Entomology at Fort Valley State University

Entomology has been taught for more than fifty years at Fort Valley State University (FVSU). It was not until 2001 that the Biology Program started scheduling the classes. As a course, no laboratory was assigned to the course and resources, facilities and equipment were nonexistent. A few years later, aided by an NSF (National Science of Foundation) grant some equipment and facilities were added for the study of chemical ecology and insect pathology. Help of Entomologists from USDA ARS, SE Fruit and Nut Tree Research Laboratory, Byron, GA 31008, was solicited to teach aspects of entomology, particularly IPM, and Insect Pathology. NSF funds enabled students to participate in summer research and to present their findings at SEB-ESA (Southeastern Branch Entomological of America) and ESA meetings. Some of the students won prizes at these meetings, and participation at these meetings offered the students some visibility. In addition, the department of Biology reached out to institutions that offer entomology at graduate levels for recruitment. These efforts opened the doors of graduate schools to students. Some past FVSU students have earned higher degrees in entomology and are working with government agencies or are college professors of Entomology. Undergraduate research which is the bedrock of the entomology program at FVSU enabled students publish articles in entomology journals, thereby enhancing their chances of acceptance into graduate schools. The entomology program has elevated FVSU, enabling the college to receive more than five million dollars in grants supporting research in entomology within the past three years.