Agriculture Online

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND NUTRITION SCIENCES

AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND NUTRITION SCIENCES

The College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences Is a leader in the effort to make Tuskegee University a premier research university A report from the National Academy of Sciences states that world stability depends on reliable supplies and stable prices for food and energy, and on the preservation of the natural resource base that underpins all economic activity and the global way of life­­- all linked to agriculture.

It was in this context that the Tuskegee University College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences was reorganized in 2011.

The purpose of the reorganization was to leverage the resources provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the State of Alabama and other partners to optimize preparation of the next generation of food, nutrition, agriculture, environment and rural and community development professionals. The reorganized college also seeks to impact societal challenges ranging from diet and health, local and sustainable food systems, natural resource-based business development in rural areas, international development and climate change. The college’s newly established Carver Integrative Sustainability Center includes 11 USDA agencies as partners.

The tradition of innovation, performance and productivity in the college is grounded in the legacy of famed scientist George Washington Carver, who was recruited by Booker T. Washington to come to Tuskegee in 1896 to serve as the head of newly established Department of Agriculture.

The tradition continues as the college prepares students to become leaders in the food, agriculture and environmental sciences and policy, agribusiness, and rural, community and international development.

The faculty and staff accomplish this through teaching, research, training, demonstration and extension programs.

In 2011, Tuskegee University was ranked No. 1 in the total number of African-American students receiving baccalaureate degrees in agriculture, agriculture operations and related sciences. It was also ranked No. 1 with the highest number of African-American undergraduate students majoring in animal sciences. And it was No. 1 in the number of African-American graduates who are accepted to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs. More than half of the graduates of the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences go on to graduate or professional schools.

MISSION

The mission of the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS) is to address high priority life sciences and technology, human resource and leadership needs of our local communities, the nation and the world as they relate to animal and plant biotechnologies and systems; land, water and forest restoration and conservation; the relationship of food and nutrition to health and wellness; local, regional, sustainable and organic food systems; renewable and bio-energy; food safety and food security; climate change related to agricultural production, natural resources conservation and local and global development issues; small farmer sustainability and profitability; and rural family, youth and community development.

A key goal is to optimize transfer of technologies and best practices from laboratory, translational and field research to active use by individuals, families, farmers, communities and food, agricultural and natural resource based businesses through joint activities of Research and Extension staff and active involvement of students as a part of their learning process.

CAENS leverages partnerships with USDA and other government agencies, Tuskegee University academic units, community-based organizations and the private sector to address challenges and opportunities in Alabama, the southern region, the nation and worldwide.

The college offers programs leading to the B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

“ We are committed to excellence. Our students must first of all have competence in their fields, as well as skills in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and communications.�

WA L TE R H IL L , P H . D . , DE AN

FUNDING PRIORITIES

In order for the college to remain competitive in agriculture, animal sciences, environmental and natural resource sciences and food and nutritional sciences, it must attract and maintain top quality students and continue to upgrade its facilities and strengthen its faculty. Accordingly, the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences has established the following priorities: ­Facilities – Building the Second Floor of Henderson Hall

$15 Million

Construction of the second floor of Henderson Hall is needed to support research laboratories for agricultural and environmental sciences, food and nutritional sciences, and agricultural and environmental sciences for the college, as well as for biology and chemistry for the college. Additionally, the second floor will provide biology and chemistry instructional space for the College of Arts and Sciences, and integrative biosciences for a joint academic program.

Endowed Chairs

$8 Million

The college is seeking funding to support four endowed chairs in the areas of food and nutrition, animal sciences, sustainable agriculture and agribusiness. Recruiting and retaining leadership faculty known for teaching and research is a priority for the college.

Graduate Student Fellowships and Undergraduate Student Scholarships $5 Million Funding is needed for CAENS undergraduate student scholarships ($1.5 million) and M.S. and Ph.D. student fellowships ($3.5 million) in Integrative Biosciences (jointly with the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health); Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Engineering (jointly with the College of Engineering), and Public Policy and International Affairs (jointly with the College of Arts and Sciences).

The Carver Integrative Sustainability Center

$2 Million

The Carver Integrative Sustainability Center was launched in 2010 and focuses on research and education, application of beneficial and sustainable science and technologies, marketing strategies, policy development and interpretation, program delivery innovations, and connections between agriculture, natural resources, art, culture and history.

Construction of the new center is scheduled to begin in 2012. A Black Belt Family Farm Fruit and Vegetable Marketing and Innovation Center is planned for construction near Selma, Alabama.

Facilities Maintenance $1 Million ­­­­ Years of deferred maintenance has necessitated repair and upgrading of existing college facilities. Funding is required to upgrade and build facilities for student learning, discovery and engagement that are competitive for student and faculty recruitment, and research funding. Specific needs include roof and drainage systems, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems and interiors for Morrison-Mayberry, Campbell and the Harper buildings.

Facilities – Outdoor Laboratories, Equipment and Technicians

$750,000

The college has plans for building outdoor laboratories and securing equipment for live animal studies, red meat processing, a modern poultry teaching unit, a caprine research center, food and nutritional sciences, food processing and food safety, environmental sciences, natural resources, plants and sustainable agriculture. These outdoor laboratories will include the Carver Experimental Station, Russell Plantation and the Tuskegee National Forest.

Additionally, technicians will be needed for the outdoor teaching laboratories.

Tuskegee University is today poised on the brink of reaching yet another milestone in its stellar history, preparing to join the ranks of premier research universities in the world.

In order to attain this goal, we are embarking on a major capital campaign to raise $250 million –“Programmed for Excellence.”

Of major importance to this campaign is support of the Tuskegee University College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences and its programs, which are integral to students’ overall educational experience.

C A M PA I G N F O R

Giving to the Tuskegee University College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences and the “Programmed for Excellence� Campaign If you have an interest in making a contribution in support of the Tuskegee University College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, a representative will work directly with you and your advisers to assure that your gift is of the greatest possible benefit to you and the university. Naming opportunities are available in recognition of substantial or major gifts to the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences and a university representative would be happy to explore those opportunities with you.

For more information, please contact: Virgil E. Ecton Vice President for Federal Affairs and Director of the Capital Campaign 202-863-9384 vecton@mytu.tuskegee.edu Or Tuskegee University Office of Development 326 Kresge Center Tuskegee, Alabama 36088 334-727-8540 334-727-8195 www.tuskegee.edu