Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Supports Graduate Program

The Department of Agricultural Sciences recently received word from officials at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo would again support graduate assistantships in the Department to the tune of $37,800. This level of funding provides a monthly stipend for three graduate assistants during the long semesters and one during the summer months.

The SHSU Agricultural Sciences Department has enjoyed a cordial relationship with the HLSR for many years. Faculty, staff, and students staff a booth at the annual stock show and assist with several events, including the State FFA Tractor Technician Career Development Event, the Agricultural Mechanics project Show, the Junior Market Steer Show and others. At this year’s show, the Sam Houston Rodeo Team was bestowed the honor of being the first cowboys and cowgirls ever to use the Reliant Stadium Rodeo Arena in its trial run prior to Rodeo Houston. Rodeo Houston officials were pleased to have rodeo team members help work out the kinks a week before the first live show.

In addition to the annual support provided to our graduate program, the Houston Livestock Show also established a scholarship endowment in 1978 of nearly half a million dollars. The endowment has benefited hundreds of undergraduates pursuing degrees in agriculture at SHSU over the years. The show also provides support for “Partners for a Safer Community,” an effort led by Dr. Doug Ullrich, and the State FFA Leadership Development Events held here on campus each December.

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