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The Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) primary goal is to facilitate greater access to stakeholders of our grassroot customers and communicate our planned programs that are in their best interest and have been developed in response to evaluation of the needs of the targeted population.
The Extension Program in conjunction with the Indian Spring Cooperative in Petal MS (Forest County) held a Town Hall meeting to identify the critical needs and or issues of the grassroots citizens as they see them. Petal is located outside of Hattiesburg, MS in the southeast portion of the state. Petal has a population of 10,266 according to the 2006 Census.
This meeting was a platform created for the citizens to give voice to their needs and concerns. Efforts was made during Town Hall meetings to increase awareness of the mission of ASUEP, its capacity and collaborative efforts of the planned programs of Extension and Research at Alcorn State University as they relate. There were many issues that came out of the meeting, but the top five that the Action Committee will focus on will be:
1. Youth activities and prevention programs
2. Agriculture and establishment of a Farmers Market
3. Senior Citizens Activities and Transportation
4. Parenting Classes for Single Parents
5. Financial Aid/College Preparation
On Friday, December 8, 2006, Dr. Wandra Arrington of Jackson, Mississippi, received the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Science with a Major in Agricultural and Extension Education and Minor in Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University. Dr. Arrington is currently working for Alcorn State University Extension Program at the Hinds County Extension Service office in Jackson, Mississippi. 
