August 5 – The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences recently attended the 91st Texas FFA State Convention where over 10,000 high school agriculture students participated in a week of events packed with competition, learning, and fun.
FFA is the nation’s premier agricultural organization where students engage in classroom and hands-on experiences in their learning of agriculture practices. This culmination of knowledge is exhibited during a four-day event held at the Fort Worth Convention Center, where high school FFA students from across the state participated in various competitions, workshops, meetings, and showcases. Students spent the week sharing their learning and skills amongst their colleagues in the organization, and applying for multiple levels of FFA degrees. This year’s convention proved to be a memorable and historic one for students as the organization elected a young woman from West Texas as president on what would be the 50th anniversary of the day girls gained full membership in Texas FFA.
In between the time spent in meetings and competitions, convention attendees were able to meet with hundreds of 
vendors, organization, and college booths. The CAHS booth drew many students who were able to learn about the vast amount of resources, and opportunities in agriculture that the college has to offer to its current and potential students. PVAMU agriculture alumni who now serve as agriculture teachers across the state made an extra effort to bring their students by the CAHS booth. CAHS Class of 2002 alumnus Earnest Bradford is the FFA and agriculture teacher at MacArthur High School in Aldine Independent School District. With his students by his side, he expressed his admiration for his experience at PVAMU and how he encourages his students to attend. “I tell my students all of the time about Prairie View to get them excited. They get tired of hearing it sometimes, but I know they’re taking it in.”
PVAMU’s USDA Liaison, Mr. Horace Hodge recently served on the Texas FFA Board of Directors and was involved in the planning and coordination of the convention as he has been for many years. His presence on the board not
only leveraged the university for better visibility for potential students, but also proved to be a partner with the organization as CAHS hosts several annual FFA events on campus including Career Development Event (CDE) and Leadership Development Event (LDE). CAHS Dean Dr. Gerard D’Souza and PVAMUAgriculture Alumni President Mr. E.W. Wesley were also on deck to speak with all of the potential students who passed through the college’s booth. As the only Historically Black College and University and 1890 Land-Grant Institution being represented at the convention, both D’Souza and Wesley were sure to stress the rich history and ample agriculture opportunities to the many curious students that stopped by.
With the success of CAHS’ presence at this year’s convention, being able to encourage potential students and share the traditions of PVAMU agriculture, the college is looking forward to the 92nd Texas FFA State Convention in 2020.
This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 1890 Extension Formula Program projects under Section 1444.
Taelor Smith
Communications Specialist
tasmith@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5155