Explore. Learn. Connect. Grow.
WVSU Agribusiness Outreach connects students, educators, and communities with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to explore the many careers and possibilities across modern agriculture and agribusiness.
About the Program
West Virginia State University’s Agri-Academy helps students, educators, and community members discover the many opportunities available in modern agriculture and agribusiness. Agriculture today is more than farming—it is a dynamic, technology-driven field that includes economics, marketing, finance, accounting, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship.
Our program provides hands-on learning, educational resources, workshops, and career exploration opportunities that connect participants with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and participate in the modern agrifood system.
A strong agrifood supply chain is essential to food security, economic development, and resilient communities. Participants explore how food and agricultural products move from production to processing, distribution, marketing, and consumers, while learning how businesses and communities can work together to strengthen the entire system.
The Agri-Academy is open to high school students, adults, educators, farmers, agribusiness professionals, community members, and others interested in learning about modern agriculture and agribusiness. WVSU partners with high schools, adult education programs, educators, and community organizations across West Virginia to bring these opportunities directly to the communities we serve.
Our goal is to spark interest, expand career awareness, and prepare the next generation of agricultural and agribusiness leaders. By connecting people with knowledge, resources, and real-world experiences, WVSU Agribusiness Outreach helps participants discover new opportunities and become part of a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable agricultural future.
This program is supported by USDA NIFA Grant #2026-38821-42056
Meet Our Team!
The people behind the WVSU Agri-Academy
Program Director
Dr. Saman Bandara
Associate Professor of Economics | Program Director
Dr. Saman Bandara
Associate Professor of Economics | Program Director
Dr. Saman Bandara is an Associate Professor of Economics at West Virginia State University with expertise in agricultural economics, agribusiness, environmental and natural resource economics, and economic development. His work focuses on connecting economic research, agricultural education, and community outreach to create opportunities for students and underserved communities.
As Program Director of WVSU Agribusiness Outreach, Dr. Bandara leads efforts to expand agribusiness education, career awareness, and hands-on learning opportunities across West Virginia.
Eden Hodges
Program Coordinator
Natalie Fout
Graduate Student
Brayden Hundley
Undergraduate Student | Program Assistant
Michael (Ivan) Grose
Undergraduate Student | Program Assistant
Program Guest Lecturers
Deborah Williams
WVSU Provost
Austin O'Connor
Academic Advisor
Mariah Engle
Academic Support Specialist