NEWS

As part of Black History Month, Louisiana Tech University’s College of Applied and Natural Science is highlighting the achievements of Jazmyn Ford, an alumna who received an Outstanding African American Achievement Award during the Shreveport-Bossier-DeSoto African American Awards Banquet. Ford, a 2020 graduate, has paved a path of excellence from her time at Tech to her current role as a veterinarian at Towne South Animal Hospital in Shreveport.

Ford looks back fondly on the sense of community she found on campus. “I loved being able to go to campus, and there was always someone there,” Ford said of the welcoming atmosphere in the School of Agriculture Sciences and Forestry. “The professors were always there and supported us through everything — good or bad.”

A hallmark of the student experience on south campus, where many ag and forestry classes are held, is Dr. Mark Murphey and Gordon Reger cooking for students and the broader ag community.

“We were such a close-knit family,” Ford said. “Louisiana Tech and south campus really helped make that transition from high school to college easier.”

While at Louisiana Tech, Ford took on leadership roles that helped shape her journey. She founded Women in Agriculture, an initiative designed to empower and encourage women pursuing careers in the field. She also served as an agricultural sciences ambassador, bridging the gap between students and faculty.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, Ford continued her journey in veterinary medicine, attending Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Dr. Murphey helped me a lot at Tech, and he was a big part of my decision to attend Tuskegee,” she said.

As a student, Ford also worked at Tech Farm. She was assigned to the swine unit, gaining valuable hands-on experience that serves her well in her veterinary career.

Ford’s success is a testament to the strong foundation built at the University. “Tech was a great undergrad to go through,” Ford said. “That transition from high school to college is a huge jump, but Louisiana Tech and the School of Agriculture Sciences and Forestry made it much easier.” Now, as a practicing veterinarian, Ford is not only a trailblazer in her field, but also an inspiration to other young African Americans pursuing careers in veterinary medicine and agriculture.

Ford was one of 10 recipients of the prestigious Outstanding African American Achievement Award at the 37th Annual Shreveport-Bossier-DeSoto African American Awards Banquet, recognized for her commitment to excellence and her contributions to the community. In attendance to celebrate his former student’s achievement was Murphey.

“Jazmyn is a leader and an inspiration,” he said. “She notices a problem, and she solves it. She is an excellent example of what hard work and persistence will accomplish.”

Today, Ford continues to serve her community at Towne South Animal Hospital in Shreveport, where she works to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. Her journey from Louisiana Tech to Tuskegee and beyond is a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, community, and perseverance.