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Message From The Dean
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Following the successful launch of the inaugural edition of Langston AgroVision in 2019 and the broad positive feedback we received, it is a pleasure to introduce the highly anticipated second edition. Over the past year, Langston University’s School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (SAAS) has continued to distinguish itself in all three areas of its land grant mission.
Academics was highlighted by the remarkable performance of our students and the commitment of faculty to excellence. Many students had unique experiential learning opportunities, complementing classroom studies with research conducted alongside faculty mentors. Other students presented their research at the prestigious Association of 1890 Research Directors (ARD) Symposium and other conferences. It has been a joy to see so many hard-working students complete their Langston University academic programs, graduate, and explore new horizons in graduate schools and professional careers.
Our research, extension, and outreach programs played leading and invaluable roles in numerous arenas. Of interest to many of our clients – including limited-resource, socially disadvantaged populations and other stakeholders – were the small farmers’ conference, another successful annual goat and hair sheep field day, and numerous workshops around the state. I take great pleasure from being associated with important SAAS programs that create opportunities for dialogue with our stakeholders and provide information that will undoubtedly improve economic and social conditions for people and communities.
In this 2020 edition of Langston AgroVision, you will learn about some of our accomplishments of the past year and the deeply impactful work of our SAAS team. As you read, you will be impressed not only with their hard work, but also their remarkable contributions. Along with us, you will bid goodbye to some of our esteemed colleagues who recently retired or will soon do so. They have served Langston University well and have distinguished themselves in their unique ways. These include Drs. Evia Davis, Erick Loetz and Steve Hart along with Mr. Clark Williams. Their service and contributions have been deeply appreciated and will be sadly missed.
I am personally grateful to all our faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders for their support and commitment to our mission. We can be justifiably proud of our accomplishments this past year. Together, we remain steadfast and focused on our vision. For the year ahead, we envisage strengthening our SAAS academic program with upgraded curricula and the introduction of a game-changing new scholarship program for students. In research and cooperative extension, we will continue to broaden our focus to ensure we lead the way in developing and implementing broad solutions that help tackle food insecurity, protect human and environmental health, and enrich the lives of youth and families.
The onset of COVID-19 in recent months has adversely affected many communities throughout our country and abroad. It has made a devastating assault on many populations. The pandemic is a clear reminder that much in our lives is tenuous and threatened by diverse forces. As we go forward, we in SAAS are committed to doing all that is within our power to deepen our support for individuals who are affected and need our help.
We will continue to communicate with you through Langston AgroVision and various other channels. I encourage you to share your thoughts with us through the many avenues we provide. Again, thank you for your support.
Wesley L. Whittaker, Ph.D.
Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs
