FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 23, 2023

Contact: Michelle Burchett, Senior Editor, 804-524-5965, mburchett@vsu.edu

ETTRICK, Va—T’Liyah Bigelow, a senior at Virginia State University College of Agriculture, was among 30 undergraduate and graduate students from all colleges of agriculture and minority-serving institutions selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to attend the USDA’s 2023 Agricultural Outlook Forum as winners of the USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture program. The forum convenes February 23-24, 2023 at Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

Bigelow was nominated by Dr. Neil Brown, assistant professor and student advisor at VSU Department of Agriculture. He instantly thought of Bigelow when he discovered the USDA program.  

“Beyond being an engaged student, she is a voracious learner who frequently meets during my office hours to discover more about the veterinary field, career opportunities, and next steps,” said Brown, who described Bigelow as being consistent, persistent, ambitious and inquisitive. “I thought this program would be an opportunity to expand her network and for her to learn from others in the field who may offer different perspectives.”

Brown is excited for and proud of Bigelow for her accomplishments. In addition to this forum being a fabulous opportunity for Bigelow as an individual, it evokes Trojan pride. She represents VSU. Furthermore, Brown said he can learn from her experience and the VSU Department of Agriculture can be more intentional about informing first-year students and sophomores about this opportunity and preparing them for it.

"The VSU College of Agriculture helped me with my ability to confront unexpected problems. I know to keep a level head and to prepare for the unexpected," said Bigelow. "My goal is to work for the USDA or to go into education to help spread agriculture into the classroom. The art of agriculture seems to be dying, or the knowledge is limited. I wish to help spread agriculture in a positive way."

Bigelow, a Maryland native, said her dog inspired her interest in animal nutrition. When he died, she wished she could have extended his life with more nutritious food so they could have spent more time together.

Bigelow is a member of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MNRRS) and is the recipient of an 1890 USDA Land Grant Scholarship. 

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