Jackson: Thriving agriculture industry requires STEM workforce

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In Oklahoma, job opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) industries continue to grow. One such industry is agriculture, which is being rapidly transformed by technology, all the while creating new opportunities for graduates and businesses alike.

Just as with industries like aviation, healthcare and biotechnology, a workforce with the necessary training and experience has been key to growth and modernization of the agriculture industry.  The demand for educated professionals is expected to grow significantly in the next few years, with agricultural and food science technician roles projected to increase as much as 8% by 2033.

Experience in technologies and methods including automation, robotics, analytics, and GPS monitoring are highly relevant to agriculture today. Professionals should also be well-equipped to address issues such as food security along with environmental and sustainability challenges.

At Langston University, we are dedicated to preparing the next generation of professionals to thrive now and into the future. An 1890 Land-Grant institution, Langston is committed to advancing agricultural science, education, and outreach by empowering our students with the tools to thrive in modern agriculture.

Langston University produces highly trained graduates capable of tackling today’s challenges.  Students across all disciplines have access to contemporary research, academic initiatives, dynamic leadership opportunities, and extensive extracurricular engagement. Field experience is critical for students to feel prepared to succeed in their careers. Graduate and undergraduate students are given the opportunity to do meaningful research shoulder-to-shoulder with professors and researchers, supporting partners such as NASA, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

Our Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is home to the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research (AIGR), a globally renowned research institution providing actionable research and information for producers and researchers. As part of the institute’s mission, students can join researchers as they travel internationally to work with goat farmers on best practices like how to most effectively raise a herd, or how to most efficiently utilize all parts of a goat. AIGR’s current research includes ways to minimize methane production and how drones can be used to manage herd populations.

For over a decade, Langston has exceeded the national retention rate for STEM students. Since 2019, the Sherman Lewis School has also seen a 112% growth in STEM majors. Langston University has a proven record of success with career placement. After graduation, 98.8% of our Oklahoman graduates and 72% of our out-of-state students are employed in the state one year after graduation.

To keep Oklahoma’s agriculture industry thriving, we must empower the next generation with the knowledge and hands-on classroom experience necessary to keep pace. Langston University welcomes partnerships with industry and local businesses, including creating internship opportunities. With food and agricultural natural resources being one of the nation’s largest and most vital industries, let’s work together to keep our students and our state bound for success.

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson is president of Langston University.