(01/14/25) BATON ROUGE, La. — High school agriculture teacher and past Louisiana FFA state officer Summer Anderson has been appointed the executive secretary of Louisiana FFA following a nationwide search. In this role, Anderson will lead the state’s FFA association, providing vision and direction for student leadership development programs, conferences and events, award programs and competitions.

Anderson is no stranger to agricultural education and FFA. She has been an agriscience teacher and FFA advisor for nine years, teaching at Ponchatoula High School in Tangipahoa Parish from 2016 to 2018 and at the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences (LaSAS) in Avoyelles Parish since 2018.

“I am incredibly excited to take on the role of executive secretary for the Louisiana FFA as it presents a unique opportunity to serve this organization in a more impactful way,” Anderson said. “I am committed to shaping the future leaders of agriculture and Louisiana FFA, just as it has shaped me into who I am today.”

Raised in Hessmer, in Avoyelles Parish, Anderson joined FFA while at LaSAS and became a state officer. She then attended McNeese State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural sciences.

In her time in the classroom, Anderson has managed a highly successful FFA chapter, winning numerous state awards and boasting several area and state FFA officers. Reflecting on her work as an ag teacher, Anderson says her greatest accomplishment has been building lasting, impactful relationships with her students.

“I have always aimed to create an environment where they feel supported and empowered to explore their passions and develop leadership skills,” she said. “Whether it's helping students succeed in FFA competitions or watching them grow into confident leaders, seeing them achieve their goals has been the most rewarding part of my career.”

State FFA adviser Cade LeJeune says that Louisiana FFA is fortunate to have Anderson joining its leadership team.

“I’ve known Ms. Anderson for many years, and she is highly respected among our ag education professionals,” LeJeune says. “Successful local ag education and FFA programs are only possible when a strong, dedicated ag teacher is leading the way, and that speaks volumes to Ms. Anderson’s abilities.”

LeJeune went on to say that Anderson is excellent at working with others, having shared her responsibilities at Ponchatoula and LaSAS with co-teachers, and that he is excited to have her join the state leadership team and bring new ideas and energy to their staff.

Anderson enters her new position in agricultural education as the state is evolving to meet future needs of the agriculture workforce.

Regarding the role that FFA plays in that mission, Anderson said, through FFA, students not only gain knowledge about agriculture but also discover their potential to lead and serve their communities.

“FFA is about building future leaders who are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving industry, ensuring they are prepared for whatever the future holds,” she said.

There are nearly 26,000 agricultural education students in Louisiana in grades six through 12, and just over 13,000 of them are FFA members. Removing barriers for more agricultural education students to become FFA members will be one of Anderson’s priorities.

“I aim to ensure that every student, regardless of location or background, has access to the resources and opportunities necessary for their success,” she said. “My goal is to expand FFA’s reach and impact, offer more professional development opportunities for teachers and foster a collaborative environment where students and educators can grow together.”

As Anderson steps into her new leadership role, she has a clear vision for the future.

“I envision a future where Louisiana FFA members are more connected, innovative and well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of our state's agricultural industries,” she said. “Together, we can continue to nurture a bright future for Louisiana agriculture and the leaders who will shape it.”

High school agriculture teacher and past Louisiana FFA state officer Summer Anderson has been appointed the executive secretary of Louisiana FFA following a nationwide search. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter