Staff Directory
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Dawn is a skilled and detail-oriented administrative assistant with a solid foundation in office management and organizational support. Holding an Associate Degree in Office Systems Technology, Dawn combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience to streamline daily operations, improve efficiency, and provide exceptional administrative support.
With a comprehensive understanding of office software, document management, scheduling, and customer service, Dawn excels at managing diverse tasks and collaborating with teams to achieve business goals. Whether coordinating meetings, maintaining office supplies, or assisting in project management, Dawn brings a proactive and problem-solving approach to every responsibility.
Dawn is committed to maintaining a high level of professionalism, ensuring smooth communication between departments, and supporting executives and team members in achieving organizational success. Known for a keen attention to detail, excellent time management skills, and a strong work ethic, Dawn continues to grow and contribute to an efficient, organized workplace.
Dr. Tyra Davis, is a dedicated veterinary professional, educator, and mentor with a passion for advancing veterinary medicine and education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern University and A&M College-Baton Rouge in 1999 before obtaining her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University in 2003. She began her career at Hammond Animal Hospital and Pet Lodge and later expanded her expertise by earning a graduate certificate in Teaching in the Health Care Professions from Louisiana State University in 2019.
Currently, Dr. Davis serves as an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Sciences, Pre-Veterinary Program Lead in the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences (CAHES) and Campus Veterinarian at Southern University. She is deeply involved in organized veterinary medicine, having served as President of the National Association for Black Veterinarians (2020-2021) and maintaining active memberships with the AVMA, LVMA, BRAVMA, MCVMA, Louisiana Equine Council, and the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators.
Beyond her academic and professional roles, Dr. Davis is a dedicated mentor, guiding pre-veterinary, veterinary technology, and veterinary students. She serves as a veterinary school application reviewer for Kira Talent and sits on the advisory board for veterinary technology at North Shore Community College. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she is committed to service and leadership.
Specialization area: Veterinary medicine, Animal Science
Allison Ezidore-Tassin is the Creative Specialist/Graphic and Digital Designer for the Southern University Agricultural Extension & Research Center’s Office of Communications, Technology & Advancement. She is responsible for producing all artwork and branding for the SU Ag Center, College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences, and the Chancellor’s Office. She started working at the SU Ag Center in 2020 as the Graphic Artist/Web Content Specialist for the SNAP-ED and Cooperative Extension Programs.
Allison started free-handing at the age of five. She immediately noticed that she had a passion for art and music at a very young age. She enjoyed drawing underwater scenes which included fish, sea coral, and mermaids. While in grade school, she entered many art contests, was very successful and won numerous awards.
Allison graduated from Louisiana Technical College in Graphic Communications & Desktop Publishing in the year 2000. The school recognized her motivation and found her a job before she graduated. This first job gave her the opportunity to design artwork for arena football teams in Louisiana. Over the years, she started working as a graphic designer for various companies in the Baton Rouge area as both an employee and contractor. While working, she went back to school and obtained a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science / Business Option from Southern University and A&M College. Later, she became an instructor at a technical institution teaching classes in the department of Visual Communications.
Allison started her own small business, Créations de Dieu, in 2010. It focuses on customized novelty products, multi-media graphic design, web, and print services to personal clients, businesses, churches and organizations. From 2010-2019, she also worked as a newspaper paginator and billboard designer for several companies.
Allison obtained her Master’s of Business Administration degree at Southern University and A&M College with a concentration in Entrepreneurship in December 2021. In the future, she also plans to teach students the art of web development, graphic design, and how to start their own businesses. “The Lord has placed my artwork in households across the nation, in the hands of thousands through newspapers, and in the eyes of millions driving along the highways. His promotions are greatly appreciated!”
Dr. LaShunda A. Hodges, rejoined the SU Ag Center faculty in 2020 as an Associate Research Professor of Agricultural Sciences. She collaborates with federal, state, and industrial partners on the integration and availability of climate-smart technology and techniques for Louisiana agriculture stakeholders. She has performed drone imaging and mapping work for the SU Ag Center Masterplan, Vineyard, industrial hemp, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) stakeholders throughout Louisiana. Dr. Hodges also conducts soil elevation, crop stress, and plant count studies. Environmental data for agricultural production in Mississippi River Alluvial Soils. Dr. Hodges is continuing to develop and establish drone Agricultural Research Applications and Certification Courses.
Specialization areas: Drone Imaging and Mapping, Environmental Monitoring, and Precision Agriculture.
Dr. Jodi Morton serves as an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences at Southern University and A&M College. Her primary research interests include sustainable livestock production for pigs, poultry, and meat rabbits, the utilization of animal fibers, and the integration of virtual reality applications in STEM education. Dr. Morton instructs courses such as Introduction to Animal Science, Poultry Production, Swine Production, and Animal Breeding. Additionally, she advises the Louisiana Delta Colony of Alpha Zeta and the Pre-vet/Animal Science Club. Dr. Morton holds a B.S. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a M.S., and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University.
Specialization areas: Swine Physiology and Stem Cell Biotechnology
Research Assistant Professor of Plant & Soil Sciences
Dr. James Obuya is a Research Assistant Professor of Plant & Soil Sciences at the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Science (CAHES) and the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC). His research focuses on agronomy, sustainable agriculture, and pest management. He earned a B.S. in Horticulture from Egerton University in Kenya and a Ph.D. in Agronomy and Crop Science from the University of Wyoming. He then worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Florida A&M University’s Viticulture Center in Tallahassee, FL.
Specialization area: Industrial hemp and small fruits
Sonhita Sarkar is responsible for managing the budget of grants which includes the authorization of Cooperative Extension expenditures, pre-budget approval; and analyzing and reviewing expenditures of funds for grants and contracts to ensure compliance. She prepares and submits payment requests; monitors spending on each budget line; reviews and approves submitted requests for budget modifications that do not require the agency’s approval. Sonhita also prepares invoices and drawdowns for the receipt of funds; prepares and submits fiscal reports; and close-out reports as required by sponsors.
She maintains financial management and fiscal control over all federal flow through grants with various state agencies and colleges in the State of Louisiana.
Specialization area: Financial management of externally sponsored programs, which includes the preparation and submission of related financial reports and invoices, cash collections, expenditure compliance review, and cost transfers.
