We are … agriculturalists. We are Alcorn.
Lorman, Miss. (January 31, 2014) – As the oldest public land-grant HBCU in the nation, Alcorn State University is deeply committed to educating its students, surrounding community, the state and the nation about the importance of agriculture to all aspect of life. The University is widely recognized for its research in agriculture and for preparing strong specialists that move forward the field of agriculture.
One of Alcorn talented students, Y’Tarius Goldsberry, a junior agribusiness management major, was recently awarded the diversity scholarship to the USDA’s 2014 Ag Outlook Forum. The scholarship was marketed to HBCUs and 1890 institutions for students to attend the conference which highlights recent advancements in agricultural science.
This year’s conference themed “The Changing Face of Agriculture” is slated for February 20-21, 2014, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. The Forum is a platform for leaders from throughout the agricultural community, boasting more than 100 speakers and presentations.
Goldsberry, who was chosen among 30 students from other universities, was selected based on his submitted essay “Agriculture as a Career.” He will receive the opportunity to attend this event with complementary travel, room and board.
A Port Gibson, Mississippi native, Goldsberry stated, “I am excited about this opportunity. I really wasn’t expecting to win but I’m very grateful. With all the classes that I have taken with Alcorn’s distinguished professors and all the extracurricular experiences that I have obtained throughout my tenure here, I am prepared for this experience. I look forward to meeting new people, experiencing a new city and flying for the first time.”
About the student, Clifton Peters, USDA 1890 Program liaison, states, “Goldsberry has transformed himself throughout his collegiate career. I was surprised at his interest in this opportunity, but after reading his essay I knew he would represent the Alcorn family extremely well. We are elated for Goldsberry to have been chosen to participate in the Forum.”
The event includes Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who will moderate two plenary panels entitled “Exploring the Future of Agriculture,” and United States Trade Representative Michael Froman to serve as a featured keynote speaker. Other highlights include a live streamed Food Dialogues session entitled “Nutrition-Who is Shaping America’s Eating Habits?” hosted by the United State Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, along with an assortment of other sessions that highlight the various aspects of agriculture’s impact applied to daily life.
“I chose a career in agriculture because it is a part of life, it is necessary for us to survive. I’m excited to have this experience to broaden my agricultural horizons,” Goldsberry states.
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Alcorn State University is a premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally competitive leaders, and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships that benefit the surrounding communities, state, nation, and world.
