Public Invited to Attend Kick-Off Event for LSU’s Second Annual Scholarship First Bus Tour in Start, Louisiana
October 10, 2024
Special Guests include Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Rising Country Artist and LSU Student, Timothy Wayne
BATON ROUGE – LSU President William F. Tate IV will travel the state Oct. 15-18 in the second installment of the Scholarship First Bus Tour. His goal is to ensure that LSU's priorities align with the needs of the state and to find even more ways to support the state’s people and economy.
The four-day tour kicks off with an official send-off event at Start Elementary, highlighted by speeches from President Tate and Congresswoman Julia Letlow. Attendees will also enjoy a performance by rising Capitol Records Nashville recording artist and LSU student Timothy Wayne, who happens to be the nephew of legendary country artist Tim McGraw, a proud native of Start, La.
Next, the tour will head to a Rural Health Roundtable at the Richland Parish Library in Rayville, La. The panel discussion will center on the pressing issues facing rural healthcare in Louisiana, bringing together healthcare leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss challenges, ongoing initiatives, and potential solutions. Panelists include President Tate, Congresswoman Letlow, Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, and more.
The tour will then head to Chase, La., to visit the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station. The 300-acre station in Franklin Parish is the only facility of its kind devoted solely to sweet potato research. The new varieties developed there are among the most popular in the world. At this stop, President Tate will present a plaque commemorating the facility’s 75th anniversary.
The remainder of the tour will feature many other stops, including Rayville, Monroe, Winnfield, Fort Johnson, Arnaudville, New Iberia, Avery Island, Houma, Morgan City, Plaquemine and Port Allen. Details are subject to change. Follow LSU’s social media accounts or check www.lsu.edu/president/tour for updates, highlights and behind-the-scenes activities.
Tuesday, October 15 – Start, LA
9 a.m. – Bus tour kick-off event, open to the public (883 Charleston Dr, Start, LA 71279)
11:30 a.m. – Rural Healthcare Roundtable
1:30 p.m. – Sweet Potato Research Facility Tour 75th Anniversary Celebration
More details about the tour including media availability and assets will be available soon.
LSU Scholarship First Agenda: https://www.lsu.edu/scholarship-first/index.php
About Timothy Wayne
With a guitar in one hand and a history book in the other, this young country artist and LSU TIGER is hitting all the right chords in academia and the music industry. With a record deal from UMG Nashville and Capitol Records Nashville, he's balancing his passion for music with his dedication to earning a history degree. Guided by faith, family, and hard work, Timothy is an inspiration to his peers and fans, proving that with a little grit and a whole lot of heart, you can chase your dreams without giving up on your education.