By Alexis Clark
Tennessee State University is proud to announce that Dr. DeâEtra Young, Associate Dean for Academics and Land-grant Programs, received the prestigious U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Teaching Award. The national award, presented by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and the USDA, recognizes excellence in agricultural sciences teaching and student engagement. Dr. Young is one of two recipients this year for the annual award and said she is honored for this recognition.
âThis recognition celebrates my dedication to education and symbolizes the rich legacy of Tennessee State University, an HBCU committed to preparing students for success,â Young said.
âAt TSU, we take pride in our mission to excel in teaching and learning, offering experiential learning opportunities and fostering professional development for our students. This award is a testament to the University and College of Agricultureâs commitment to innovation in the classroom.â
The annual award includes a $5,000 stipend for teaching enhancements at TSU. Young is recognized as a leader in undergraduate research that is driven by her passion for environmental science and urban forestry. She has been committed to motivating students, like junior Blake Wright, to have that same passion and drive. The Dallas, TX native is studying agricultural sciences.
âEven when I started my freshman year, Dr. Young had helped me so much.â Wright said.
âI was able to get accepted for an 1890 farm bill scholarship, and she makes sure students are aware of leadership opportunities. She overcomes challenges, presents great opportunity, and this national recognition is long overdue.â
As a mentor, Young has created many aspiring researchers over time, who have also gained national recognition for their contributions, according to the APLU website. CheKenna Fletcher, stated that she wouldnât be in the position as a first-year Ph.D. student in agricultural sciences without Youngâs support.
âHer tireless commitment to guiding students through their academic journey and beyond is unmatched,â Fletcher said.
âFrom crafting heartfelt recommendation letters to being a constant source of encouragement, she embodies selflessness like no other, proving that leadership leaves no room for personal rest but thrives in the success of others.â
Dr. Chandra Reddy, the dean of the College of Agriculture, said Young is very deserving of this award as she is a role model to many TSU students and faculty.
âDr. Young is an exceptional teacher, mentor, and advisor,â Reddy said.
âDr. Youngâs passion to engage high school and undergraduate students in research makes our novel summer apprenticeship and deanâs scholarâs program so popular with participating students and their families. I congratulate her on behalf of my colleagues in the College for getting selected for this prestigious national teaching award.â
Young, who has been at TSU for ten years, has been awarded more than $30 million in funding as a principal investigator (PI) and Co-PI.
âWe applaud the 2023 winners of the Excellence in College and University Teaching Awards for Food and Agricultural Sciences,â said Wendy Fink, Executive Director of the Academic Programs Section at APLU.
âThrough their dedicated and focused passion in mentoring and instruction, they serve as inspirational leaders for their students and other faculty striving to serve their students better.â
Dr. Young received her bachelorâs degree in Urban Forestry at Southern University and A&M College, and a masters and a Ph.D both in forestry from Texas A&M University.