Chancellor Austin A. Lane was recognized July 9 by the Illinois FFA for outstanding service to agricultural education and FFA programs with an Honorary State Degree at the Illinois FFA Association State Officer meeting on campus. (Photo by Russell Bailey)
July 08, 2024
Illinois FFA to bestow award on SIU Carbondale chancellor
(Note: Story is updated to include a photo of Chancellor Lane with Illinois FFA officers)
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane will receive an award from a major agriculture organization when it meets at SIU on Tuesday, July 9.
Illinois FFA will present Lane with an Honorary State Degree during the Illinois FFA Association
State Officer meeting. The meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. in Room 209 in the Agriculture Building, also will include 30 FFA officers representing each geographic area of the state preparing for the upcoming year and receiving training for their new leadership roles.
“Chancellor Lane has continued to connect with each group of FFA members that attend events on SIU’s campus, and he has proven the commitment of SIU leadership to uphold SIU’s reputation as a leading supporter of Illinois FFA and the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said John Edgar, assistant executive director of Illinois FFA and a two-degree alumnus of SIU. “We are excited to present this award to Chancellor Lane and recognize SIU’s support of Illinois FFA over the years.”
Media availability
Reporters, photographers and news crews are invited to cover Illinois FFA’s presentation of its award to Chancellor Austin A. Lane at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, in Room 209 at the Agriculture Building on the SIU campus, where he will also greet new FFA officers.
Lane is one of 29 recipients of this year’s FFA’s Honorary State Degree, the organization’s highest recognition for outstanding service to agricultural education and FFA programs.
During the meeting, five newly elected major state FFA officers will join 25 section presidents, each elected by about 15 local FFA chapters to represent their geographic region of the state. SIU has played host to this annual meeting for more than 10 years, Edgar said.
“The event showcases the many opportunities SIU has to offer while reinforcing SIU’s commitment to the agricultural industry and the next generation of leaders,” Edgar said.