The Land-Grant Ledger: March 2022

Dean's Message

Dear stakeholders and supporters of TSU’s Land-Grant Programs,

It seems we are finally going to be able to manage COVID 19 as an endemic disease and get on with our life! In Tennessee, the positivity rate has dramatically dropped to 10% in recent weeks.

Our research program continues to excel. On page two, there is a graphic description of how the College of Agriculture research far exceeds all other colleges on the campus. TSUAg has been a leader in securing competitive grant funds from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and other federal agencies to solve grand challenges facing agricultural sector. Our extension staff continue to serve the Tennessee communities with exceptional passion, importantly in developing the youth through 4-H and FFA programs. We have recently hosted 150 FFA students. OurFashion students thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Miami and learnt how the luxury fashion industry operates.

Chandra Reddy, Dean

Director of Research and Administrator of Extension

Sullivan County Youth Showcase 4-H Projects at Appalachian Farm Expo

By Walter Malone

Members of the 4-H Youth Development Program in Sullivan County had the opportunity to share their projects with several thousands of community members at the 2022 Appalachian Farm Expo in Bristol, Tennessee. The event was a special project of Six Rivers Media, a multi-media parent company of six Northeast Tennessee high-profile media platforms, which aimed to connect and showcase the vibrant agriculture community in the region.

The Appalachian Farm Expo, held at Bristol Motor Speedway on February 5th-6th, included numerous exhibitors, community contests, educational seminars, and entertainment. However, the most popular exhibit area was the 4-H Barnyard & Discovery Center. The space transformed into an attraction by the work of 4-H members with exhibits including: live animals, art poster entries, photo search entries, 4-H program information, photo opportunities, and a simulated milking cow that provided hands-on learning opportunities.

Youth were involved throughout the event with responsibilities including setup and breakdown of the exhibit area, sharing about their project animals, interacting with visitors, assisting with the simulations, serving as contest judges, and visiting their contest entries. Youth participation in this event provided 4-H club members leadership opportunities, communication skill development, and engagement opportunities to strengthen their project area records. Additionally, the event helped market TSU's 4-H youth development program through coverage in news articles and event promotion.

For more information on Sullivan Country 4-H, feel free to contact Mr. Walter Malone atwmalone@tnstate.edu.

Photo by Walter Malone

TSUAg Leads the Way in External Funding

By Phoebe Jones, Dr. Fulya Baysal-Gurel, andJaniece M. Pigg

The College of Agriculture at TennesseeState University (TSUAg) obtained 68competitive grants, totaling $23,720,459. In2021, TSUAg was the top external funding award recipient at TSU. Our research caliber is well recognized nationally, as our faculty continue to win competitive research grants from the National Institute of Food andAgriculture (NIFA) and the National ScienceFoundation. According to a recent NIFA publication, TSUAg was the most competitive institution among the 19 HBCU land-grant institutions from 2008 to 2018.Through our innovative research, we address the needs of humankind, focusing on exploring solutions to challenges faced by socially and economically disadvantaged groups, and contributing to the prosperity of the citizens of Tennessee, the nation, and the world.

Entomological Explorations

By Janiece M. Pigg

Dr. Karla Addesso, research associate professor, is leading a team of 23 expert researchers from across the country on a massive, six-million-dollar grant aimed to address the implications of flatheaded borer beetle larvae in woody ornamental plants, such as nursery and landscape trees, fruit and nut trees, and other shrubbery. Awarded by the USDA Specialty

Crop Research Initiative in 2020, this four-year project addresses all facets of flatheaded borer pest control. The project aims to empirically establish standards for identification, best pest management practices for growers, educator friendly Cooperative Extension material, and assess the economic cost to benefit ratio of management programs for producers and consumers. Dr. Addesso seeks to blaze a new path in entomology and ecology, all while mentoring the upcoming generation of academic professionals. For more information, contact Dr. Karla Addesso at kaddesso@tnstate.edu.

Photo by Dr. Karla Addesso

Collaborations on Capitol Hill

By Janiece M. Pigg

The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation met with TSUAg this month to discuss community partnerships and the impact of the college across the state. The agricultural advocacy organization leads the way on Capitol Hill for change and innovation in the agricultural industry. For more information on partnering with TSUAg, please contact Rod Reed at rreed2@tnstate.edu.

Photo by Joan Kite

Dean Reddy Serves as 1890 Discussion Leader

By Janiece M. Pigg

Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean of the College ofAgriculture, served as a discussion leader for the 1890 Foundation Mission ForwardLeadership virtual conference. Dean Reddy discussed the transformational impact industry partnerships can foster with 1890institutions.

150 FFA Leaders Foregather for Goodwill Tour

By Janiece M. Pigg

The Tennessee FFA Organization stopped at TSU during their annual FFA Goodwill Tour. High school students from across the state gathered to hear the ways TSUAg and the Tennessee FFA are bettering the agricultural industry. Students were given the opportunity to explore academic programs through a rousing presentation from Dean, Dr. Chandra Reddy, and professor, Dr. John Ricketts.

Photo by Janiece M. Pigg

Our Fashion Students in Miami

By Dr. LaPorchia Davis and Janiece M. Pigg

Dr. LaPorchia Davis, associate professor, facilitated an immersive experiential study tour to Miami Florida forFashion Merchandising and Product Development students. Students explored the bustling luxury fashion industry by visiting retail spaces, the fashion and design district, and speaking with retail professionals about career opportunities. Senior student, Jasmine Broner said, "This trip made my four years in the Department of Human Sciences worthwhile. It’s one trip I will remember for a lifetime." For more information, contactDr. LaPorchia Davis at ldavis91@tnstate.edu.

THANKS FOR TUNING IN THIS MONTH

A special thank you to all of our partnering individuals, organizations, sponsors, and stakeholders for your continued support of our land-grant mission. As an institution, we thrive on the innovative partnerships that continue to foster the development, education, and success of all Tennesseans.Thank you most especially to our featured colleagues, Mr. Walter Malone, Dr. Karla Addesso, DeanChandra Reddy, Mr. Rod Reed, Dr. John Ricketts, and Dr. LaPorchia Davis, for their outstanding work to further our land-grant mission of education, research, and outreach. Without such amazing staff, faculty, and students, the College of Agriculture would not be able to foster active innovation through instruction, research, and public service.

We would also like to thank all of our cooperating organizations that are a vital part of the success of the College of Agriculture at Tennessee State University. Thank you to United States Department of Agriculture, the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, the 1890 Foundation, and the National FFAOrganization, and all of the countless international, national, and local sponsors that allow our programs to flourish throughout the state of Tennessee.

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