Annual Event Inspires the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders

Alabama A&M University’s campus came alive during Ag Week, held from September 17-20, as students, faculty, and staff gathered for an exciting array of events. The College of Agricultural, Life, and Natural Sciences (CALNS) organizes Ag Week to offer the campus and broader community a deeper look into the college’s diverse programs and opportunities in the fields of agriculture, life sciences, and natural resources.

The week kicked off with an inspiring “Get Motivated” session led by Dr. Tau Kadhi, AAMU Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies. Held in the packed Dawson Auditorium, Kadhi captivated the audience of nearly 200 people with a
high-energy motivational speech. “Motivation is not an act of spontaneous combustion, you have got to set yourself on FIRE!” Kadhi exclaimed. Through personal stories and an engaging approach, he emphasized three key takeaways: motivation comes from within, there is no one better than you, and achieving greatness requires embracing challenges and doing the hard work.

In a heartfelt moment following his talk, thirteen recent CALNS retirees were honored for their service, receiving plaques and tokens of appreciation.

Mid-week events turned the focus to showcasing the college’s programs for freshmen and students exploring majors. “Oh, Taste and See” was held on the Dawson Building grounds Wednesday. On Thursday, CALNS departments set up booths and displays on the Quad, where faculty and advisors engaged with students in one-on-one discussions about the academic and career paths CALNS offers. Attendees enjoyed an atmosphere filled with food, music, and fun, with a DJ spinning tunes that even had toddlers from the Child Development Center joining in the dancing.

Ag Week wrapped up with “Kick Back with Us” at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station (WTARS) in Hazel Green. AAMU Bulldog Transit System (BTS) and CALNS vans transported nearly 300 people to the research station for a unique outdoor experience. WTARS Research Associate Professor Dr. Ernst Cebert gave an insightful overview of the nearly 1,000 acres and shared information on the cutting-edge agricultural research being conducted there. Participants took part in guided tours, explored the station's facilities, and bonded over meals that included catfish, chicken tenders, coleslaw, French fries, and refreshing beverages. A shaved ice truck offered cool treats, adding to the festive atmosphere. Both indoor and outdoor games fostered camaraderie and connection among attendees.

CALNS is home to a wide range of academic disciplines, including natural resources and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences, food and animal sciences, community and regional planning, military sciences, and biological sciences. The college's goal is to ignite students' interest in agricultural careers and the vital role agriculture plays in the world.

“We want Ag Week to spark curiosity in our students about all that the College of Agricultural, Life, and Natural Sciences has to offer,” said Dr. Lloyd Walker, Dean of CALNS and 1890 Research Director. “Greatness begins with choosing a career in agriculture.”