Prairie View, TX – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Ph.D., visited Prairie View A&M University on October 6, 2022. Coordinated by USDA/1890 Program Liaison Horace Hodge, Jacobs-Young’s trip to The Hill was born from a desire to familiarize herself with the university and lend her support to the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences.
The trip began with a visit with PVAMU President Ruth Simmons, Ph.D., followed by a discussion between her and CAHS’ USDA 1890 Scholars. Jacobs-Young encouraged the scholars to capture all opportunities thrown their way and to take pride in their agriculture degree to use it to their advantage.
“We need you for the future of agriculture,” Jacobs-Young said to the students at the start of the discussion. According to her, the average age in the farming community is 58. There is a need for younger agriculture students and professionals of all backgrounds within agriculture, including communications specialists, computer scientists, and more. She also noted that many leadership positions within the USDA are held by African Americans, symbolizing the changing face of agriculture and ensuring a place for our current scholars. There is also the benefit is trying new things and expanding their horizon. She encouraged graduate school plans after their PVAMU career and to consider the possibility of leaving their hometown to study and train in an unfamiliar environment because growth is a challenge.
After she met with the students, she toured the CAHS building and Gov. Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch. She also met with the CAHS leadership team before her departure.
Pascale Mondesir
Communication Specialist
pamondesir@pvamu.edu