LU-SL/SAAS 2023-2024 Student Awards & Recognition Ceremony

Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences

AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES &

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES

THURSDAY, May 2, 2024 1:30 P.M.

E.L. HOLLOWAY BUILDING

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY

SHERMAN LEWIS SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE & APPLIED SCIENCES

S T U D E N T A W A R D S P R O G R A M

Moderator Opening & Welcome

1:30 - 1:35 Greetings

1:35 - 1:40 Family & Consumer Science Awards Academic Excellence

Freshman| Sophomore| Junior Most Outstanding Seniors

1:40 - 1:45 Introduction of Guest Speaker

Dr. Kanyand Matand Chair | DANR

Dr. Alonzo Peterson Vice President LU Academic Affairs

Dr. Emisha Maytubby Chair | FCS

Dr. Nirodha DeSilva Assistant Professor| DANR

1:45-2:00 Guest Speaker Christopher Best USDA NRCS-OK

2:00-2:15 Agriculture & Natural Resources Awards Outstanding Academic Performance

PSRS / ASM / AAE Most Outstanding Seniors

2:15-2:30 LUAAA Membership

Dr. Kanyand Matand Associate Professor Chair | DANR

Mr. Roderick Dukes LUAAA

2:30-2:40 SL/SAAS ARD Updates & Student Recognition Dr. Vernon Jones Associate Dean

2:40-2:50 USDA National Scholarship Program Mrs. Shalonda Guy-Kangah USDA Liaison

2:50-3:00 “Pathways to Agriculture” Mr. Sherman Lewis

LU Alumni

3:00-3:15 Closing Remarks Invocation

RECEPTION FOLLOWING Special Student Engagement Slide Show

Dr. Wesley Whittaker Dean & Director Land Grant Programs

Dr. Vernon Jones Associate Dean

DANR FCS

Burke, Jaylyn D.

Caldwell, Kala D.

Carter, Dorian D.

Casby, Ahnece R.*

Cravens, Sherman

Daniels, Amaari N.

Frederick, Ty R.

French, Santori B.

Hishaw, Charia R.*

Jackson, Jateya Y.*

Lee, Dakota C.*

Leggins, Issac

Lindert, Angelina G.

Love, Sydney Q.*

Mayfield, Kendra Angeline

McKay, Carolynn C.*

Page, Brooke D.*

Pruitt, Tyelour S.*

Roberson, Bellodgia

Shaw, Tavion

Shuler, Kendal D.

Smith, Kayla A.*

Spearman, Imani S.

Spence, Jada C.*

Briggs, Kristy R.

Brown, Danielle L.

Buggs, Devyn N.*

Eckels, Jaydenn R.*

Newbern, Erica*

Okoro, Lila A.

*Denotes graduating with honors

Guest Speaker

Mr. Christopher Best Business Service Specialist, NRCS

Christopher Best is a dedicated Business Service Specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), bringing over two decades of experience in environmental protection, compliance, and conservation to his role. Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Christopher's journey in conservation and agriculture began at Langston University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness while showcasing his athletic prowess on the football field as a defensive back and free safety. With a personal goal of achieving academic success, starting a family, and establishing his own business, Christopher's professional aspirations have continually evolved.

His career commenced in 2001 with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Farmington, New Mexico, where he served as an Environmental Protection/Specialist Compliance Officer and a Wildlife Firefighter. Transitioning to NRCS in 2004, Christopher held roles as a Soil Conservationist and later as a District Conservationist, overseeing multiple counties in Oklahoma, including El Reno and Tulsa. Christopher’s commitment to advancing diversity and professional development in the conservation field is evident through his active involvement in professional organizations. He served as both the Chapter President and Treasurer for the national Organization of Professional Black Natural Resource Conservation Service Employees (NOPBNRCSE), where he championed initiatives to support minority professionals in the field.

Passionate about community engagement and education, Christopher has contributed significantly to promoting diversity and career development within NRCS. Noteworthy achievements include organizing the first statewide “Career Development” training hosted by the Oklahoma Chapter of NOPBSNRCS at Langston University campus in June 2023 and facilitating discussion during the Black History Month panel in February 2022.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Christopher finds joy in various hobbies, including sports, coaching, traveling, woodworking, and design. His multifaceted interest reflects his dynamic personality and his commitment to personal growth and community enrichment. Christopher Best continue to inspire and lead in his role at NRCS, leveraging his extensive experience, leadership skills and passion for conservation to make a lasting impact on Oklahoma’s natural resources and agricultural communities.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY SL/SAAS

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

OFFICERS

AGRIBUSINESS & APPLIED ECONOMICS(ABEC)

President - Michael Hankins Vice

President- Samera Rich

Secretary- Tanea Grey

Treasure - Dorian Carter

Public Relations Officers - Arianna

Griffin Parliamentarian- Fabian Bradford

Advisor: Dr. Nirodha DeSilva

ANIMAL SCIENCE

President - Trinity King

Vice President - Tyriana Lister

Treasurer - Dakota Lee

Secretary - Destiny Haywood

Historian - Tyrece Williams

Advisor: Dr. Roger Merkel & Dr. Adel Ghnenis

CROP & SOIL SCIENCE

President-Daviona Jackson

VP-Charia Hishaw

Treasurer-Tandy Garrett

Secretary-Elijah Clark

Advisors: Dr. Tracey Payton & Dr. Joshua Ringer

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE (FCS)

President-Ariana Bradley

Vice President- A'lexis Wells

Secretary-Taneshea Payton

Events Coordinator-LaDeija Luckey

Advisors: Ms. Michelle Malone & Donnesha Williams

MANRRS

President- Jateya Jackson

Vice President Amaya Gabriel

Secretary- Fabian Bradford

Treasurer- Trinity King

Historian: Sydney Love

Advisors: Dr. Newton Nyairo & Ms. Shannon Giscombe

FIND THE LION IN YOU