Four students from the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences were honored at the USDA 1890 National Scholars Virtual Graduation, held on June 2 on Zoom. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue spoke at the virtual ceremony, which included 26 graduates from 13 universities.

The USDA 1890 National Program provides free tuition and other benefits to students studying agriculture or related subjects at historically black, 1890 land-grant universities, with the goal of placing successful graduates into career positions at USDA.

Several programs are represented by the CAES graduates.

Victoria Lawson earned her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness. Her future plans include working in agribusiness in either the government or private sector, or to become an entrepreneur. The best part of her time in the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education was “getting to meet other students who enjoy agriculture.” She is from Manning, South Carolina.

Angelina Soto graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and environmental systems in the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education. Originally from Miami, she currently lives in Raleigh and will soon relocate to the Charlotte area to begin a new position as a soil conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. She plans to continue her work with this group and become a district conservationist. While at N.C. A&T, she was a dean’s list and chancellor’s list student. Her favorite memory of the college is of its engaging culture: “The professors are always there to help and the staff and professors create a family-like environment that promotes interaction amongst the students.”

Marvin Miles graduated summa cum laude from the joint CAES and College of Engineering biological engineering program. Originally from Charlotte, he is currently working with the USDA, and plans to obtain his master’s degree in renewable energy systems in 2021 from Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. Miles points to the strong bonds that he developed at N.C. A&T, and memories of homecoming, as the highlights of his undergraduate years, along with participation in the 1890 Scholars Program: “The 1890 program allowed me to go to college for free and put me in a great position for success, especially with essential work during COVID-19,” he said.

Kielah Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and applied sciences in the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education. She is from Piscataway, New Jersey.