Spring/Summer Vol. 03 No. 02 FROM THE DESK OF THE DEAN

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1 Spring/Summer Vol. 03 No. 02 Inside T his Issue 1 Message from the Dean 2 Service Learning 2 Food Drive 3 Agribusiness Students in D.C. 4 DTA Wins National Honors 5 College Career Fair 5 Honors Banquet 6 Alumni & Faculty Kudos 7 Up-coming Events 8 Technology Program 8 School Gardens Contact Information Dean: Greg Phillips: gphillips@astate.edu Associate Dean: Kim Pittcock: kpittcoc@astate.edu Faculty Agricultural Business Faculty Paul Armah: parmah@astate.edu Lori Fenner: lfenner@astate.edu Bert Greenwalt: bertg@astate.edu Agricultural Education David Agnew: dagnew@astate.edu Kevin Humphrey: jhumphre@astate.edu Animal Science William Humphrey: bhumph@astate.edu Donald Kennedy: dkennedy@astate.edu Food Science Soohyoun Ahn: sahn@astate.edu Plant Science Steve Green: sgreen@astate.edu Kim Pittcock: kpittcoc@astate.edu Calvin Shumway: cshumway@astate.edu Tina Teague: tteague@astate.edu Agriculture Research Technology Charles R. Coleman: ccoleman@astate.edu Zariff Chaudhury: zchaudhury@astate.edu ABI Beth Hood: ehood@astate.edu Brett Saway: bsaway@astate.edu Jianfeng Xu: jxu@astate.edu Carole Cramer: ccramer@astate.edu FROM THE DESK OF THE DEAN The Dean, Dr. Greg Phillips, thinks the future looks bright for the College of Agriculture and Technology (COAT), based on the types of proposals and projects currently underway. A major interest of the research program, a combined effort of Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas, are biofuels and energy sustainability. Dr. Elizabeth Hood, who works with the Greg Phillips, Dean Arkansas Biosciences Institute, received two federal grants equaling $2.5 million and a $400,000 matching grant from the Wal-Mart Corporation to research cost-effective enzymes that convert plant matter to ethanol. Some of the plants being researched are miscanthus, switch grass, canola, sweet sorghum, and various crop residues. Dr. Brett Savary is also researching enzymes that will convert plant material to five carbon sugars because the process now primarily converts six carbon sugars, which are not as efficient. The partnership between ASU and UA doesn't end there. The ASU farm has two separate divisions, one on which Arkansas State University uses for educational and research purposes; the other on which the University of Arkansas conducts their separate research. In addition, even though both are considered to be separate entities, the universities cooperate on research. A substantial number of researchers for the University of Arkansas Experiment Station in Jonesboro are professors at Arkansas State University. Many efforts are focused on biofuels at the COAT, such as a 1,000 gallon algae reactor to use aquatic plant material for biofuels. In addition, Dr. Kevin Humphrey is currently constructing a small engines lab to test the use of biofuels in small engines. Small engines contribute thirty percent of total carbon emissions from combustion engines. In yet another project, Dr. Steve Green is currently researching alternate energy systems including researching feedstock crops that promote sustainability. Another plan is to construct a pilot cellulosic ethanol plant. It is apparent that ASU COAT is moving forward and is growing into a competitive research institution. Energy sustainability is the key to profitability in agriculture production and environmental preservation. The College of Agriculture and Technology also employs other researchers who hold significant positions. Dr. Jianfeng Xu is a Biochemical Engineer and conducts research for the University. Also, Dr. Pam Weathers has conducted molecular science research for the past two years working with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. There are other projects being conducted, such as, Dr. Kim Pittcock's research with spinach in Eastern Arkansas for commercial purposes. There is definitely more than meets the eye when looking at the responsibilities and significance of the ASU College of Agriculture and Technology. According to Dr. Greg Phillips, I can live my life consuming fossil fuels without a care, but if my children and grandchildren consume fossil fuels they will run out before their lives end. Research of renewable resources demonstrates hope in the future of Arkansas and the world. Agriculture will continue to move forward and advance technologically more than could be imaginable. Think of how agricultural producers viewed the industry just fifty years ago, and then ponder the achievements with in the past half of a century. With the movement for Arkansas State University College of Agriculture and Technology to provide energy research to producers and other research institutions the influence of the College will continue to thrive. Jason McGarrh, Senior Agribusiness major, Brighton, TN

2 HELPING IN THE COMMUNITY College Food Drive: Helping Those in Need Left, ATA President Dusty Key, and right Collegiate FFA President, Lane Lenderman gather the food for weighing. Each year the Collegiate FFA (CFFA) hosts a food drive. Normally the food drive is just boxes set in the halls of the Ag building where students and faculty can donate food if they wish. However, this past year the food drive was conducted a little differently. With the support of Dr. Kim Pittcock and Dr. Greg Phillips, this year's food drive was treated as a competition among the COAT's organizations. Winners were determined by the number of pounds of food donated by each organization. Prize money was awarded to the first, second, and third place winners of the food drive. The Plant Science Club won with 571 lbs of food, Block & Bridle, Pre-Vet, and DTA came together as one group for this event and placed second with 396 lbs of food. CFFA and ATA joined together and came in third with 113 lbs of food. Mrs. Fenner's Making Connections Class also participated and received honorable mention with 71 lbs of food. The food drive was a great success raising 1,151 lbs of food total for the Food Bank in Paragould. Not only was the act of kindness a great experience but seeing the organizations in our college come together and have a friendly competition was wonderful. The CFFA hopes to continue this food drive in years to come and is thankful for all of the support given by the students and faculty for this event. Lane Lenderman, Junior Ag Education major, Brookland, AR Students Apply What They Learn The Landscape Management class is putting into practice what they learned this spring. Earlier in April with several hundred dollars' worth of donated materials, 18 students in Dr. Pittcock's landscape management class created a new landscape for The Learning Center's adult campus in Jonesboro. Dr. Kim Pittcock said the activity allowed them to learn the hands-on part of the business - installing a landscape - while also helping a worthy cause. They needed help desperately on the landscape situation, she said. The only landscaping before the students tore it out was shrubs - specifically, 15-year-old holly. The building was constructed in 1980, and no significant landscaping had ever been done. A few existing shrubs like the holly stayed and grew until they became a nuisance. Last fall a landscape design class developed plans for a new landscape that would brighten the front of the building on Aggie Road. Five students in the class met with The Learning Center officials to determine the needs of the facility, took photographs and measurements, then individually created plans for submission. One of those plans was selected, and over several days those five students and 13 others in Dr. Pittcock's spring semester landscape management class implemented the plan. First they removed all the existing plants and tilled the beds. Home Depot donated 39 shrubs, four trees and assorted perennial flowers. The students planted them and installed donated mulch. The primary planting areas were along the front of the building and one side. Plants included azaleas, Texas White Redbud trees and Dwarf Mugo Pines. This is to be low-maintenance, Dr. Pittcock said. One student whose father runs a tree service even arranged to have three unwanted pine trees removed from the front of the property. Now that this project is complete, The Learning Center is hanging on to the plans so that another community group could take on another section at another time, Dr. Pittcock said. For Pittcock's students, the four hours spent working on site were valuable. The students seemed to really enjoy the project and have had a great Learning opportunity participating in this project, she said. Barbara Pitcock, director of services for The Learning Center, said both the staff and clients were thankful for the help. It was such a joy to see how the individuals loved and appreciated the look of their building, she said. They were just happy. The outside now complements the inside, which underwent a major remodel last year, she added. She said the project also benefited the center in two other ways: It allowed the adult clients to interact with visitors, and it helps the center do its part in living green by putting plant matter back in the landscape. Adapted with permission from a Jonesboro Sun article by Karin Hill COMMUNITY EDUCATION: CHIPPING A HORSE Ag Education majors in the Adult Education course organized an adult education seminar about the statewide effort to register all horses in the state. Andy Foster, EIA Investigator / Inspector for the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, was the presentor. Mr. Foster went over the paperwork involved in registering a horse and then actually demonstrated how to place the chip in the horse. A person must be certified to chip a horse but anyone who completes the training can be certified. Left: Demonstration of the Chip Implantation Right: People gather to see demonstration Lane Lenderman, Junior Ag Education major, Brookland, AR New Ground 02 College of Agriculture & Technology

3 AGRIBUSINESS PROGRAM Agribusiness Students Visit Washington, D.C. with the Chamber of Commerce 15th Annual ASU Agribusiness Conference Left to Right: Caitlin Maki, Ashtyn Wilkison, Senator Blanche Lincoln, Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin, Jason McGarrh and Taylor Burdett Four ASU Agribusiness Students joined Dr. Bert Greenwalt and over 45 members of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce for the Chamber's annual legislative relations trip to Washington D.C. on February 28-March 4. Students Ashtyn Wilkison, Caitlin Maki, Jason McGarrh, and Taylor Burdett participated in meetings with Senator Mark Pryor, Senator Blanche Lincoln, Congressman Marion Berry, and their staff members. During the meetings, Chamber leaders made presentations on the highway needs of Northeast Arkansas and ASU Chancellor Potts described a proposal for a commercial innovation center at the Arkansas Bioscience Institute. Dr. Greenwalt and the students met with College of Agriculture alumni Ms. Dana Brooks, Senior Director of Government Relations for the National Milk Producers Federation; Dr. J.B. Penn, the Chief Economist for Deere and Company; and Mr. Tate Heuer, a 1997 ASU Agribusiness graduate and a Senior Legislative Assistant to Senator Mark Pryor. The students also visited the Washington office of Bunge. The students' participation in the trip is a joint project of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee and the ASU College of Agriculture. Dr. Bert Greenwalt, Professor of Agricultural Economics Staying informed is essential to success in agribusiness and the ASU Agribusiness Conference helps provide valuable and current knowledge to both professionals and students. On February 11, 2009 more than 500 people attended the 15th annual Agribusiness Conference held in the Fowler Center and Convocation Center. The event is presented by the ASU College of Agriculture and thirteen corporate sponsors. Planning for the event is a year-round process. Dr. Bert Greenwalt, the Conference Director, explained that students are crucial to this event's success. One or two students assist with preparations during the year and many students assist on the day of the event. According to Dr. Greenwalt, The Agribusiness Conference is a major service activity-one which brings several hundred people to the campus each year. The event provides students information complimentary to their classroom education, plus an opportunity to network with conference sponsors and guests. Dr. Greenwalt's goal is to present agricultural experts with a broad perspective on agricultural trends and issues. This year's conference focused on commodity market outlook, crop input costs, and the current macroeconomic situation. Afternoon sessions included presentations on farmers' markets and farm bill rules. The keynote luncheon speaker offered encouraging advice to those concerned about the economy. John Phipps, a farmer and columnist for Farm Journal magazine, explained, Americans need to know right now more than any other time that something they need still works. Mr. Phipps encouraged confidence in agriculture. Our recovery starts now he said. It begins with me on my farm, and I hope you will join me. Most of the guests were from Arkansas, but neighboring states were also represented. Many conference participants benefit from earning continuing education credits. The conference meets the continuing education guidelines for Certified Public Accountants, Arkansas Certified Crop Advisors, and the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Related to the Agribusiness Conference, the ASU Agribusiness Club held a reception for 12 visiting students from Southern Arkansas University and their Professor, Dr. Pierre Boumtje at The Edge Coffee House on the evening prior to the conference. Also attending the reception were professors from the University of Arkansas and Mississippi State University who discussed their graduate programs in Agricultural Economics. Ms. Leslie Reed, COAT Writing Tutor Left to Right: Taylor Burdett, Ashtyn Wilkison, Caitlin Maki, and Jason McGarrh To see materials presented at the conference visit this website: New Ground 03 College of Agriculture & Technology

4 EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM CLIMATE CHANGE AT SOIL & WATER CONFERENCE On Thursday January 22, the COAT hosted the 10th annual Soil and Water Conference. Speakers from Arkansas and Tennessee presented on topics such as climate change in Arkansas, bioenergy for Northeast Arkansas, and methods for maximizing agricultural yields. The speakers included Dr. Jerry Farris, Enviromental Biology professor at ASU, Don Richardson, who served in the US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service under the Clinton administration, and Michael Borrengasser, who is the current state climatologist. These three speakers spoke about climate issues in Arkansas. After the event, I spoke with Dr. Farris, and Mr. Richardson about climate change. Dr. Farris said I think it's important to find an answer, when we have overlooked the cause for so long. Mr. Richardson said the most feasible solution that the new administration could offer was a good cap and trade system. This could reduce emission by 80% by He said that on the federal level there has not been a lot of support. He said on the state level the global warming commission has been a good start, but ignorance has been the biggest hindrance. Lane Evans, Ag Education major, Guy, AR AG EXPO CONTINUES TO GROW February 5th and 6th was the 3rd annual North Delta Ag Expo at the NEA District Fair grounds. The Ag Expo is a showcase of a variety of agriculture related businesses, including equipment dealerships and seed and fertilizer companies. These vendors show off the newest equipment ideas, chemicals, and hybrid seeds in the agriculture industry. Vendors included Town & Country Intl, Riceland Inc., Valley Equipment Inc., Farm Credit Midsouth, Horizon Ag, Greenway, Craighead County Farm Bureau, and the Ag Watch Network, just to name a few. Dr. Bill Humphrey and Dr. Greg Phillips along with the Expo s Board of Directors coordinates the event each year. Dr. Humphrey wanted to thank each member of the Board of Directors and all of the vendors for their help and dedication to the Ag Expo and the College of Agriculture at A.S.U. All the proceeds from the Expo go directly to the College of Agriculture and Technology. They are used to fund projects at the college, pay for equipment like computer labs, and also help in funding trips for the different COAT clubs and teams. Individual clubs also have the opportunity to earn money by helping out at the Ag Expo, either by working the concession stand or the entrance desk. The funds the clubs earn are used however they are needed. Scott Griffin, Senior Agribusiness major, Jonesboro, AR DTA PLACES SECOND IN THE NATION Eleven students from the ASU chapter of the Delta Tau Alpha Agricultural Honors Society travelled to Springfield, Missouri for the 50th Annual National DTA Convention. The convention was sponsored by Missouri State University and attended by delegations from 14 schools. The ASU delegation included Advisor Dr. Bud Kennedy, Sarah Shedenhelm, Nicole Moss, Stacy Kitts, Drake Martin, Braden Cato, Corey Platt, Laura Jones, Alex Ryan, Jessica Smith, Westley Sullins, and Nicole Nichols. The convention was filled with activities that kept everyone busy. Junior Drake Martin served as ASU's voting delegate for the daily meetings that dealt with National DTA business. National officer elections were held and Sarah Shedenhelm was elected National DTA Secretary. In addition to the business meetings, tours were conducted of agriculture-related industries around the Springfield area. These tours consisted of the John Deere Reman Plant, the Askinosie Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Caverns, and the Springfield Brewing Company. Also, the Ag Olympics and the annual Agriculture Knowledge Bowl were held. On the final day of the convention a banquet and awards ceremony were held. The ASU knowledge bowl team, which included Alex Ryan, Braden Cato and Nicole Nichols received second place out of 13 competing teams. Overall, the ASU delegation received an award for the highest number of students attending convention. This was the first year that award was given. We hope that ASU can keep the record. The national convention is always a fun time for those who attend and allows interaction with agricultural students from other colleges and universities. Nicole Nichols, Animal Science major, Little Rock, AR BUZZ WHEN YOU KNOW THE ANSWER On April 21, the College of Agriculture and Technology held the 5th Annual College Quiz Bowl, a fun event which pits student organizations against each other as they demonstrate their academic prowess in topics such as animal science, plant science, agriculture history, and agriculture finance. Congratulations to the AGRs, who won 1st place, and to DTA, who won 2nd. A token cash prize was awarded to the winners. QUIZ BOWL QUESTIONS HOW WOULD YOU DO? 1. What compound is formed in mammals to remove excess nitrogen from the body? 2. What term refers to an organism that lives off dead or rotting organic matter? 3. What Act created the first Land-Grant University system? 4. Who is currently serving as the Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture? 5. The rate of interest charged by Federal Reserve Banks on loans made to member banks is called? Turn to page 7 for the answers New Ground 04 College of Agriculture & Technology

5 PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! EVERYONE WANTS ONE Students rushed in to network with companies at the 3rd annual Agriculture and Technology Career and Internship Fair that was held on February 19, in the Agriculture and Technology Building. This year's fair was the largest so far hosting 16 companies: Ritter Agribusiness, Land O'Lakes Agribusiness Placement, Nestle Prepared Foods, Sara Lee, The Scoular Company, Farm Credit Mid-South, MWI Veterinary Supply, Pfizer Animal Health, Dow Agro Sciences, Drexel Chemical Company, Greenway Equipment, Syngenta Corp., Rice Tec, Frito Lay, U of A Extension Service, Caldwell Milling Company, and ASU Career Services. The sponsors of the event were ASU Delta Tau Alpha National Agricultural Honor Society and the ASU College of Agriculture and Technology. Students currently seeking a job or an internship were able to submit a resume. The Ag Business Club assembled all the resumes into a resume book which was given to each company present. Hopefully, future fairs will continue to be successful in helping the students in the College of Agricultural and Technology find their place in the work force. Danielle W. Jones, Graduate Student, Calico Rock, AR 2009 COLLEGE HONORS BANQUET Each year the College of Agriculture and Technology holds an honors banquet to recognize student excellence. This year the banquet was Thursday, April 16th at the ASU Convocation Center. Over 200 people were present including students and their families, faculty, upper level administratiors and retired college faculty. The banquet is held to honor the top students and top organizations for all of their hard work and dedication, as well as to announce who will receive scholarships in the coming year. This year's Outstanding Graduating Seniors in each of the majors were Aaron Sandlin in Agriculture Business, Nicole Nichols in Animal Science, Dusty Key in Agriculture Education, Kayla Gramling in Plant Science, Jonathan McCord in Agronomy, and Sydney D. Smith in Technology. The Outstanding Student Organization members were Ashtyn Wilkison in the Agribusiness Club, Lane Lenderman and Marcus Orf in Alpha Tau Alpha; Nichole Nichols in Block and Bridle, Lane Lenderman in the Collegiate FFA; Corey Platt in Delta Tau Alpha, and Kayla Gramling in the Plant Science Club. ASU would like to congratulate all the recipients of the award for their hard work, and we wish the best for those who are graduating, and commend them on a job well done. This year the Olen P. Nail Scholarship went to Joshua Pippenger. Tiffany Kirklin received the Olen P. Nail Award for outstanding junior and Johnathon McCord received the Chancellor's Award. Congratulations to all of the scholarship and collegiate award winners. This year the Outstanding Service Award went to David Fowkes of Jonesboro. He was joined by his wife Sue, daughter Jennifer also a graduate of the College and her husband Jay Jones who is also a graduate of the college, and their son Clay. Lane Evans, Senior Ag Education major, Guy, AR Scott Griffin, Senior Agribusiness major, Jonesboro, IL Above: Jay & Jennifer Jones (daughter of the honoree), David Fowlkes and his wife Sue of 37 years, and son Clay. Below: Receiving the Outstanding Student Organization Award for Plant Science, left to right, Kayla Grambling, Jeremy McAllister and Advisor Dr. Kim Pittock. New Ground 05 College of Agriculture & Technology

6 FACULTY, STAFF, & GRADUATE NEWS BREEDING NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR Mr. Patrick Breeding (1976, Agricultural Education), agriculture teacher at Greenbrier High School, was selected as the National Association of Agricultural Education District II Outstanding Teacher of the year in District II includes Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. As part of its commitment to agricultural education, Toyota Motor Sales USA donated a new Tundra pick-up truck to each of the secondary and post-secondary winners. Mr. Breeding was given keys to a truck which is leased to him for two years at $1. Mr. Breeding said he was humbled, excited and thankful all at the same time. Mr. Breeding received the award for his ability to tailor his teaching methods to each student's abilities and for encouraging students to reach beyond what was expected of them, saying that Increasing my expectations allows them to achieve on advanced levels such as critical thinking and problem solving skills. In my 30 years of teaching, students rarely reach beyond what someone expects of them, so I try to make expectations clear and attainable yet challenging. Adapted with permission from the Work Counselor FLETCHER NAMED TO THE ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE HALL OF FAME Marion Fletcher (second from right) is congratulated by (left-righ) state Representative Bruce Maloch (Magnolia), DWE Director Bill Walker, and state Senator Steve Faris (Malvern). Mr. Marion Fletcher (1963, Agricultural Education) was inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame on March 13 at a luncheon in the Embassy Suites Hotel in Little Rock. The Hall of Fame honors those who have made significant contributions to Arkansas agriculture, as well as community and economic development. Mr. Fletcher, a 46-year veteran of agricultural education, is currently Program Manager of Agricultural Education at the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education. Fletcher started his career as a teacher at Desha Central Schools, then moved to Magnet Cove, before joining the Arkansas Department of Education as Area Supervisor of Agricultural Education, a position he held for 20 years. He has been state FFA advisor since 1989 and is a member of the National FFA Board of Directors, serving as National FFA Treasurer. GRIFFITH HONORED Adapted with permission from the Work Counselor Mr. Lee Griffith (1970, Agricultural Education) stepped down last spring from the position of Associate Director of Workforce Training at the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education (ADWE). He then accepted the position of Director of Administrative Services at East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City. Mr. Griffith joined the ADWE as an area supervisor for agriculture education in Before becoming Associate Director of Workforce Training, Mr. Griffith served as Program Manager supervising the secondary area centers. Deputy Director for Career and Technical Education John Davidson said, Lee has been a great asset to the agency. His years of experience and solid knowledge of career and technical education have been a guiding principle in the agency and he will truly be missed. TWO COLLEGE VETERANS HONORED, NAMES ADDED TO SHRINE The ASU ROTC cadets unveiled the names of four alumni who have been added to the ROTC Veterans Memorial in front of the Armory. Two were alumni of the College of Agriculture and Technology: Michael J. McCarty and Ray A. Clardy. The granite monument, originally dedicated in 1995, contains the names of men and women killed in action or recognized for their military service. Names are added periodically. McCarty (2002, Agriculture), who was profiled in a previous issue of this newsletter, was recognized for the Silver Star. McCarty earned a BS degree in Agriculture in He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army infantry. Clardy (1942, Agriculture) was recognized for a Distinguished Service Cross. He started active duty in Camp Roberts, CA, and participated in three major campaigns: Northern France, Central Europe and the Rhineland. He remained in active reserve after his division was deactivated in 1945, but he was recalled in Adapted with permission from an article in the Jonesboro Sun by Sherry Pruitt SULLIVAN VISITS COLLEGE Dr. Gene Sullivan (1955, Agricultural Education) recently dropped by the COAT to visit. After graduating from ASU, he completed his Masters and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics at LSU and taught there for seven years. The majority of his career was with the Left: Dr. Brinkley Right: Dr. Gene Sullivan Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta. He's also co-authored a textbook on Agricultural Economics that was used at ASU. MCANALLY ELECTED TO BANK BOARD Mr. Paul McAnally (2000, Agribusiness) has been elected to the board of directors for the Bank of Trumann. Concurrent with his election, McAnally also has been promoted to senior vice president for the bank. Mr. McAnally began his career with the Bank of Trumann in 2000 in the loan department. Prior to being named to the board and senior vice president, he served as vice president and security officer. He has been extremely active in the Trumann business community, serving as past president and current board member of the Trumann Chamber of Commerce. He also is a member of the Trumann Rotary Club, serving as its president in 2002 and He also serves as senior vice president of the Arkansas Bankers Association's Emerging Leaders and was recognized in 2006 by Northeast Arkansas Business Today as an outstanding young executive. He also is a 2005 graduate of the Barret School of Banking. He and his wife Dixie are members of the Walnut Street Baptist Church, where he serves as finance team chairman. Adapted with permission from the Trumann Democrat, April 2, 2009 Adapted with permission from the Work Counselor New Ground 06 College of Agriculture & Technology

7 UPCOMING EVENTS AT ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY SUMMER SEMESTER 2009 Summer I Session June 1 Summer II Session July 6 Fall Session Begins Aug. 24 Labor Day Holiday Sept. 7 COA Leadership Conference TBA Farm and Home SafetyExpo Oct. 14 Fall Break/Thanksgiving Holiday Nov Last Day of Class Dec. 7 Commencement Dec. 19 SPRING 2010 Spring classes begin Jan. 11 ASU Agribusiness Conference Feb. 10, 2010 FACTOIDS The technology program received a donation of $3000 to develop its metallurgy laboratory. ASU celebrates 100th anniversary this year! Dirty Jobs shot an episode about dung beatles at COAT. Watch for details next fall. Dr. Zariff (Zac) Chaudhury has been elected Chairman of the Northeast Arkansas Section 1415 of American Society for Quality (ASQ). ASQ is a national Quality Organization. The ATA started a new scholarship. Watch for an article this fall The Eastern District FFA Land Judging CDE for the first time in recorded history was conducted off campus. Nathan Wells to be the new Equine Instructor, starts in August. For more information, please call or visit the College of Agriculture Webpage at: BSA Degrees in: Agricultural Business Agricultural Education Agricultural Science Animal Science Food Science Plant Science Technology, with emphasis in: Technical Studies Technology Management, Computer Aided Drafting & Design Computer Systems Manufacturing-Industrial Technology Metallurgical Technology Associates Degrees in: Technical & Vocational Ed Food Technology Endorsements in: Adult Education Career Education Note Kevin Todd Phillips, Agriculture teacher at Hughes, who has an undergraduate degree from the college and was currently working on a Masters here, was killed in a car accident on April 21. Answers to the Quiz: 1. Urea, 2. Saprophyte, 3. Morrill Act of 1862, 4. Richard Bell, 5. Discount Rate Please cut or tear along dotted line, place in envelope with check, and mail to appropriate address Please remember ASU in your Charitable Giving. If you would like to make a gift to the College of Agriculture & Technology or the scholarship fund please complete the information below, or go to the ASU Web site: and complete the form online. Name: Date: Your Address: Phone Number: Amount of Gift: How would like to direct your gift? Agricultural Education Nail Circle Farm & Home Safety Expo Agricultural Technology Arkansas Food Land and People Soil and Water Conference Keene Endowment General Scholarship Fund Student Leadership Conference Equestrian Center Brinkley Endowment Dean s Discretionary Fund (General College Fund) Dr. Jasper A. Hayles Scholarship Fund Langlois Endowment Other, Please Explain or Specify Send all gifts to the ASU Foundation, P.O. Box 1990, State University AR If you have questions, you may contact the College of Agriculture at or the ASU Foundation Office at New Ground 07 College of Agriculture & Technology

8 SCHOOL GARDENS: A GLOBAL PROSPECTIVE Okoro Monday Akinyemi came to Jonesboro as a visiting research scholar from Germany. His interest was to know more about the state of school gardening in the United States as part of his studies on school gardening in different countries. Mr. Akinyemi was born in Benin City, Nigeria where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Benin in Nigeria. In 2003, after ten years of teaching in Nigeria and in Gambia, he decided to pursue his Masters Degree at the University of Kassel in Germany where he obtained a Masters Degree in International Organic Agriculture in 2005 and then decided to pursue his Ph.D. in the same university. Mr. Akinyemi's research is based on global food security. He has been working with Dr. David Agnew for three years, so he decided he would conduct a portion of his research in the U.S and come to ASU, so he could work more closely with Dr. Agnew. He wryly noted that one of the main reasons he choose Jonesboro for his research, was that there are not distractions from one's studies. When asked the importance of his study in Organic Horticulture, Mr. Akinyemi said school gardening programs have the potential to feed many people, but unfortunately these programs are neglected by most of the sectors or institutions. Currently there 6.8 billion people in the world, and is expected to rise to 8.9 billion by 2050, yet we have trouble feeding the people currently existing. Mr. Akinyemi's focus on school gardening is to educate PERSPECTIVES TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM PRAISED BY STUDENTS Left: Okoro Akinyemi from Germany and Kim Moody, Agriculture teacher at Jonesboro Area Technical Center, looking at the school garden. students on how to improve food production in developing countries, such as the ones in Africa through gardening in schools. In the U.S., school gardens are also becoming an important part of the new Farm Bill. According to the USDA, a school garden in a community is a positive indicator of a food-secure community. He pointed out that researching on the weaknesses, obstacles and strength of school gardening programs will contribute immensely towards reducing the pervading problems of food insecurity in the world On April 15th, Mr. Akinyemi left for Germany where he will continue to collect data for his research. He is very appreciative of the teachers in the U.S. that helped him gain a better understanding of the U.S. model of agricultural education. Lane Evans, Senior Ag Education major, Guy, AR The Technology Program at ASU has a lot to offer. With kind professors who are willing to offer assistance around the clock, students could not ask for a better education experience. The Technology Program has six specializations: Technical Studies, Technology Management, Manufacturing, Metallurgy, Computer Aided Drafting, and Computer Systems Technology. Completing one of these specializations doesn't just give a student a degree, but also prepares individuals with knowledge needed to find a place in the workforce. Since attaining a job is the central idea for attending a university, the faculty of the Technology Program do their job of equipping students for entry into the workforce with a positive attitude and high self esteem. The advisor for the Technology Program, Rev. Dr. Charles Coleman, states, Freedom of thought, confidence, assertiveness and the value of teamwork are some of the qualities our program instills in the students. The metallurgy option has acquired considerable attention. This program teaches the extraction of metals from ores and minerals, as well as their production, processing, and their physical and mechanical properties. ASU is interested in producing skilled technologists, engineers, and technicians with expertise in Metallurgy to fill the available jobs in this area. With Dr. Zariff (Zac) Chaudhury leading the program, along with his passions for teaching, a student will leave the university with all that is necessary to excel in this field. Jamie Smith, Technology major, Jonesboro, AR Do you have a story, idea, announcement, or up-date on a promotion or award you or someone else has received? If so, please send it to the newsletter! us at agri@astate.edu We also ask that you send us your address that we may send this newsletter by in the future. Send your address to: agri@astate.edu NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID STATE UNIV., AR PERMIT NO. 5 P.O. Box 1080 State University, AR COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE