Ali Fares, Ph.D.
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (July 21, 2020) – The American Society of Agronomy (ASA) honored Ali Fares, Ph.D., professor of water security at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), as a fellow, the highest recognition bestowed by the international society.
Nominated by colleagues based on their professional achievements and meritorious service, ASA Fellows make up 0.3% of the society’s more than 8,000 international active and emeritus members.
“Education is a noble profession because it impacts people’s lives and trains future leaders and decision-makers,” Fares said. “Agricultural education is even more impactful because you are contributing to the food and water resource security that billions of people depend on. I’m honored and humbled by this award and feel it also recognizes PVAMU’s Land Grant Programs, as the work was done within this great institution.”
PVAMU’s Land Grant Programs in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences serves more than 8 million limited-resource and underserved Texans through strategic resources, educational tours, and community dialogue.
Fares will be awarded in November at a virtual meeting hosted by the ASA, the Crop Science Society of America, and the Soil Science Society of America. The meeting will bring together thousands of scientists, professionals, educators, and students from around the world for networking opportunities, scientific abstracts, oral and poster sessions, an exhibit hall, technical workshops, professional tours, and the awards ceremony.
Fares, who joined PVAMU in 2013, previously served as interim vice president of the Office of Research and Innovation and interim dean and director of Land Grant Programs.
“I look back at my own life, and I can relate to many of our students,” Fares said. “I am the only one in my family to go to college. Receiving an award such as this seems very difficult, however, working hard, believing in someone’s capabilities, and getting the right mentorship are key ingredients for success.”
Fares introduces PVAMU students to the latest agriculture technology through his course on the fundamentals of agricultural engineering. He is also working on a proposal to support a study abroad course on training future leaders on climate-smart agriculture and natural resources management. The course will provide students with first-hand experience interacting with a global organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and a visit to Tunisia to gain experience with agricultural systems of an African country.
“I want to take this opportunity to remind our students that they should aim high as there is nothing impossible if they challenge themselves and take advantage of the great opportunities PVAMU has to offer,” said Fares.
Founded in 1907, the ASA empowers scientists, educators, and practitioners in developing, disseminating, and applying agronomic solutions to feed and sustain the world. Home to more than 7,000 members and more than 12,000 certified professionals, ASA provides information about agronomy in relation to agronomic production, biometry and statistical computing, climatology and modeling, education and extension, environmental quality, global agronomy, land management, and conservation.
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By Kendall Hebert