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Black History Month

Former student with her mentor

Mar 8, 2023

High Degree of Influence

Nannette Smith was the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. from NC State in 1973. What happened before and after she earned her doctorate in plant pathology? We caught up with her to find out. 

headshot of Deidra Craig

Feb 21, 2023

Distance Education, Closer Connections

Deidra Craig, CALS’ distance education coordinator, is passionate about sharing knowledge through online learning programs and social media. 

a couple working in a field

Feb 15, 2023

Finding Your Niche

On this episode of Farms, Food and You, Doris and Donald Kidd — some of the few producers of elephant garlic in the state — share what it means to be a niche farmer and how the Black Farmers Market helped them expand their scope. 

Marcus McFarland with jars of preserved food

Feb 14, 2023

Bringing Black Culture to the Table

As the first Black male to serve as a family and consumer sciences Extension agent in Union County, Marcus McFarland is teaching people to honor their culture as they build healthy habits. 

a young male smiling for a camera

Feb 1, 2023

Javian McMillan: Challenge Yourself, Find Community

As a North Carolina FFA State Officer, Javian McMillan inspires other students to trust their instincts and follow their dreams. It’s advice the Goodnight Scholar, animal science major and aspiring veterinarian takes to heart. 

a brother and a sister in a field with a tractor

Nov 7, 2022

Tradition Meets Innovation

Fueled by their father’s passion for agriculture, Ruthie and DJ Stokes are keeping a family promise: do what you love. The fourth-generation farmers have found common ground in supporting producers back home and feeding a growing population. 

Ignazio Carbone, Terri Long and Amy Grunden in greenhouse

Jun 30, 2022

Long Appointed N.C. PSI Education and Workforce Development Platform Director

Terri Long will join the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative as the platform director for Education and Workforce Development. 

Dannica Wall holding a chicken

Jun 1, 2022

I AM CALS: Dannica Wall

Dannica Wall never imagined she’d make history one day. But the NC State University graduate student and staff member is on track to do just that when she becomes the first Black female at NC State to earn a Ph.D. in poultry science. 

Male student leaning on fence in field

Apr 14, 2022

AGI Student Max Jeffers Forges His Pathway at CALS

Max Jeffers, a Durham, North Carolina, native with deep roots in the Pearsontown neighborhood, is earning an associate's degree in general agriculture through AGI. 

geri bushel smiling and wearing an apron

Feb 23, 2022

I AM CALS: Geri Bushel Makes an Impact in CALS and Beyond

Ask anyone in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences about executive assistant Geri Bushel, and you’ll hear a resounding “We couldn’t do it without her!”