500 to the Tennessee State University Foundation on behalf of his college. Later, at the “Blue and White Game” in Hale Stadium, the National Alumni Chapter of Beta Omicron also present a check for $37,000 to the Foundation toward the group’s established endowment.

National Alumni Association President Tony Wells, and Cassandra Griggs, director of Alumni Relations, receive a check for $37,000 from members of the National Alumni Chapter of Beta Omicron to the Tennessee State University Foundation.

“With tuition going up each year, every cent counts,” said Tony Wells, president of the TSU National Alumni Association, as he thanked donors, supporters and race organizers for their contributions. “These funds and your efforts will help keep needy students in school.”

The day’s events will culminate with the “Legends Game,” also in Hale Stadium, organizers said.

Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 42 undergraduate, 24 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 country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, GRANTS, NEWS, RESEARCH, Research and Sponsored Programs, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

2015 Ag Week to Commemorate 125th Anniversary of 1890 Land-Grant System

April 8, 2015 Emmanuel Freeman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – This year’s College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences Week will culminate with a Health Walk commemorating the 125^th Anniversary of the Morrill Act of 1890, which created the land-grant system for universities and colleges including Tennessee State University.

State Representative Brenda Gilmore, a TSU alum and strong supporter, will make the opening statement at this year’s Ag Week in front of the new Agricultural and Biotechnology Building, at 8 a.m., Saturday, April 11.

On Saturday, April 11 at 8 a.m., the ceremony will kickoff in front of the Agricultural and Biotechnology Building on the main campus, with an opening statement by State Representative Brenda Gilmore, followed by the Health walk.

The 1890 land-grant system came into being with the signing of the Second Morrill Act for residents in primarily southern and border states who, because of their race, were denied admission to the publically-funded land-grant institutions that were founded in 1862. TSU, which was founded in 1912 as the Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial Normal School, became the designated recipient of Tennessee’s portion of 1890 land-grant funds in 1913.

The 125^th anniversary observance event is part of a yearlong celebration among the 19 Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities in the United States. The event will also include a national celebration in Washington, D.C. in July.

“The 1890 land-grant universities are a major education resource for the nation, and continue to be a key source for African-American leaders who render valuable service to their communities, the nation, and the world,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences.

For more information on the 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities, visit www.1890universities.org.

Below is schedule of other events marking this year’s CAHNS Week:

Monday, April 6: Student Day
- 9:30 – 10 — Refreshments
- 10 – 2 — 1890 Land-Grant Celebration Agriculture Career Fair
- 12 – 2 — Student Cookout
Tuesday, April 7: Ag & Env Sciences Day
- 8 – 9:30 — Continental Breakfast (Lawson)
- 9:30 – 10:30 — Guest Speakers (Farrell-Westbrook)
- 11 – 12 — Demonstrations
- 1:30 – 3 Lab Tours
- 3 – 5 — Student Professional Development Workshop (AITC)
Wednesday, April 8: Biological Sciences Day
- 8:30 – 9:25 — Registration
- 9:30 – 10:30 — Guest Speakers (McCord 206)
- 10:30 – 12 — Tours and Poster Exhibit
- 1 – 2:30 — Program (Floyd Payne Forum 210)
- 2:30 – 3:30 – Reception
Thursday, April 9: Chemistry Day
- 8:30 – 9:30 — Registration & Refreshments (Boswell 106)
- 9 – 12 — Chemistry Career Fair (Boswell 122)
- 9:15 – 10 — Tours
- 11:15 – 12:15 — Chemistry Challenge (Boswell 12)
- 12 – 2 — Poster Presentations
- 2:20 – 3:45 — Guest Speaker (Boswell 12)
Friday, April 10: College Recognition Day
- 12 – 2 — Awards Luncheon (Farrell-Westbrook 118)
- Saturday: 1890 Land-Grant 125th Anniversary Healthwalk
- 7 -8 — Registration and set-up
- 8 – 10 — 5k and Health Walk
- 10 -11 — Fellowship and Awareness Campaign
Wednesday, April 15: Family and Consumer Sciences Week of the Young Child
9 – 11 — North Nashville Childcare Centers Community Event (Ag Complex Circle)Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331
About Tennessee State UniversityWith more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 42 undergraduate, 24 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 country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

FACULTY, FEATURED, NEWS

USDA Selects Two Tennessee State University Students to Attend National Summit

February 2, 2015 Emmanuel Freeman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Two students from Tennessee State University have been selected to attend a national conference sponsored by the United States Agriculture Department aimed at introducing university students to future trends, scientific research and agricultural policy in today’s real-world environment.

Alexis Allen (left), a junior concentrating in Agribusiness, and Alison Leathers (right), a graduate student concentrating in Agricultural Education, Leadership & Extension, share a moment with Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences, upon the USDA announcement sending the pair to Virginia. Allen and Leathers are among only thirty students selected from across the country to attend the USDA’s 2015 Agricultural Outlook Forum.

Alexis Allen, a junior concentrating in Agribusiness, and Alison Leathers, a graduate student concentrating in Agricultural Education, Leadership & Extension, are among only 30 students selected from across the country to attend the USDA’s 2015 Agricultural Outlook Forum February 19-20 in Arlington, Virginia.

The Forum, titled “Smart Agriculture in the 21^st Century,” is not only designed to introduce students to contemporary agribusiness, future trends, scientific research, and agricultural, as well as give them the chance to lay the groundwork for a future in agriculture, hear speakers from diverse backgrounds, and help them expand their opportunities in their chosen fields.

“This is an excellent opportunity for two of our best and brightest students,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences. “This forum will allow them to network with some of the USDA’s top officials, leaders in the agricultural industry and their peers from across the country. It will also help set them up for successful futures in agriculture.”

The USDA selected 20 university junior and senior students from across the country to attend the conference based on an essay on “Agriculture as a Career,” and 10 graduate students based on their essay, “The Greatest Challenge Facing Agriculture over the next Five Years.” The students were selected from 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Non-Land-Grant Agricultural and Renewable Resources Universities.

Allen, from Detroit, came to TSU in the fall of 2014 after completing an associate’s degree at Wayne County Community College. She is excited about the opportunity to attend the conference and would eventually like to work as a food inspector, either through the USDA or the private sector.

“I think I am most looking forward to the diversity and depths of topics that will be presented,” said Allen. “I hope to gain more in-depth understanding to supplement the things I’m learning in class at TSU.”

Leathers, from Preston, Minnesota, received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and is looking forward to the forum and the opportunities it will create toward helping her achieve her career goal of becoming an Extension agent and a third-generation farmer.

“It will be an excellent learning experience and opportunity to network and meet students and important agricultural leaders,” she said. “I am excited to represent TSU and advocate for our land-grant university system.”