Universities from across the State of Texas lined up tables to advertise their agriculture degree programs to high school students visiting the College Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo ™, presented by the Ranching and Wildlife Expo. Each university presented a 10 to 15-minute overview of their degree program and representatives answered questions at the end of each presentation.
Eric Meleski, a member of the Ranching and Wildlife Expo, and Jennifer Bell, coordinator of the Ranching and Wildlife Expo saw a need for university presence at the Rodeo. This is College Day’s second year at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and is only getting bigger. There were eight universities in attendance including Texas Tech University, Prairie View A&M University, Sam Houston State University, Blinn College District, RELLIS at Texas A&M University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Christian University and Tarleton State University.
“We need to bring colleges to these kids and provide the youth with access to these agriculture programs, so they are aware of these opportunities,” Meleski said.
Elizabeth Brown, a senior at Klein Collins High School, discovered the right degree program for her through last year’s College Day. Brown plans to attend Texas A&M University through the Blinn TEAM program. There she will major in Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management.
“College Day is really cool because it gives kids the opportunity to learn about different agriculture programs and universities,” Brown said.
Brown participates in the Ranching & Wildlife Poster Board Competition and Public Speaking on the topic of natural resources.
“This provides another avenue to talk about wetland conservation and why it is important,” said Brown. “Being out in nature is what I’m passionate about and people need to know about wildlife conservation.”
Through this event, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is continuing to fulfill its core mission: educating and financially supporting the next generation of Texans.
Meleski said it best, “the world is always changing and you either learn to adapt or fall behind.”