Southern University Ag Center went "on air" this month as part of Inside the Southern University System radio show. Heard nationwide via the system website and throughout Baton Rouge on WIBR 1300 AM, the radio show is designed to educate and update listeners on the System's news and other developments.

In this broadcast, Ag Center researcher Lonnie Parker tells listeners about the interactive FFA CD-ROM created by the center to aid in the training and teaching of meat cuts and packaging for Future Farmers of America.

Agricultural Specialist Dawn Mellion-Patin, Ph.D., joined the show to share details on the Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Training Institute's upcoming commencement exercise in Washington D.C.

"The opportunity to share information of this magnitude to the world via the System's radio show is of great benefit to our constituents," said Christopher J. Rogers, Ag Center technology director. "It takes the knowledge of our researchers, specialists, and communicators and expanded it beyond our reach out in the field."

According to the Southern Digest, the Inside the Southern University System radio show links students, alumni and the community to the University System by focusing on current and upcoming activities, milestones and achievements as well as other topics of interest.

"One of the ways this show stands apart from other university radio shows is that we will focus on an array of topics," said Robyn Merrick, system public affairs director and co-host for the radio talk show.

The show will feature system and community news and information, followed by a variety of segments, which will allow each Southern University campus the opportunity to convey information.

There will also be a weekly athletics segment to promote upcoming athletic events and to provide general information to Jaguar Nation fans.

"I am very pleased with the launch of the system's new radio show," said Ralph Slaughter, president of the Southern University system. "Communication strategies are essential for keeping faculty, staff, alumni and students engaged in the current initiatives of the University."

For more information, contact Candace J. Semien, communications coordinator, at candace_semien@suagcenter.com or (225) 771-2242 ext. 303.