Dr. Antoine J. Alston, associate dean of academic studies

Dr. Antoine J. Alston, associate dean of academic studies in the College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, delivered the keynote address – The United States’ Cooperative Extension Service: Historical Perspectives, Current Programming, and its Potential Impact for Urban Agriculture – at the sixth-annual Urban-Ag Academy at Iowa State University on July 12.

The Urban-Ag Academy provides an opportunity for urban and minority legislators to learn more about agricultural and rural issues. The national conference brings urban, minority and rural policymakers together with experts in agriculture, rural development and other relevant areas.

Alston received his baccalaureate and master’s degrees in agricultural education from North Carolina A&T State University and his doctorate in agricultural education from Iowa State. He joined the N.C. A&T faculty in 2000 and progressed through the ranks to become a full professor. In 2012 he was appointed the associate dean for academic studies on an interim basis; in 2014 the appointment became permanent.