A鈥橫oris Bodrick is a KSU sophomore from Huntsville, Ala., majoring in agricultural systems. This summer, Bodrick was one of 26 students, from a pool of about 400 applicants, selected to participate in the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Washington. He was also the only participant from a historically black university.
The program gathers a diverse group of students from around the country for an eight-week
journey through urban jungles and old-growth forests to learn about conservation.
Bodrick, who has a 4.0 grade point average, plans to become a large animal veterinarian. He has always been interested in agriculture; his great-great-grandfather had a farm and his grandfather was over a research and extension program in South Carolina. In high school, he worked on a cattle farm, and he won second place in a state 4-H Livestock Show when he was a senior in high school.
Bodrick says he鈥檚 glad he chose KSU. He says he has traveled with Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS); and, also, faculty in the College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems have made professional development a priority for students.
鈥淚 knew there would be a lot of opportunities for me at KSU,鈥� Bodrick says. 鈥淎s a freshman, I got to do some things I never expected to do.鈥�
Dr. Teferi Tsegaye, dean of the college, says KSU鈥檚 MANRRS chapter is encouraged to attend competitions and conferences and be visible across the state and the nation.
Tsegaye has praised Bodrick and is excited about his potential.
鈥淭his guy is very smart, very focused, and he knows what he鈥檚 doing,鈥� Tsegaye says. 鈥淗e knows about the farm operation. The college is very excited to have a student like him.鈥�
Bodrick says it鈥檚 important for minorities to get involved in agriculture because more diversity often means fewer conflicts.
鈥淚 was the only black person who showed in 4-H Livestock,鈥� Bodrick says. 鈥淲e have to be aware and conscious of other people鈥檚 views and values on nature and natural resources.鈥�