At Virginia State University's (VSU) College of Agriculture (COA), "Greater Grows Here" is more than a slogan. It’s an ethos that permeates the exceptional work of students, faculty and staff, and a reflection of the college's commitment to helping students, research efforts, Cooperative Extension work, and communities grow and thrive. COA has seen growth and change in its leaders recently. In the first six months of 2025, COA saw its dean and subsequent interim dean take different roles that offered new leadership opportunities. In August, former Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, will return to the college where she once served as dean from 2011 to 2015. Until then, Dr. Janine P. Woods has assumed yet another leadership role as acting dean of the College of Agriculture to provide steady, servant leadership during a time of change. 

For 123 years, 4-H has helped America’s youth grow and learn through hands-on experiences. As one of the most well-known Extension programs, 4-H brings the bold purpose to “empower young people with the skills to become confident, responsible and engaged citizens…all guided by the principles of ‘Head, Heart, Hands and Health.’” 4-H helps foster positive youth development and can leave a lasting impact on participants. Recent Virginia State University (VSU) graduate Ms. Desmyn Owens learned she could impact her community and has carried her 4-H experiences into her career. Earlier this summer, she was hired as the 4-H Extension agent for Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she is using her knowledge and leadership skills to impact the next generations of 4-H youth.