College of Engineering female graduate leads the nation in agriculture as the new NIFA Director

University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Engineering alumna, Dr. Carrie Castille, is the new Director of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture, (NIFA). We are proud to recognize this exceptional achievement of one of our Ragin’ Cajun Engineering Family members.

She began her role as the new Director on January 4, 2021. With over 20 years of experience in the agricultural sector, Dr. Castille is expected to lead NIFA in their quest to build partnerships with universities and institutions nationally.

This is not the first time we have commended her for her achievements. She was inducted into the UL Lafayette, College of Engineering Wall of Honor in 2017. With many major accomplishments during her career, she was recognized for her contributions as a leader in the agriculture industry. Her extensive career in agriculture, energy, and environmental industries, both federally and locally, will allow her to make a difference by addressing the challenges that the NIFA faces.

“Dr. Castille is a shining example of the quality of the education that she received here in the College of Engineering. She is a role model for our current students, and we will continue to sing her praises for years to come. Congratulations, Carrie! You make us proud!” – Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of Engineering, UL Lafayette.

Read the official press release here.