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Tri-‐Ag The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Teaching, Research, and Extension

Vol III, No. 5

Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas

October 2011

Johnson Takes Helm as Associate Dean and Administrator A new member of the leadership team has joined the Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences with the appointment of Dr. Alton B. Johnson, as associate dean and administrator, Cooperative Extension Program. Dr. Johnson assumed the post on October 1. “Prairie View A&M University has a rich history that continues to leave an indelible mark on young people,” said Johnson. “I welcome the unique opportunity that our College has to enhance the economic opportunity, foster academic excellence and improve the health and well-being of individuals and families locally, nationally and internationally through the delivery of programs in the Agricultural and Life Sciences.” A native of Monrovia, Liberia, Johnson has a wealth of experience in management, administration and academia. He most recently served as the interim assistant dean of research in the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences at Alcorn (continued on page 12) Dr. Alton B. Johnson

Inside This Issue

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Message from the Acting Dean

2

Wilburn Accepted to Purdue Vet School

3

Hampton Wins MANRRS Public Speakiing Contest

3

Planning for Disasters and Emergencies is Focus of CEP Summit

4

Lessons in Fire Preparedness

5

Fight Hunger, World Food Day 2011

5

College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Hosts Fulbright Scholar-­in-­Residence

6

Hodge Elected to Three Year Term on Texas FFA Board of Directors

7

College Highlights

7

United Healthcare Teams with CEP/Texas 4-­H to Promote Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness

8

Nobles Named Cooperative Extension Associate Administrator

9

Draw-­Hood is Cooperative Extension 4-­H Program Leader

9

New Additions to CEP Staff

10

Texas Extension Specialists Association Awards CEP Agents

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Cooperative Extension Retirees Honored

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Upcoming Events

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Message from the Acting Dean

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Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Newsletter Dr. Freddie L. Richards, Sr. Dean, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Director, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center (CARC) Dr. Alton B. Johnson Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Administrator, Cooperative Extension Program Developed by the Agricultural Communications Unit Gloria J. Mosby Program Director Sabrina Simon Graphic Designer Alecea Rush Communications Specialist/Photographer Kelley Redmon Communications Specialist, (CARC) CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Wash A. Jones, Assistant Professor Send correspondence to: Gloria J. Mosby, program director – Communications P.O. Box 519, Mail Stop 2001 Prairie View A&M University Prairie View, TX 77446 Website: http://pvcep.pvamu.edu

All programs and related activities of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences are open to all persons, regardless of race, color, age, sex, disability, religion or national origin.

The October issue of Tri-Ag highlights the excellent accomplishments and successes of our faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology, the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, and the Cooperative Extension Program – the three components that comprise the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. It is with a glad heart that I commend all of our team members for their many achievements within their academic and professional endeavors. Each of us is impacted in some way, whether negatively or positively, by environmental and economic conditions that affect local, regional, national and global 'U 5LFKDUG : *ULI¿ Q communities. Our collective conscious is mindful to remember our fellow citizens who are in need of a helping hand, kind word, or other means of encouragement to lighten their burden in this season of global climatic and economic change. I also welcome our newest member to the College, Dr. Alton B. Johnson, associate dean and adminisrator, Cooperative Extension Program, who most recently served as the interim assistant dean of research in the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. Our students are continuing to excel in their academic pursuits and used their summers to pursue internships with government agencies and corporate enterprises that cover the full range of agriculture, nutrition and human sciences related career options. Our faculty, research and extension staffs continue to develop professionally by expanding the knowledge base within their chosen scientific disciplines. By using cutting edge and emerging technologies to address nutrition, emergency and disaster preparation issues, our academic, research, and extension providers are striving to meet the needs of the changing communities at the rural-urban interface, literally the front and back door of Prairie View, Texas. We expect that all of our CAHS team members will provide only the best effort as we strive for excellent service to all of our clientele groups. On a final note, all of us in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences wish a speedy recovery to our dean, Dr. Freddie L. Richards, Sr.

Richard W. Griffin, Ph.D.

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Wilburn Accepted to Purdue Vet School LaJoya Wilburn has been accepted into the Purdue University Early Admissions Program for Veterinary Medicine, effective fall 2013. As a condition of this offer, Wilburn must accept by Nov. 21, 2011, and she cannot apply to any other veterinary medical schools if she accepts this offer. Additionally, she must maintain a 3.25 minimum cumulative grade point average at PVAMU, finish all prerequisites for admission to Purdue prior to enrolling, and she cannot receive a “C” in any veterinary medical prerequisite courses. As a benefit of her early acceptance, she does not have to take the Graduate Record Exam, which usually is a prerequisite for students seeking enrollment in vet school. “I was excited but really humbled [to receive this opportunity],” she said. “I was shocked and did not expect to receive a response so quickly after applying.” Wilburn said that she acquired this opportunity through attending a week-long LaJoya Wilburn program called A2RC (Animal Related Career Program) at Purdue in May 2011. In the program, she learned about career paths in veterinary medicine, interacted with faculty and current students in veterinary medical school and experienced general activities of being a veterinary medical student. Wilburn is a resident of Grand Prairie, Texas, and is majoring in Agriculture with a concentration in Animal Science. At PVAMU, she is a member of the Goat Club and serves as Vice President for the PVAMU Chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), which she said has assisted her in connecting with people. She maintains a 3.81 grade point average at PVAMU. As a student who has received summer internships each summer since she was a freshman in 2007, she offers some important advice for other students. “Take advantage of every opportunity that comes into the college because you never know where it might lead or how early it might get you to your destination,” Wilburn said. “Getting internships and jobs can go a long way.” “Don’t be scared to go outside of Texas,” she said. “Seek opportunities outside of Texas.”

Hampton wins MANRRS Public Speaking Contest Normetta Hampton won first place in the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences’ (MANRRS) 2011 Region IV Impromptu Public Speaking Contest Oct 1. She competed against four other students at the Region IV Workshop hosted by the Texas A&M University MANRRS Chapter at the University in College Station. Her speech topic was, “What field did I choose, why I chose that field, and how I am going to impact it.” After a brief speech preparation period, contestants were required to speak for two to four minutes about their selected topic. Hampton stated that she decided only at the last minute to compete in the contest after discussing the idea with her chapter advisor, Dr. Wash A. Jones. “I wasn’t going to speak,” she said. But, after her win, she said, “I’m estatic!” She also said, “My mom was so proud!” As a result of her win, she is eligible to compete at the National MANRRS Conference Normetta Hampton in March 2012. Miss Hampton is a junior Agriculture major with a concentration in Animal Science. She is a native of Houston, where she graduated from North Shore High School. At PVAMU, she is an active member of the PVAMU Chapter of MANRRS. Additionally, she is a volunteer cheerleader coach at Houston Gardens Elementary School. She said that she desires a career as a high school agriculture teacher.

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Tri - Ag Planning for Disasters and Emergencies is Focus of CEP Summit

The recent occurrences of Hurricane Irene and the earthquake that shook several sections of the United States East Coast were part of the discussions centering around the theme of Cooperative Extension’s 2nd Annual Emergency Preparations and Disaster Summit—Evacuation: Plan to Stay or Get Away, held August 30 at Prairie View A&M University. “The purpose of this summit, which was first held in August, 2010, is to bring together local government officials and first responders in Waller and surrounding counties to collaborate on the best methods and resources to use when preparing citizens for real life emergency situations,â€? said Jimmy Henry, coordinator of the Cooperative Extension Community and Economic Development Program. The Summit focused on topics including Infrastructure Recovery, the PVAMU SCAN/Weather Station, Application of GIS Technology and Agriculture Business Continuity. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in conversation with the speakers asking questions or raising Waller  County  Judge,  issues that were of concern to them about Glenn  Beckendorff,  addresses  emergency preparedness. audience. Participants were reminded about the necessity of having a 72 Hours Essential Kit ready in the event of an evacuation. This kit should consist of non-perishable food, water, essential clothing, tools, first aid, medication, personal hygiene items, flashlight, batteries, fully charged cell phone, important documents, battery operated and weather radio and cash. Vehicle fuel tanks should also be filled. Keynote speaker for the Summit, Waller County Judge, Glenn Beckendorff, told the audience to make sure they know about their local City  of  Katy  Mayor,  Don  Elder  Jr.,  shares  community’s Emergency Management Plan. “My hope is to meet with the thoughts  on  disaster  planning. mayors, superintendents of schools, police chiefs, sheriff ’s department and other Waller County officials quarterly or at least twice a year to keep everyone updated on Waller County’s Emergency Management Plan." Don Elder, Jr., Mayor, City of Katy, echoed Judge Beckendorff ’s thoughts about planning for disasters and emergencies saying that “Communication is the key when having a successful emergency management plan in order to keep citizens safe.â€? Co-chair of the Summit, LaRachelle Smith, program specialist, Community and Economic Development, said that she hopes to continue and build on the momentum created from this year’s event so that the 2012 Summit will continue to provide a place for collaborative  CED  Coordinator,  Jimmy  Henry,  CED  program  specialist,  LaRachelle  solutions and awareness of resources available for 6PLWK DQG 'U 5LFKDUG : *ULIÂżQ IDU ULJKW SUHVHQW $ZDUG RI $SSUHFLDWLRQ to  Judge  Beckendorff. emergency and disaster preparedness.

Tri -Ag Lessons in Fire Preparedness

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Fight Hunger, World Food Day 2011

“Hungry? Grab a Snickers!â€? this is the slogan many Americans hear, but unfortunately for so many others in the world hunger is not this quick of a fix; instead it is a true sentiment. As World Brian  Greene,  president  of  the  Houston  Food  3UDLULH 9LHZ KRUL]RQ LV KD]\ ZLWK VPRNH Food Day 2011 was %DQN OHIW DFFHSWV DSSUHFLDWLRQ DZDUG IURP IURP ZLOGÂżUHV officially celebrated 1RHO (VWZLFN FKDLU RI 39$08 :RUOG )RRG As ashes fall like raindrops from the sky, Prairie View Day  2011 on October 17th, A&M University officials along with Dr. Richard W. the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences held its Griffin, acting research director of the Cooperative commemoration of the event on Friday, October 14th Agricultural Research Center, came up with a plan in the Carden-Waller Cooperative Extension building to keep the fires of Montgomery, Grimes and Waller counties at bay and institute effective evacuation practices. auditorium. Speakers included Brian Greene, president of the This plan came in the wake of the Cooperative Houston Food Bank and Sean Kennedy Kalundu, from Extension Program Community and Economic the Republic of Namibia, Africa and Fulbright ScholarDevelopment 2nd Annual Emergency Preparations and in-Residence at Texas A&M University and Prairie View Disaster Summit held on August 30, 2011, where topics A&M University, who informed and gave solutions on addressed the need to develop preventive measures to Food Prices: From Crisis to Stability in the World. reduce the risk of fire to the campus and the community Greene pointed out that hunger in a rich society as because fires have financial implications to the community. Understanding those implications, Dr. Griffin and the America is due largely to too many people not having farm management team decided that the best defense is a enough money to cover all their basic needs, which affects nearly 30 to 40 million people. According to Greene, these good offense and developed a fire prevention strategy to are people who are doing okay, but may lose their jobs keep the community safe. As a soil scientist, Dr. Griffin or their child gets sick and suddenly there is not enough knew the best strategy was to make a 24 feet firebreak money to cover household needs. around the perimeter of the campus to minimize risk to Greene also said that the good news for America’s the student body and animals. hunger problem is not all 30 to 40 million people are According to Dr. Griffin, the firebreak would keep hungry at once because they avoid this condition by the fire from gaining speed and spreading because it shortchanging some other critical need, such as paying for introduced a gap that would be too wide for the fire to medications, utility bills and rent in order to have food on cross. Leaving the soil bare would decrease the chance of their tables. the fire jumping the break and igniting dry vegetation, Kalandu expressed that there are varied causes of which is fuel for a fire. hunger, some of which are of natural origin, including Also according to Griffin, in the midst of a record heat wave and the worst single-year drought in the state of drought, natural disasters and climate change. Other Texas since 1895, as reported from the National Weather causes are created by humans, for example war or over exploitation of natural resources essential to food Service, conditions couldn’t be more perfect for wildfires production. Yet the more severe causes of hunger are to spread across the state’s vast landscape. “But with deeply rooted in economics, social and political factors everyone doing their part, the wildfires can be managed,â€? in which the production and distribution of food are Griffin said. organized. As Kalandu stated, “worldwide food prices (continued  on  page  12)

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College of Agriculture and Human Sciences hosts Fulbright Scholar- in-Residence The College of Agriculture and communal farmers in rural areas Human Sciences is hosting Sean and the impact of trade policies on Muzamai Kennedy Kalundu, a agriculture. Also, he has served as 2011-2012 Fulbright Scholaran agricultural consultant. in-Residence. After a rigorous application process, Kalundu was As a Scholar-in-Residence, named a Fulbright Scholar-inKalundu will be co-teaching Residence and will serve at Prairie two special topics courses View A&M University and Texas offered jointly at Prairie View A&M University from August A&M University and Texas 2011 through May 2012. The A&M University through Sean Kalundu Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence videoconferencing. Dr. Wash Program is administered by the Council for International A. Jones, assistant professor in PVAMU’s Department Exchange of Scholars (CIES) on behalf of the United of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology, and States Department of State. Dr. Theresa Murphrey, assistant professor in TAMU’s The Fulbright Program is an international educational Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and exchange program that is structured to increase mutual Communications, were awarded the Fulbright Scholar-inunderstanding between the people of the United States Residence grant and will serve as the instructors of record and the people of other countries. Fulbright scholars are for the two courses at their respective institutions. chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential The fall course will focus on international agricultural as they will be utilizing these qualities to study, teach development in Africa. The spring course will focus on and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to managing international development projects in Africa. finding solutions to shared international concerns. Kalundu said, “I would like to establish more Kalundu is an agricultural economist from collaboration between Prairie View A&M and the Windhoek, Namibia. He received his Bachelor of Science University of Namibia. degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Jones said, "We are excited to be a partner with Texas Namibia and his Master of Science degree in Agricultural A&M University in the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Economics from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Program, and we anticipate great mutual benefit and He is a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural learning opportunities for all parties involved. This Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture partnership should lead to additional ventures that and Natural Resources at the University of Namibiaprovide international exposure to our institutions. I Neudamm campus. His experience includes teaching especially expect that our students will benefit greatly mathematics, agricultural marketing, principles of from interaction with Kalundu and will gain a broadened microeconomics and macroeconomics, international trade international perspective of agriculture and related and development economics at the undergraduate level. sciences." He was employed as a training officer for seven years Aside from teaching at the two universities, Kalundu with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, will be sharing his global experience with faculty, where he trained both students and farmers in the agricultural professionals and the community. Traveling areas of agricultural extension and commercial business across Texas, Kalundu will have the opportunity to speak management skills. at a variety of community meetings and public workshops In Namibia, he supervises students conducting their hosted by Prairie View A&M University and Texas A&M thesis research on topics including the impact of HIV/ University. AIDS on agriculture productivity, marketing strategies for

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Tri -Ag Hodge Elected to Three Year Term on Texas FFA Board of Directors

Horace Hodge, 1890 Program Manager and USDA Liaison Officer for Prairie View A&M University, has been elected to serve a three-year term on the Texas FFA Association Board of Directors, starting September 1. In this capacity Hodge will provide leadership for more than 90,000 students, teachers and adult volunteers affiliated with Texas FFA. FFA is a dynamic student-led leadership development organization for students in agricultural education. The FFA changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. “F-F-A stands for Future Farmers of America, but the full name is not used anymore because the organization wanted to emphasize that agriculture is much broader than farming Horace  Hodge and ranching,â€? Hodge said. “FFA members study horticulture, aquaculture, food sciences, accounting, wildlife management, mechanics, engineering and many other disciplines.â€? Hodge, a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, has been a member of FFA since 1973 when he was the first African-American selected to serve as president of Linden Kildare High School’s [his alma mater] chapter. His daughter, Benita Hodge, also a Prairie View A&M alum, was the first African-American female to receive the American FFA Degree in 2003. During Hodge’s tenure on the Texas FFA Association Board of Directors, he will serve as one of the Agricultural Industry representatives providing vision, direction, and leadership to the organization

College Highlights Members of the Prairie View A&M University Chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) participated in 3UDLULH 9LHZ $ 0 8QLYHUVLW\ 0$1556 the MANRRS chapter  pictured  at  Region  IV  Cluster  Workshop. Region IV Cluster Workshop Oct. 1 in College Station, Texas. The annual leadership workshop was hosted by the Texas A&M University Chapter. The workshop, which serves as a precursor to the national MANRRS conference conducted each spring, features workshops on resume writing, interviewing, professional attire, cultural awareness and related personal development topics. Additionally, this year’s workshop featured a newly instituted impromptu public speaking contest. Normetta Hampton, a junior agriculture major from Houston, won first place in the public speaking contest. Nine students along with the chapter advisor attended the event. The National MANRRS Career Fair and Training Conference is scheduled March 29-31, 2012, in Atlanta, GA.

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The San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. awarded scholarships in the amount of $15,000 to Alex Deandre’ Square, a graduate of A&M Consolidated High School in College Station and Jordan Hughes, a graduate of Jack Yates High School in Houston, at the 2011 4-H Career Awareness and Youth Leadership Laboratory held August 2. Pamela Foster, SALE Scholarship Coordinator and Jackie Van DeWalle-Dreher, assistant vice president of SALE presented the scholarships. Both students are enrolled in Prairie View A&M University for the fall semester.

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UnitedHealthcare Teams with CEP/Texas 4-H to Promote Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness In August, nearly 200 To officially kickparents and kids joined off the partnership, Texas 4-H leaders for a dayUnitedHealthcare’s Dr. long Waller County Healthy Health E. Hound mascot Lifestyles Family Fun and joined Houston-acclaimed Fitness Day held at the “Strictly Street Salsaâ€? newly opened Hempstead instructor Raul Edwards Recreation Center. in leading participating The Waller County families, community leaders Family Fun and Fitness and 4-Hers for a group Day, organized by Prairie “Lose It to Salsaâ€? dance View A&M University exercise, learning fun and Cooperative Extension easy ways to stay fit. 8QLWHG+HDOWKFDUH YLFH SUHVLGHQW IRU &RPPXQLW\ 'HYHORSPHQW &RPPXQLW\ agents, Jernard McCray “I am excited about the 6WDWH &DUO 7 .LGG OHIW SUHVHQWV FKHFN WR 3UDLULH 9LHZ $ 0 (4-H), Te’Anna Reed 4-H and UnitedHealthcare 8QLYHUVLW\ &RRSHUDWLYH ([WHQVLRQ 3URJUDP DVVRFLDWH DGPLQLVWUDWRU (Family and Consumer partnership,â€? said Gail Long, 'U &DURO\Q - 1REOHV WK IURP OHIW ODXQFKLQJ WKH QHZ SDUWQHUVKLS EHWZHHQ 7H[DV + DQG 8QLWHG+HDOWKFDUH IRU <RXWK 9RLFH <RXWK &KRLFH Sciences), Kenneth program specialist – 4-H, 7HÂś$QQD 5HHG :DOOHU &RXQW\ ([WHQVLRQ DJHQW Âą )DPLO\ DQG &RQVXPHU McCullough (Agriculture Cooperative Extension 6FLHQFHV UG IURP OHIW DQG 'U +HDOWK ( +RXQG DORQJ ZLWK +HUV DUH and Natural Resources) and Program and principal also  on  hand  to  accept  the  check. UnitedHealthcare, included investigator for the CEP healthy workshops, family physical activities and a healthy 4-H partnership. “This partnership will help young lunch with food-preparation tips. UnitedHealthcare people throughout the state of Texas improve their health provided a certified health educator who answered through diet and fitness.â€? questions and provided information about health topics The partnership is being managed jointly between the such as diabetes, weight control and fitness. PVAMU CEP and Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Texas 4-H and UnitedHealthcare joined together to coordination with UnitedHealthcare–Texas. launch a new partnership – Youth Voice: Youth Choice – a program to help young people in the state improve their health and well-being through exercise, proper nutrition and attention to personal safety. 4-H programs in Texas are conducted through the CEP at PVAMU and Texas AgriLife Extension Service. UnitedHealthcare presented Texas 4-H with a $65,000 check to mark the beginning of the partnership. “Since there is a national focus on healthy lifestyles for young people, this partnership between UnitedHealthcare and Texas 4-H is ideal and gives us the opportunity to work together with parents and youth to promote the benefits of good nutrition and exercise,â€? said Dr. Carolyn J. Nobles, associate administrator for the Cooperative 5DXO (GZDUGV +RXVWRQ DFFODLPHG VDOVD GDQFH DQG H[HUFLVH LQVWUXFWRU leads  group  in  a  rousing  â€œLose  it  to  Salsaâ€?  exercise. Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University.

Tri -Ag Nobles named Cooperative Extension Associate Administrator Dr. Carolyn J. Nobles is putting her knowledge of Extension outreach education to work as the new associate administrator for the Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program. Dr. Nobles previously served as Cooperative Extension’s interim associate administrator and program leader – Family Dr. Carolyn J. Nobles and Consumer Sciences. Nobles experience in Texas’ land-grant university Extension programs started with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service where she served as a Home Economics county Extension agent in Gregg, Cass and San Jacinto counties. She was also the Home Economics county agent and Family and Consumer Sciences program leader in Brazos County prior to joining Prairie View Cooperative Extension in 1997. “Helping people is my passion and being a servant leader is key to being successful in addressing the underserved”, said Nobles. “The Cooperative Extension Program gives me the opportunity to fulfill my passion every day because our mission is to provide quality and relevant educational programs to the underserved audiences in Texas.” As associate administrator, Nobles provides executive leadership and direction for the Cooperative Extension Program headquarters staff on campus and county staff that are currently located in 24 counties statewide and expanding. She also ensures that the educational programming for clientele in the areas of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H and Youth Development and Community and Economic Development remains relevant and effective. Nobles said that it is imperative that the Cooperative Extension staff engage individuals and families in making positive choices, taking responsibility and becoming effective leaders in their communities.” “As associate administrator, I plan to lead by example in creating an environment that demonstrates the highest standards of performance and professionalism,” said Nobles. “I believe that a leader is successful when they help others achieve, and I am dedicated to sharing leadership and cultivating others to perform with a real sense of excellence.”

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A native of Palestine, Texas, Dr. Nobles received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Prairie View A&M University in Home Economics Education and her Ph.D. in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University.

Draw-Hood is Cooperative Extension 4-H Program Leader Dr. Rukeia Draw-Hood has recently joined the Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program as program leader for 4-H and Youth Development. Her primary responsibilities include providing programmatic, fiscal oversight and management to the 4-H program area and supervising 'U 5XNHLD 'UDZ +RRG headquarters and county 4-H staffs. “I am excited about engaging communities with diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds to help increase our 4-H club enrollment as well as to expose youth from these backgrounds to traditional as well as innovative science and technology 4-H projects,” said Dr. Draw-Hood. Dr. Draw-Hood brings to the program a wealth of experience as an Extension educator. She was formerly a district educator in 4-H Youth Development with Michigan State University where she directed the nation’s first urban 4-H Community Center. Dr. Draw-Hood was also the Mentoring Programs Coordinator for Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream, Illinois where she provided volunteer recruitment and coordination services, case management for youth and their families, event planning, and facilitation of advisory boards. Having always been an innovator, Dr. Draw-Hood received an achievement award from the Michigan Association of Extension 4-H Youth Staff in 2009 for her work with local school systems and collaborative research with university faculty. She also served as Children’s Program Director for the Mohawk Public Housing Complex with Youth at Heart in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she taught life-skills, introduced service-learning and coordinated tutoring and field trips. Dr. Draw-Hood has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Oral Roberts University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Studies from Trinity International University.

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New Additions to Cooperative Extension Program Staff The Cooperative Extension Program starts off its 2011-2012 fiscal year with some new faces and several others in new staff positions. Jimmy Henry, former interim coordinator – Community and Economic Development (CED), and CED field counselor since 2003, was appointed program coordinator for CED in June. His duties include providing leadership to the CED unit staff and managing programs that support entrepreneurship, an increased standard of living and available resources for adult and youth development programs. Henry obtained his Architectural Planning Jimmy  Henry  left,  CED  program  coordinator,  Professional Degree and a Master’s of Community and Economic Development ZRUNV ZLWK FOLHQWV LQ GHYHORSLQJ from Prairie View A&M University. business  plans. LaRachelle Smith, previously the CEP Web Content Associate where she marketed the organization’s programs through all forms of online media, took the position as program specialist – Community and Economic Development in July. Smith’s focus is providing solutions to clientele related to all aspects of business development for individuals and community-based organizations. She graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and received her MBA from the University of Phoenix. 0DUFXV *OHQQ ([WHQVLRQ DJHQW + ZRUNV ZLWK In Harris County, Marcus Glenn is the newest 4-H Extension agent VWXGHQWV RQ 5RERWLFV SURMHFW GXULQJ + 1DWLRQDO located in the Bear Creek office. Glenn started his career with CEP as a Science  Day. student worker in 2004 and came on board full time as an agent in June, 2011. His major responsibilities are to help increase awareness and participation of limited resource and minority youth in 4-H with a major focus on science and leadership projects. Glenn received his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Human Sciences from Prairie View A&M University and his Master’s degree in Agriculture Education from Iowa State University. Dawn E. Burton was appointed health coordinator, effective October 1. She previously worked in the office of Research Regulatory Compliance at Prairie View A&M University. Burton has a background in industry and education receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry from PVAMU. As the new health coordinator in the Family and Consumer Sciences unit, Burton will provide statewide guidance on issues related to individual and family health and wellness issues. Burton is housed in the Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing in Houston.

Texas Extension Specialists Association Awards CEP Agents

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Paulette Cooper, retired Cooperative Extension 4-H and Youth Development agent in Marion County and Dr. Crystal Wiltz, Extension agent – Family and Consumer Sciences in Travis County, received the 2011 statewide awards from the Texas Extension Specialists Association for their work with CEP specialists and Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists in the areas of community development programs for young people and diabetes education for children and adults respectively. Cooper was recognized as a “true youth mentor and community builderâ€? in Marion County and received the 2011 Award for Distinguished Achievement for County Extension Agent – 4-H and Youth Development. Cooper was cited for adapting adult community development programs for young people, training and (continued  on  page  11)

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involving youths and adults in community development and serving as a catalyst to revitalize the Kellyville Historic Park in her county. Wiltz received the 2011 Award for Outstanding Support of Extension Specialists. She was cited for taking the lead in improving the evaluation of Project DEAP (Diabetes Education Awareness Prevention), which teaches participants about diabetes and how to control it through nutrition, physical activity, medication management and monitoring body changes. Wiltz also helped create new surveys to elicit better information from the program participants and initiated efforts to produce Spanish-language versions of the 'U &U\VWDO :LOW] OHIW UHFHLYHV 7(6$ surveys. Dr. Wiltz gave credit to CEP retired health coordinator, Carolyn Perkins-Frank, DZDUG IURP 'U (ODLQH )ULHV Bell County FCS agent, Sheryl Crawford and associate administrator, Dr. Carolyn J. Nobles for working with her on fine tuning the evaluation instruments. Cooper and Wiltz received their awards from the Texas Extension Specialists Association at Cooperative Extension’s August Program Planning conference held in San Marcos, Texas. Dr. E. Joahanne Thomas-Smith, Prairie View A&M University provost and senior vice-president for Academic Affairs, was guest speaker at the conference and also recognized Cooper and Wiltz for their achievements.

Cooperative Extension Retirees Honored Cooperative Extension Program agents, Billie Blackshire and Paulette Cooper, who retired August 31, 2011, were honored for their accomplishments and contributions to the organization at the 2011 August Program Planning Conference where they received the Award of Merit. Blackshire began her career with Extension in 1976 as a program aide in Washington County providing educational information to limited resource clientele in the areas of Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H and Youth Development and Community and Economic Development. Blackshire was promoted to Extension agent – Family and Consumer Sciences in July, 2010 CEP  retirees,  Paulette  Cooper,  left,  and  Billie  after receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Human Sciences from Prairie View %ODFNVKLUH ULJKW UHFHLYH $ZDUG RI 0HULW IURP 'U Carolyn  J.  Nobles.  A&M University. During her tenure, Blackshire conducted money management, health, nutrition and wellness workshops, displayed exhibits at county fairs, made home visits and one-on-one contacts and motivated her clientele to improve their standards of living. One of Blackshire’s major accomplishments was her participation in a community and economic development project that helped establish the Washington County Community Development Federal Credit Union. Cooper started working with Cooperative Extension in Marion County as a program aide in 4-H and Community Development in 1987. She became an Extension agent – 4-H and Youth in 1992. Cooper’s many achievements included securing over $60,000 in scholarship monies for 4-H youth in her county to attend youth functions as well as institutions of higher learning, raising funds for Marion County residents to attend Community Development Institutes, serving as an advisor to the National 4-H Conference and serving as a member of the Texas Rural Development Council executive board. She also received national recognition for Marion County’s participation in Cooperative Extension’s “Engaging Youth Serving Communityâ€? award winning GIS, Science, Technology, Archaeology Survey and Historic Analysis work, featured in the 4-H national publication, The Power of Youth. Blackshire said she plans to spend quality time with her family, enjoy opportunities to be spontaneous and serve as a worthy vessel in her community. Cooper’s plans are to write a book of stories about her family, continue to work with young people and enjoy life doing exactly what she wants to do.

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Tri - Ag Johnson Takes Helm as Associate Dean and Administrator

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State University (ASU) in Mississippi. During his sixteen year career at Alcorn, he was also the interim research director, chief research officer, and associate professor of agriculture. While at ASU, Johnson served as principal investigator or co-investigator in securing close to $5 million in federal funds to conduct natural resources work. Dr. Johnson was also the director of the Mississippi River Research Center that was established to conduct research and public service activities to aid in improving Mississippi water resources. Dr. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in General Agriculture from the University of Liberia in Monrovia, and a master’s in Agronomy with a concentration in Soil and Water Management and Conservation from Mississippi State University. He received his Ph.D. in Agronomy with a concentration in Soil Physics from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Johnson also received certification in Leadership for the 21st Century (LEAD21) administered by the Fanning Institute and a Certificate of Achievement in Leadership Excellence from the American Management Association. “For my first 90 days on campus, I plan to do a lot of listening and visiting with faculty, staff and students in our College,” Johnson said. “I intend to do internal assessments and develop strategic alliances. I find this to be a great opportunity to work in an environment where emphasis is placed on teaching, research and service.”

Fight Hunger, World Food Day 2011

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increased by 80 percent from 2005 to 2008 and are still rising, and many manufacturers are using viable food, such as wheat and maize, to produce bio-fuel causing the influx in the prices of these commodities.” As pointed out in the information shared at the Prairie View A&M 2011 World Food Day event, although less than three percent of Americans work in farming, this sector of the workforce feeds one hundred percent of the country and provides a wealth of grain and food exports that feed millions around the world. In fact, America’s agriculture is so productive that less is spent for food as a percentage of income than most other countries in the world; however hunger still plagues the U.S. because of low paying jobs that cannot support a household.

*** UPCOMING EVENTS*** Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Annual Meeting November 13-15, 2011, San Francisco, CA

GIS Day November 16, 2011, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX

69th Annual Professional Agricultural Workers Conference December 4-6, 2011,Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL

Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Training Institute December 14-17, 2011, Houston/Prairie View, TX

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