WAFB thinks this is news: “Recent Southern grad accepted into Penn State”

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BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - A recent graduate of Southern University and a Baton Rouge native has been accepted into Pennsylvania State University to pursue a master's degree in urban forestry.

“When I opened my official acceptance letter from Penn State University, I was extremely excited and relieved,” said Kalaia Tripeaux. “Being accepted into Penn State was not only an exhilarating feeling for me, but it was also a proud moment for my family, friends, and mentees who have all been with me along the interesting journey through my matriculation at Southern University."

Tripeaux consistently ranked at the top of her class in the urban forestry student body. She has presented numerous research papers at national conferences and shown her academic excellence through her course work, internships, scholarships, international study, and professional services. She's achieved numerous honors, including:

White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) All-Star
U.S. Department of Agriculture 1890 Institution Scholar
Society of American Foresters Diversity Ambassador
Southern University International Research Experience Global Scholar
Auburn University Graduate Diversity Campus Experience Program Scholar
When Tripeaux graduated from SU in May of 2018, she also earned the title of student marshal (the student graduating with the highest GPA) for the College of Agricultural, Family, and Consumer Sciences.

“Kalaia is a young lady who does not settle for business as usual; she goes the extra miles to be a leader. She has made us proud and she represents the quality of the students whom we have mentored and nurtured at Southern University,” said Zhu Ning Ph.D., an endowed professor at Southern University. “I whole-heartedly recommended Kalaia to Penn State University, where she will work under my collaborator professor Bill Elmendorf with a graduate assistantship of $40,800 annually."

Tripeaux says she plans to get a master's in human dimensions and natural resources, then pursue a doctorate in another area of agricultural science. She ultimately hopes to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

“Even though I have found a new home at Penn State, Southern University will always be my foundation and I am a proud alumni,” said Tripeaux. “If you believe in your dreams, you can achieve them. Live your best life and make your dreams a reality."

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