April 2, 2018 – Having a relationship with national agricultural organizations like FFA is important for a land-grant university such as Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). Working together, the college can enhance its programs and prepare students poised to become leaders in the agricultural industry in an impactful way. PVAMU offers research and learning through formal education and outreach, which serves everyone today. With the resurging interest in agriculture, many urbanites are moving to rural areas to capitalize on agribusiness enterprises, to adopt healthier lifestyles, and to alleviate concerns over food security and food safety. PVAMU’s College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) knows students in FFA are more likely to pursue a career path that maintains the nation’s place as a world leader in agriculture. As such, every year the CAHS hosts Invitational Career Development Events in the spring and Leadership Development Events in the fall to give prospective students a first-hand view of the university.
The Leadership Development Event is one of this biggest FFA activities of the year. During the month of October, FFA students from counties across the state come to PVAMU to participate in the invitational that prepares them for state competition. The invitational is designed to challenge students’ leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. PVAMU faculty, students, and staff have a clear perspective on what makes our campus an outstanding choice in higher education, furthering the participants’ abilities to network and visualize themselves in the field while exploring the daunting questions: Is this major a good fit for me?
The stronger the foothold Prairie View has in the community, the further we can implement the mission of our college and our illustrious institution. Change and impact do happen, but not without the support of dedicated individuals working with students in FFA who are determined to make a difference in the world.
Submitted by Raymond Thomas Agribusiness Major