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

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences

2023 STUDENT AWARDS & RECOGNITION CEREMONY

2024 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 STUDENT AWARDS PROGRAM

Moderator

Opening & Welcome

Dr. Kanyand Matand Chair | DANR

1:30 - 1:35

Greetings

Dr. Alonzo Peterson Vice President LU Academic Affairs

1:35 - 1:40

Family & Consumer Science Awards Academic Excellence Freshman| Sophomore| Junior

Dr. Emisha Maytubby Chair | FCS

Most Outstanding Seniors

1:40 - 1:45

Introduction of Guest Speaker

1:45-2:00

Guest Speaker

2:00-2:15

Agriculture & Natural Resources Awards Outstanding Academic Performance PSRS / ASM / AAE

Dr. Nirodha DeSilva Assistant Professor| DANR Christopher Best USDA NRCS-OK Dr. Kanyand Matand Associate Professor Chair | DANR

Most Outstanding Seniors

2:15-2:30

LUAAA Membership

Mr. Roderick Dukes LUAAA

2:30-2:40

SL/SAAS ARD Updates & Student Recognition

2:40-2:50

USDA National Scholarship Program

2:50-3:00

“Pathways to Agriculture”

Mr. Sherman Lewis LU Alumni

3:00-3:15

Closing Remarks

Dr. Wesley Whittaker Dean & Director Land Grant Programs

Invocation RECEPTION FOLLOWING Special Student Engagement Slide Show

Dr. Vernon Jones Associate Dean Mrs. Shalonda Guy-Kangah USDA Liaison

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 Sherman Lewis School ofAgriculture & Applied Sciences

#WE ROAR

FALL SEMESTER 2024 Aug. 5th-Nov. 16th Student Welcome Back August 8, 2024

S.R.M.P. PARTICIPATION REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN 1890 LAND -GRANT SCHOLARSHIP EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

Student Research Mentoring Program Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 SECURE YOUR PAID POSITION TODAY! Contact

matand@langston.edu

405.466.6145

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

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS FALL 2024 SHERMAN LEWIS SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE & APPLIED SCIENCES Master of Science Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security Bachelor of Science Animal Science Management Agribusiness & Applied Economics Plant Systems & Resource Sustainability Child Development Early Childhood Education APPLY NOW www.langston.edu

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