TAMCC hosts tropical agriculture study-abroad mission

by Curlan Campbell

• Students conducted poster session on 16 May 2023 at TAMCC
• Drs Faulkner and Dr Williams-Wheeler accompanied student group
• Team met with various officials from TAMCC and Ministry of Education

TA Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) hosted students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) as part of their faculty-led study abroad for the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Multicultural Scholars Programme. This programme aims to provide career-enhancing opportunities to underrepresented students to prepare them for the food and agricultural sciences workforce.

This work is funded and supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the lead federal agency that supports higher education in agriculture-related sciences. Faculty and students gained cultural awareness in an international setting, practicing research, technology, and communication skills.

The students conducted a poster session on 16 May 2023 at TAMCC as part of their mission. Their research focused on various tropical agriculture topics centred on their academic disciplines, which include Agricultural Education, Animal Science, Food and Nutritional Sciences, and Sustainable Land and Food Systems.

Programme project director Dr Paula E Faulkner, faculty in the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education, and Dr Meeshay Williams-Wheeler, faculty in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, accompanied the students.

Dr Faulkner told NOW Grenada that her team benefitted greatly from this exchange. “Both institutions gained knowledge about academic programs each institution offers for students to gain degrees in agriculture, early childhood education, and education, which can benefit students in their academic endeavours.” 

“Possible student and faculty exchanges will be options, along with MOUs and affiliations. During discussions between NC A&T faculty, TAMCC faculty and administrators, and government officials, possible future projects on the best ways to increase the number of underrepresented groups choosing degree programmes and careers in agriculture and related fields were discussed due to the wealth of agriculture resources in Grenada,” she added.

The team met with various officials from TAMCC, including Principal Dr Ronald Brunton; Marva Bowen Neptune, Registrar; Kenrick McSween, Dean School of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies; Samuel Andrew, Maribeau Campus Director and Jeremy Hagley, Maribeau Instructor. They also met Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, & Culture Elvis Morain and Chief Education Officer Angela Finley.

During a campus visit at St George’s University, the team was guided by Ravicka Phillip. NC A&T faculty and students also visited the Grenada Produce Chemistry Laboratory and Mirabeau Campus, Grand Etang Rainforest and Lake, Grenville Fish Market, Concord Falls Nutmeg Museum, Diamond Chocolate Factory, Underwater Sculpture Park, and Belmont Estate.

Dr Faulkner explained, “We learned about Grenada and possible ways to partner on future projects, such as educating students and seeking possible grants to enhance campus facilities and resources. The 4 students gained global agriculture knowledge by participating in lectures, laboratory tours, and field trips throughout Grenada; enhanced technology and communication skills by developing and presenting their research findings; and increased cultural competencies.” She added, “Upon their return to the US, the students will continue sharing what they learned by writing and presenting reports on the differences and similarities they discovered between the US and tropical agriculture systems.”

Dr Faulkner indicated that other possible initiatives and strategic partnerships that can be derived include faculty and student exchanges with other colleges at NC A&T, such as the Colleges of Engineering and Science and Technology. Other possible initiatives could involve partnerships and exchanges with St George’s University.

Associate Dean of Continuing Education at TAMCC, Dr John Telesford, organised the NC A&T team’s tours throughout Grenada, assisted by Dr Tessa Barry, Agriculture and Rural Development Consultant.