Southern Ag Center

(Opelousas, LA) - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony today for its new headquarters for the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives (SCRI). "It has been a long and tedious journey for this day to come," stated Leodrey Williams, chancellor. The SCRI operates as a satellite entity of the Southern University Ag Center whose mission; in its land-grant role, is to conduct statewide basic and applied research, and to disseminate information to the citizens of Louisiana in a manner that is useful in addressing their scientific, technological, social, economic, and cultural needs. "This is a center that will continue to serve the citizens of this great region," expressed Ronald Mason Jr., Southern University System President. The Southwest Center was created as an extension of the Louisiana Center for Rural Initiatives, with a second location in Northeast Louisiana, and managed by LSU AgCenter.

The Center coordinates and links university-based needs and strategies to address the current status of socioeconomic conditions, with particular emphasis on rural and persistent poverty areas. The SCRI serves a 10-parish region in Southwest Louisiana, which includes: St. Landry, Lafayette, Vermilion, Acadia, St. Martin, Pointe Coupee, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Allen, and Evangeline. "Our satellite entry was established to enhance the operations of the SU Ag Center by bringing the resources and expertise of both research and extension together to strategically focus on the unique needs of rural families, businesses and communities," noted Adell Brown, Jr., Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. For the past five years, the SCRI has been housed in a temporary location at 242 S. Liberty Street in Opelousas. This accomplishment is due in part to the interest and tireless efforts of several elected, appointed and community leaders. The new headquarters is located at 1209 Diesi Street, Opelousas, LA 70570. "This is a great day for the Southern University Ag Center!" says Chancellor Leodrey Williams.

# # #