The School of Agriculture held it’s annual “Dean’s Reception” last Thursday afternoon. With roughly 50 attendees in the lobby of B.C. Webb Hall, the program featured graphic presentations from students, teachers and administrators about the different programs and opportunities available for students.

      The School of Agriculture has existed since North Carolina A&T’s founding year of 1891 and has been one of the notable schools the university has to offer. With new interim dean, Dr. Ronald Mcdowell, at the helm, the school has used this program to give the students a chance to meet and greet with the Freshmen.

      The main attraction was set for the incoming freshmen – many of whom, who have yet to settle into their required agriculture courses. Dean McDowell stated “he wanted to invite all Freshmen of the School of Agriculture, because the University Study and General Education courses, wouldn’t normally give the staff time to meet the Freshmen until their sophomore and Junior year. “

      Tierra Lanier, 17, from Waldrof, M.d. is a Laboratory Animal Science major and believed the event was successful. “I feel very confident, because I got to meet people in my major, and it helped me feel like I can make it.”

      Freshman Vacques Hines, 18, of Maxton, N.C. also enjoyed the program. “It was very helpful . . . I feel like I have a head start.”

        “Currently our school is the largest Agricultural program for HBCU’s, and we are only 3rd to the University of Florida and Michigan State”, McDowell said.

      McDowell continued and stated he wants to further the school’s success and formulate a responsive learning environment for all students. He plans to accomplish this feat, by allowing bachelor students to do research in agriculture, which is something normally sought for by graduate students. The School of Agriculture impressed students and plans to ensure prominence for the 2009-2010 academic school year.

• Syene Jasmin