PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) celebrated a record 66 students and dietetic interns that graduated during the Spring 2023 semester. A luncheon hosted by Jacklyn Sanders, Ph.D., and TeneInger Abrom-Johnson on May 12 welcomed students, parents, faculty, and staff to celebrate the young scholars as they marked their special achievements. 

“We are so proud of our graduates and all they have accomplished during their time here,” the CAHS Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs Gerard D’Souza, Ph.D. said. “We know you all will go on to make your university proud. Kudos also to the faculty, staff, and advisors for the valuable support, mentorship, scholarships, and connections provided to them!” 

So many of the students are well on their way to starting their careers or continuing their education, thanks to the knowledge and guidance offered by their professors, mentors, and classmates. Many students shared their post-graduate plans, including graduate school at various institutions (Texas A&M University, Kansas State University, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University at Rio Grande Valley, Texas Women’s University, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Sam Houston State University and more). Nine students have been accepted into veterinary school this year, which amounts to 70 students that have gone on to vet school in the past 10 years, with a near-perfect success rate. Five of our alumni have recently graduated from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. 

A few students shared that they have been offered paid internships in various organizations. One student shared that they plan to continue their PVAMU education in the fall to earn their master’s degree. A few graduates will start full-time jobs within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) unit. 

Various faculty and staff also offered sound advice as they venture off to new heights and forge a new path of their own. 

“I have been working for the USDA since I graduated from the College of Agriculture in 1977,” Cooperative Extension Program Executive Associate Director Carolyn Williams, Ph.D., said. “Greatness is in each of you, and we expect to see it. We want you to come back to the Hill one day and usher in a new era of excellence.” 

CAHS Professor Tamra Tolen, Ph.D., reminded students of what it means to graduate from college. “You all are a dream fulfilled for your family, friends, and the people that pray for you and sacrifice for you. As your professors, sometimes we had to stand back and let you do things your way. But whatever you do next, make sure it is fulfilling and makes a difference in people’s lives. The world is waiting for you all.” 

While faculty and staff bid farewell to the latest group of graduates, the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences is also preparing for new changes and journeys ahead. Effective September 1, 2023, the college will be renamed the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources to more appropriately align with the mission and provisions offered in the department. 

In a statement to the university, Dr. D’Souza said, “As we become a premier 1890 institution and College of the First Class, we are preparing students and the five million Texans across the communities we serve to develop solutions for the challenges that lie ahead. Given our wide range and complexity, the two-year planning process included analyzing performance metrics critical to cementing our role as a modern land grant university, the only one in the greater Houston area. This intentionally and strategically positions us to respond to the growing needs of students for majors, careers, and experiential learning opportunities in high-demand areas such as nutrition and wellness, animal and pre-veterinary sciences, agricultural science education and teacher certification, along with nature-based solutions to energy and climate change adaptation and mitigation which, among other core areas that span the entire food supply chain, contribute to a more secure and sustainable future.” 

This fall, CAHS will also have its first group of students working towards their Master of Science degree in the new graduate program, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. A new Master of Science in Nutrition is pending Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) approval, and college leadership is actively planning to introduce a doctorate program that should encompass content including food and nutritional security, sustainability, environmental policy, and other areas of research. 

Pascale Mondesir
Senior Communications Specialist
pamondesir@pvamu.edu