October 22, 2018 – Entering college as a young, wide-eyed freshman, many people have no idea where the journey will lead. Horace Hodge could not have imagined the path his life would take as he set out to attend Prairie View A&M University, where he would study in the College of Agriculture & Human Sciences (CAHS).
Hodge was heavily involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA), throughout his childhood, he always had an interest in agriculture, but that interest led to new opportunities once he arrived at PVAMU. He spent his years in undergrad, from 1974 to 1978, majoring in Agriculture Education and held many leadership roles including serving as president of the university’s Collegiate FFA. After graduating with his B.S. in Agriculture Education, Hodge went on to a position with the Soil Conservation Service which is now called the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Though he loved his time doing the work at the Soil Conservation Service, when the chance to teach at his alma mater came along, he instantly reflected on the relationships he garnered and the love he felt as a student. Hodges returned to “The Hill” in 1989 as the USDA/1890 Program Liaison and maintains that position today where he advises CAHS students to participate in exclusive learning opportunities for agriculture students.
Hodge said many people helped in his pursuit of education and a career, and that inspired him to want to do the same for current Panthers, “Something that always stayed with me about Prairie View agriculture was not only the interest that professors had for students academically, but also the personal connection that professors made with their students.”
Hodge’s relationship with PVAMU has continued a legacy within his family as three of his daughters followed in his footsteps and graduated from CAHS. He hopes to continue to be a leader, not only for the students he advises through the USDA/1890 Program but for any student he encounters who may need guidance or advice on being a top product of PV.
Taelor Smith
Communications Specialist
tasmith@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5155