During her 21-year involvement with the Small Business Institute, Chyi Lyi (Kathleen) Liang, Ph.D., has been a teacher, leader and mentor to her colleagues.  

For her service to this organization, Liang was awarded two honors by the Small Business Institute at its 2020 conference, held Feb. 27-29 in New Orleans. 

Liang, a professor in the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education and co-director of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, was awarded the honorary title of “Fellow,” the institute’s highest award, for her entrepreneurial work and advocacy for the institute. 

“This award will raise awareness of agriculture as a business discipline,” Liang said. “Agriculture and business go hand in hand, something that most business people and farmers alike don’t recognize. It is a great honor for me, as an agricultural economist, to be recognized by my business and entrepreneurial colleagues.” 

Liang also received the Homer L. Saunders Mentor Award, which recognizes an institute member who has made outstanding contributions to director or case supervisor training and development. 

“I keep in touch with other colleagues year-round, and we have collaborated on teaching and grants,” Liang said. “I am pleased that they understand that, even though I am not in a traditional business discipline and my research agenda may be different, my work still supports the organization.” 

The Small Business Institute provides professional development for those who provide entrepreneurship education, research and related activities. Its mission is to link business, education and the community. 

Liang was also in the news recently sharing her expertise about container gardening. She spoke to the Goldsboro News-Argus for a story that appeared in the Feb. 8 edition of the newspaper. 

“You can start a simple container garden without breaking your back,” she said. “And you don’t have to have land to be a successful farmer.”