School of AREAS Hosts Peace Corps Recruitment Informational
Stephanie Wade, Peace Corps volunteer and field based recruiter, during her presentation at the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences at Alcorn State University, February 9, 2016.
Dr. Girish K.S. Panicker (left) with Wade (right) during her visit to Alcorn State University.
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On February 9, 2016, the Alcorn State University School of Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Applied Sciences (AREAS) hosted a Peace Corps recruitment informational in the Ray Johnson Assembly Center located in the Research and Extension Complex. Stephanie Wade, returning Peace Corps volunteer and field based recruiter, provided information to the School’s students and faculty on agriculturally focused volunteer opportunities within the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps is a federal agency that has been in operation since 1961 under the John F. Kennedy administration. The mission of the federal agency is to promote world peace and friendship by helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women, helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served, and helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Wade spoke about the volunteer missions that are offered year-round. Positions with the Peace Corps vary in areas such as education, health, environment, youth in development, community economic development, and agriculture. Volunteers are able to decide where they want to serve and will receive three months of training before beginning their two years of service.
“There is a definite need for agriculture volunteers who will be able to share what they learned at a university with communities around the world,” Wade expressed. “While serving, these volunteers will learn the natural practices and making of products that we use every day.”
In addition to learning about the many opportunities within the agency, students were informed about the various benefits including medical and dental coverage, a living stipend, and two vacation days per month. Wade ended the presentation by opening the floor up to questions.
Dr. Girish Panicker, associate professor and director of the Conservation Research Center at Alcorn, gave the closing remarks.
"During their service as Peace Corps in developing countries, our agriculture graduates will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, motivation, cultural sensitivity, leadership, and commitment to service,” he said. “These volunteers can contribute sustainable solutions to agricultural issues experienced by farm communities, and help preserve natural resources. Experienced volunteers will become international experts in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, farm management, and agribusiness".
Destiny Crockett, junior majoring in Environmental Science, stated, “I thought about the Peace Corps before this. It is a great way to help international communities and make the world a better place.”
Panicker thanked the AREAS faculty who opened their doors to a short presentation by Wade that followed the official program: Dr. Daniel Collins, Dr. Barry Bequette, Dr. Cassandra Vaughn and Tedrick Hargrave.
For more information on the Peace Corps and opportunities, visit www.peacecorps.gov. For more information about this event, contact Dr. Girish Panicker at (601) 877-6598 or email, [email protected].
