| April 27, 2026

Introduction

• Did You Know? Farmers Market returns to PVAMU
• CAFNR shines during CAFNR Week and ADOTH
• 15 Students Inducted into Human Sciences Honor Society Kappa Omicron Nu for Academic Excellence and Leadership
• PVAMU 144th Spring Commencement

PVAMU Extension

PVAMU Extension Success Stories:

• Incoming PVAMU Student Earns 3rd at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
• PVAMU 4-H Youth Attend YEA Spring Break Camp for Leadership and Agriculture Exploration
• Built Not Born: A Leadership Story with Tremaine Jackson, PVAMU Head Football Coach and Mia Williams, Extension Agent, School of Public and Allied Health

PVAMU Extension Events:

• Event: Small Business Resource Day
• Event: Small Business Showcase

Wellness In Houston

• Wellness In Houston: The Wellness Wire
• Event: Bright Futures Day Camps

CAFNR Research

• CAFNR Research Poster Competition
• ICA State Collegiate Scholarship Opportunity
• Thank You from CAFNR Research Seminar Series 
• CAFNR Land Grant Seminar Series: April 30 
• Advancing AI-Ready Agriculture for Texas Communities 
• PVAMU Student & Faculty Research Spotlights
• Stop Food Waste Day Observed

PVAMU CAFNR Events & More

• CAFNR is Hiring
• Share Your Story
• From the Editor
• Upcoming Events
• PVAMU + CAFNR Strategic Plan Alignment

Led by Community Services Coordinator, Robert Trey Lewis (Pictured Right), Prairie View A&M University’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) brought its revitalized Farmers Market to life as the kickoff to CAFNR Week, showcasing how “agriculture touches everything.” The event, held at Panther Plaza, highlighted the intersection of agriculture with business, wellness, technology, and entrepreneurship through a diverse lineup of vendors and student-led businesses. Organizers emphasized the market as both a hands-on learning experience for students and a bridge to strengthen connections with the broader Prairie View community. New additions included live cooking demonstrations, mental health technology, and products from the university’s Meat Science Center and student entrepreneurs. Beyond the market, CAFNR Week featured a series of events designed to expose students to career pathways and real-world applications of agriculture across industries. Together, the initiative positioned agriculture as a foundation for innovation, opportunity, and community engagement.

Story written by Liz Faublas-Wallace, Interview by Mark Angel, 91.3 KPVU

Photos by: Kristopher Green, Multimedia Assistant/Intern PVAMU CAFNR IIC

Article by: Kevin Mays, Senior Communications Specialist, PVAMU CAFNR IIC

Prairie View A&M University’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) brought energy, innovation, and community together during its dynamic weeklong CAFNR Week—an immersive experience designed to highlight how agriculture connects to everyday life, career pathways, and student success.

The week kicked off Monday with two signature events: the CAFNR Farmers Market and the Study Abroad Showcase: Somewhere Over the Rainbow. The revitalized Farmers Market transformed campus into a hub of activity, featuring local vendors, student entrepreneurs, and interactive demonstrations that showcased the intersection of agriculture, business, and wellness. Simultaneously, the Study Abroad Showcase invited students to explore global opportunities, reinforcing CAFNR’s commitment to expanding perspectives beyond the classroom.

Tuesday shifted the focus to experiential learning and innovation. Students participated in a hands-on farm tour led by CAFNR Champions, offering a firsthand look at agricultural operations and sustainability in action. The day was further elevated by Kristen Collins, Founder and CEO of Black to the Lab. Through her work in cosmetic chemistry, Collins is redefining STEM education by creating engaging, culturally relevant learning experiences for girls. Her nationally distributed kits and curriculum have reached more than 3,000 students, and her impact—amplified through partnerships, major publications, and platforms like TEDx—continues to bridge representation gaps in STEM fields.

Wednesday centered on wellness, creativity, and student engagement. The day began with a wellness walk led by members of Kappa Omicron Nu, guiding participants from Alumni Field to the Ag Business Courtyard. The momentum continued with a Plant n’ Sip hosted by Mister and Miss CAFNR, blending community and creativity in a relaxed, interactive setting. The day concluded with a practical and insightful nutrition seminar led by Dr. Jacklyn Sanders, equipping students with strategies to maintain healthy habits amid the demands of college life.

CAFNR Week culminated on Thursday with a celebration of excellence at the Student Impact Awards Reception. The event honored students for their achievements in academics, leadership, research, and community engagement—underscoring the college’s commitment to developing future leaders across the agricultural and human sciences landscape.



From hands-on learning to meaningful recognition, CAFNR Week exemplified Prairie View A&M University’s mission to cultivate innovation, empower students, and demonstrate that agriculture truly touches everything.

15 CAFNR Students Inducted into Human Services Honor Society Kappa Omicron Nu for Academic Excellence and Leadership

Photos by: Steven Berry, Media Specialist PVAMU CAFNR IIC

Article by: Kevin Mays, Senior Communications Specialist, PVAMU CAFNR IIC

Fifteen undergraduate and graduate students from Prairie View A&M University’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) were recently inducted into Kappa Omicron Nu, the national honor society recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service in the human sciences.

The induction ceremony celebrated students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their academic programs while also contributing meaningfully to their campus and communities. Membership in Kappa Omicron Nu is by invitation only and reflects a high standard of scholarship, integrity, and professional promise.

Kappa Omicron Nu focuses on subject areas within the human sciences, including family and consumer sciences, nutrition and dietetics, human development, personal and family finance, textiles and apparel, hospitality management, and community health and wellness. These disciplines are centered on improving quality of life for individuals, families, and communities through research, education, and service.

Faculty and staff within CAFNR highlighted the significance of the recognition, noting that these students represent the future of leadership across industries connected to human services. Their induction underscores the college’s continued commitment to developing well-rounded graduates prepared to lead with both knowledge and purpose.

For the inductees, the honor marks not only a milestone of academic success but also an opportunity to join a national network of scholars and professionals dedicated to advancing the human sciences.



As CAFNR continues to elevate student achievement and engagement, moments like this serve as a powerful reminder of the excellence being cultivated within Prairie View A&M University.

Inductees

Anaya Byers

Anita Kotochi

Aryana Jackson

David Mugabo

Eva Grace Dennett

Faran Atkins

Janelle Elvy-Verry

Kate Barnes

Keenan Hardy

Chrichelle Maragh

Kenneth Ofori-panyin

Kyleigh Patrick

Kennedy Franklin

Mickalia Malachi

Redeemer Agbolegbe

Rodnecia Rodgers

144th Spring Commencements take place on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th, 2026

Success Stories

Photos by: Taylor Hendrix, Communications Specialist PVAMU Extension

Article/Interview by: Taylor Hendrix, Kevin Mays, PVAMU CAFNR Marketing & Communications

Incoming PVAMU Student Earns 3rd at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Incoming Prairie View A&M University freshman Keilen Fillmore, currently a senior at Cypress Creek High School, is already making an impact ahead of his arrival on campus. He recently earned a 3rd place finish in the Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the most competitive youth agriculture events in the country. Competing alongside his brother, he demonstrated strong preparation, discipline, and consistency against a highly skilled field of exhibitors.



His success is rooted in years of involvement with 4-H Youth Development through Prairie View A&M University Extension, where he developed foundational skills in agriculture and leadership. With strong family ties to agriculture and education, including, Brukendra Fillmore, his mother’s work as an Extension Agent and PVAMU alumna, Fillmore has grown up immersed in the values of service and agricultural advancement. As he prepares to major in Agriculture Business at PVAMU, he emphasized his focus on staying committed, graduating, and exploring new opportunities. His early achievements reflect both personal dedication and the strength of youth development pathways feeding into Prairie View A&M University.

PVAMU 4-H Youth Attend YEA Spring Break Camp for Leadership and Agriculture Exploration

Article by: Shawn Russell, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

Prairie View A&M University 4-H supported youth from McLennan and Harris counties as they participated in the Youth Innovators Empowering Agriculture Across America (YEA) Spring Break Camp held at the Texas 4-H Conference Center in Brownwood, Texas. The program, a collaboration among 1890 Land-Grant Universities, focused on preparing youth for leadership, college readiness, and careers in agriculture.

Over three days, participants engaged in hands-on outdoor activities such as archery, fishing, kayaking, and high ropes courses designed to build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Youth also took part in structured leadership development sessions that emphasized communication, resilience, and collaboration, while connecting in person with peers they had previously engaged with virtually.



Extension agents from Harris, McLennan, Waller, and Fort Bend counties provided chaperone and program support throughout the experience. The camp reflects PVAMU Extension’s ongoing commitment to exposing youth to agricultural careers while strengthening their leadership capacity and personal development.

Amid the fast pace of campus life at Prairie View A&M University, a chance meeting between Head Football Coach Tremaine Jackson and Extension Agent Mia Williams revealed the power of connection and shared purpose. Their conversation, rooted in personal experiences of upbringing, loss, and resilience, highlighted a mutual belief that building better outcomes starts with developing the whole person. Jackson emphasized discipline, structure, and “standing in the gap” for young men, while Williams brought a public health and mental wellness perspective shaped by her professional and lived experiences.



Together, their perspectives underscored the importance of addressing both the physical and psychological needs of students, particularly young Black men navigating complex challenges. The dialogue illustrated how collaboration across disciplines can create more meaningful support systems and foster holistic student development. Ultimately, their meeting reflected Prairie View A&M University’s mission to invest in people, prioritize student success, and cultivate leaders prepared for life beyond the classroom.

PVAMU Extension Events

Content developed by: Malcolm Thomas, Communications Specialist, Wellness In Houston

Each month we bring you the latest news, events, and resources designed to help you thrive. From community highlights to upcoming programs, this is your one-stop connection to all things 

Wellness in Houston.

Wellness in Houston’s mission is to address health challenges and food insecurities by promoting health, wellness, and nutrition to communities in the Greater Houston area, ultimately encouraging healthy, long-term lifestyle changes and behaviors.

PVAMU Extension: Wellness In Houston Bright Futures Camps

Thank you for your interest in the PVAMU Extension: Wellness in Houston Bright Futures Camps. At this time, registration for all camp sessions is full. However, we encourage you to join the waitlist in case additional space becomes available. Should openings occur, families on the waitlist will be contacted in the order they registered.

CAFNR Research Poster Competition: 2026 Ag Day on The Hill Family Day 

Photos by: Kristopher Green, Multimedia Assistant/Intern PVAMU CAFNR IIC

Article by: Shakeira Brown, Senior Communications Specialist, PVAMU CAFNR Research

The inaugural CAFNR Research Poster Competition was a tremendous success, generating strong engagement and meaningful interaction with attendees. With a total of 97 votes cast, the event created an exciting, community-driven experience that highlighted the value of making research accessible, interactive, and impactful. 



We extend our sincere appreciation to all poster presenters for volunteering their time, engaging with the community, and sharing their work in meaningful ways. Your efforts made this first-time competition both memorable and impactful.

Competition Winners: 

🥇 1st Place: Abigail Osei Akoto – Poultry Center (Graduate Student) 

🥈 2nd Place: Dr. Paris Favorite – Forensic Agriculture 

🥉 3rd Place: Chole Suttles – Food Security Research Center (Graduate Student) 

🏅 4th Place: Kerrington Thompson – Plant Systems (Undergraduate Student) 

Congratulations to all of our presenters for your outstanding work and for representing CAFNR Research with excellence. We look forward to building on this momentum and growing the competition in the years ahead! 

ICA State Collegiate Scholarship Opportunity 

The ICA State Collegiate Scholarship is now open to eligible students pursuing careers in agriculture and related fields. This opportunity provides both financial support and valuable exposure to industry professionals.

Students are also invited to attend the 52nd Annual ICA Convention and Trade Show, taking place June 24–26, 2026, in San Marcos, TX. The event offers networking opportunities, access to industry leaders, and engagement with over 50 exhibitors.

Scholarship Deadline: May 1, 2026 

Convention Details: https://icatexasconvention.square.site/ 

We encourage interested students to take advantage of this opportunity.

Thank You from PVAMU Research Seminar Series

We extend our sincere gratitude to all of the guests and speakers who contributed to the 2026 PVAMU Research Seminar Series. Your time, expertise, and willingness to share knowledge created meaningful dialogue, inspired new ideas, and enriched the academic experience for our students, faculty, and broader community. Your contributions played a vital role in advancing research, fostering collaboration, and strengthening our collective pursuit of innovation and discovery. Thank you for helping make this year’s series impactful, engaging, and truly memorable.

Land Grant Seminar Series: April 30

Advancing AI-Ready Agriculture for Texas Communities: CAFNR’s Platinum Leadership Aligned with NSF AI-Ready America and USDA AI Innovation Priorities

Article by: Shakeira Brown, Senior Communications Specialist, PVAMU CAFNR Research

The strong participation of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at Prairie View A&M University in the 5th AI in Agriculture Conference reflects sustained leadership and a strategic contribution to both the U.S. National Science Foundation’s AI-Ready America initiative and the USDA’s growing emphasis on artificial intelligence in agriculture. As a platinum-level sponsor since the inception of the conference, CAFNR has demonstrated long-term commitment not only through financial support but through the active engagement of its faculty, researchers, and graduate students in advancing AI-driven agricultural innovation.

Aligned with NSF AI-Ready America’s goal of enabling all Americans to understand, apply, and create with artificial intelligence and with USDA priorities in climate-smart agriculture, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable systems—CAFNR integrates AI into research and education that directly addresses the needs of Texas communities. Through the interdisciplinary Food–Energy–Water (FEW) Nexus group, CAFNR combines hands-on graduate training with applied research targeting critical challenges such as water quality, environmental contamination, and climate resilience.

CAFNR students and researchers, including Kinza Akhtar, Madison Celestine, Gianna Sorola, Matilda Imoro, Mansura Mahmud, Anita Kotochi, Prantic Goswami, and others, are central to this effort. Their contributions span AI-driven detection and risk assessment of PFAS, microplastics, and pharmaceutical pollutants, as well as machine learning applications for greenhouse gas mitigation and precision agriculture. This strong and visible participation underscores CAFNR’s commitment to developing talent through active research engagement.

These efforts generate actionable knowledge that benefits Texas agricultural and rural communities by improving environmental monitoring, supporting sustainable resource management, and enhancing decision-making for producers and policymakers. At the same time, CAFNR prepares a highly skilled, AI-ready workforce by immersing students in real-world applications of machine learning, sensor technologies, and data-driven systems.

CAFNR’s leadership and contributions align with its Plan of Work and national priorities in sustainable agriculture, environmental resilience, and data-driven innovation, while advancing Prairie View A&M University’s 2035 Vision for research excellence and community impact.

In summary, CAFNR exemplifies how sustained institutional investment, student-centered research, and interdisciplinary collaboration can advance both AI readiness and tangible community impact—positioning Texas and the nation to thrive in an AI-driven agricultural future.

CAFNR Research Student and Faculty Spotlights

CAFNR Observes Stop Food Waste Day

On April 26, 2026, The Food Security Research Center, CAFNR Research the Prairie View A&M University community observed Stop Food Waste Day. 

Stop Food Waste Day is a worldwide movement to educate, inspire, and create change. 

How does food waste occur? 

Food waste occurs at various points in the food cycle, as shown in the graphic above; however, the majority of food loss occurs at the consumer level. 

Approximately 42% of food produced is lost in the following ways: 

• Retailers and households over-purchasing food 
• Poorly stored food leading to spoilage 
• Confusion over food labels 
• “Best By” Date: Quality-focused; When food will be at its peak flavor, texture and freshness. Food is often safe to eat after this date. 
• “Use By” Date: Safety-Focused; Risk of harmful bacteria growth increases after this date. You should not consume after this date. 

What can you do to prevent food waste? 

1. Plan meals - helps you buy only what you need 
2. Shop with a list - keeps you focused and prevents impulse buys 
3. Only buy what you’ll use - be realistic about what your family can eat before food goes bad 
4. Store food properly - proper storage extends shelf life 
5. Label dates - helps you keep track of when food was purchased or cooked 
6. Use older items first - place older items in the front to use before older ones 

To learn more about Stop Food Waste Day, visit stopfoodwasteday.com. 

To learn more about the Food Security Research Center, visit pvamu.edu/cafnr/fsrc. 

CAFNR is Hiring!

CAFNR is hiring! Visit PVAMU Careers for more information on open positions.

Share Your Story

Alumni-Faculty-Staff-Students

From The Editor

YAY for a successful 2026 Ag Day on the Hill! For the third consecutive year, the Ag Alumni Chapter met in person during Saturday’s lineup of events. The meeting brought together a dynamic mix of alumni and CAFNR leadership committed to increasing enrollment, enhancing alumni engagement, and advancing the future of agriculture. The gathering fostered meaningful connections, highlighted the continued impact of alumni across diverse sectors, and reinforced a shared vision of how agriculture continues to shape innovation, community, and opportunity.

The Ag Alumni Chapter needs YOU!

Click the link below to learn more about the chapter, how to join, and ways to get involved. Our students appreciate the support and look forward to hosting an even larger group next year!

With Panther Pride,

Dr. TeKedra Pierre

Director, Information and Impact Center (IIC)

Thank you for supporting PVAMU Retail Meat Sales! The flyer posted above will give you an idea of what's in stock; inventory changes weekly. Your purchase directly benefit our students’ hands-on learning and help us bring you fresh, high-quality products.

⚠️ Purchase Limits

To ensure as many customers as possible can shop, we’re limiting purchases to 2 of each item per customer this week.

📅 Spring Retail Hours

🕐 Fridays only | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 Meat Science Center for Innovation

📱 Stay Connected

Follow us for weekly menus, product updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at student learning:

📸 Instagram: @pvamumeatsciencecenter

📘 Facebook: @PVAMU CAFNR Meat Science Center

Upcoming Events

Save the Dates

Here are some upcoming events that you won't want to miss! Through our dynamic events, there are various ways to connect with the CAFNR community while learning more about our mission and impact. Unless otherwise noted, all events are open to the public yet may require registration for participation.

Strategic Plan Alignment

PVAMU + CAFNR

The CAFNR Strategic Plan aligns with PVAMU’s JTE 2035 by advancing innovation in teaching, research, and extension; strengthening community and industry partnerships; and promoting sustainable solutions that prepare future leaders to address agricultural and environmental challenges. Learn more by clicking the links below.

The CAFNR Strategic Plan includes a detailed alignment with JTE 2035. The alignment will drive innovation, sustainability, and partnerships to advance agriculture and prepare future leaders. CAFNR: Harvesting Healthy Communities and more.