The Southern University Ag Center recognizes accomplishments of researcher Fatemeh Malekian and specialist Dexter Newman.

Malekian receives 2006 YWCA Woman of the year Achievement Award

Fatemeh Malekian, Ph.D., Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center associate professor, was one of seven women selected for the 2006 YWCA Woman of Achievement Award earlier this month.

The award honors women in the Baton Rouge community who embody the mission and goals of the YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge. Twenty-six women were nominated by peers to be recognized for their outstanding accomplishments.

Malekian's nomination described her as a "dynamic leader who unites participants across lines of race, age, culture, gender, and socio-economic background through community outreach programs to promote healthier lifestyles. While championing diversity in her work, Fatemeh embodies women's empowerment through her own success in overcoming family and career obstacles to make significant contributions in enhancing the lives of others."

Newman joins Film Commission

Dexter Newman, video production specialist at the Southern University Ag Center, has been appointed by Southern University's Chancellor Ed Jackson as one of seven board members to the Baton Rouge Film Commission.

Designed to oversee the development of Baton Rouge's blossoming film industry, the Commission helps attract short and long term television, animation, and film projects, as well as cater to the needs of current film projects in the state.

Newman coordinates and develops video and audio content for the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and its agents, researchers, and specialists. Newman is the producer and director of the Focus on the Southern University Ag Center television program. Newman also serves as videographer and voice talent for most productions. Along with many other duties, Newman is currently working on a video project in collaboration with the Southern University System and the Baton Rouge Planetarium.

The Baton Rouge Film Commission consists of one council member, two mayoral appointees, and one representative from Southern University, LSU, Baton Rouge Community College and the Baton Rouge Convention and Visitors Bureau. This Commission is the first in Baton Rouge history.

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