The Outstanding Alumni award recognizes and honors an LSU College of Agriculture graduate for their outstanding leadership and significant contributions in their career, public service and/or volunteer activities.
Each year, our recipients are recognized at a reception hosted by the LSU College of Agriculture and the LSU College of Agriculture Alumni Association.
Klein Kirby received the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award, celebrating his leadership accomplishments.
Kirby holds two bachelor’s degrees from LSU, in Industrial and Agricultural Technology
and Mechanical Engineering.
Kirby is the Chairman and CEO at A. Wilbert’s Sons
Exhibits outstanding leadership and noteworthy contributions to agriculture in their career, public service, and/or volunteer activities, going above and beyond typical career responsibilities.
Embodies integrity, stature and proven leadership worthy of recognition.
Achieved a record of outstanding personal and professional accomplishments.
Demonstrated commitment through participation and/or support of LSU College of Agriculture and/or the LSU Agriculture Alumni Association programs and activities (e.g., mentorship, speaker series, volunteer support for student programs).
Nominees must possess a degree currently or previously housed in the LSU College of Agriculture (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate).
Posthumous nominations are welcomed.
Nominations are accepted from any alumnus, friend of the College of Agriculture and/or faculty or staff member in the college and LSU AgCenter.
Nominations MUST be submitted online and include the following items:
Nomination Letter (limited to 1500 characters/approximately 350 words)
Current Curriculum Vitae or resume to include business, public service and professional honors and awards; noteworthy research, publications or professional business accomplishments. If not accessible by nominator, please share this form link with the nominee to upload.
Letter of Support/Recommendation: Must include at least one letter of support from someone other than the nominator (no longer than 2 pages).
Nomination Form: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5usMWpOQhddBaFE
Nomination Deadline: January 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
The Outstanding Alumni will be recognized on the evening of Friday, May 1, 2026, at the AgExcellence awards ceremony, hosted by Interim Vice President for Agriculture and Dean, Michael Salassi.
For questions about nominations please contact the Awards Committee Chair, Julie Richard at juliebrichard3@gmail.com.
The Early Career Outstanding Alumni award honors graduates for exceptional leadership, impactful contributions, and public service early in their careers. This award celebrates emerging professionals whose dedication and achievements show remarkable potential for future success.
Each year, award recipients are recognized at a reception hosted by the LSU College of Agriculture and the LSU College of Agriculture Alumni Association.
Noah Harper received the 2024 Early Career Outstanding Alumni Award.
Harper earned his B.S. in Plant & Soil Systems in 2021.
Harper is the current Co-owner of H&S Agronomy in Northeast Louisiana.
Exhibits outstanding leadership and noteworthy contributions in their career, public service, and/or volunteer activities, going above and beyond typical career responsibilities.
Embodies integrity, stature and proven leadership worthy of recognition.
Achieved a record of outstanding personal and professional accomplishments.
Demonstrated commitment through participation and/or support of LSU College of Agriculture and/or the LSU Agriculture Alumni Association programs and activities (e.g., mentorship, speaker series, volunteer support for student programs).
Nominees must possess a degree currently or previously housed in the LSU College of Agriculture (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate).
All nominees must be under the age of 40.
Nominations are accepted from any alumnus, friend of the College of Agriculture and/or faculty or staff member in the college and LSU AgCenter. Nominations MUST be submitted online and include the following items:
Nomination Letter (limited to 1500 characters/approximately 350 words)
Current Curriculum Vitae or resume to include business, public service and professional honors and awards; noteworthy research, publications or professional business accomplishments. If not accessible by nominator, please share this form link with the nominee to upload.
Letter of Support/Recommendation: Must include at least one letter of support from someone other than the nominator (no longer than 2 pages).
Nomination Form: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5usMWpOQhddBaFE
Nomination Deadline: January 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
The Early Career Outstanding Alumni will be recognized on the evening of Friday, May 1, 2026, at the AgExcellence awards ceremony, hosted by Interim Vice President for Agriculture and Dean, Michael Salassi.
For questions about nominations please contact the Awards Committee Chair,
Julie Richard at juliebrichard3@gmail.com.
The Friend of the College of Agriculture Award recognizes an individual for their outstanding leadership, contributions, and support of the students, faculty, and staff of the College of Agriculture.
Brenda Sommers received the 2024 Friend of the College of Agriculture Award.
Sommers has been involved in the College of Agriculture in various roles since 2015.
Exhibits outstanding leadership, demonstrated interest, and made significant contributions to the LSU College of Agriculture through their career, public service, and/or volunteer activities.
Embodies integrity, stature and proven leadership worth of recognition.
Achieved a record of outstanding personal and professional accomplishments.
Nominees must NOT possess a degree currently or previously housed in the LSU College of Agriculture (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate).
Posthumous nominations are welcomed.
Nominations are accepted from any alumnus, friend of the College of Agriculture and/or faculty or staff member in the college and LSU AgCenter. Nominations MUST be submitted online and include the following items:
Nomination Letter (limited to 1500 characters/approximately 350 words)
Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume to include business, public service and professional honors and awards; noteworthy research, publications or professional business accomplishments. If not accessible by nominator, please share this form link with the nominee to upload.
Letter of Support/Recommendation: Must include at least one letter of support from someone other than the nominator (no longer than 2 pages).
Nomination Form: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5usMWpOQhddBaFE
Nomination Deadline: January 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
The Friend of the College of Agriculture will be recognized on the evening of Friday, May 1, 2026, at the AgExcellence awards ceremony, hosted by Interim Vice President for Agriculture and Dean, Michael Salassi.
For questions about nominations please contact the Awards Committee Chair,
Julie Richard at juliebrichard3@gmail.com.
