The national board awards up to 19 scholarships nationwide to eligible undergraduates enrolled in programs that emphasize dairy. Of those recipients, one is chosen for the Loper scholarship. 

 Richard is studying animal, dairy and poultry sciences. 

 Students who receive this scholarship must show academic achievement and an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline, and demonstrate leadership, initiative and integrity. 

LSU dairy science professor Cathy Williams said Richard is an outstanding student who has been involved in many activities that promote the dairy industry and animal agriculture as a whole. 

 “She gained valuable dairy experience as a student worker at the LSU dairy farm and for the past two years as a student worker in my dairy nutrition program,” Williams said. “She has assisted with many research projects and conducted her own research through a grant from the College of Agriculture.” 

 Richard has presented research results at LSU Discover Day, and Williams said Richard will be presenting results at the American Dairy Science Association meeting. 

 Richard serves as president of the LSU Dairy Science Club and is the southern regional secretary of the National American Dairy Science Association Student Affiliate Division. She is a member of the LSU livestock judging team and has participated in dairy showmanship events. Richard said receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honor. 

 “I feel privileged to be able to represent the LSU College of Agriculture and the LSU AgCenter through my research and work in dairy science on the national level,” Richard said. “This scholarship serves as validation of the success and determination I have put forth over the last three years, and I hope it will allow me to continue to have an impact on the dairy industry in the future.” After graduation, 

Richard plans to either attend veterinary school to specialize in food animal medicine, with an emphasis on dairy, or pursue a doctorate in ruminant physiology.