LSU College of Agriculture Cultivates Two Tiger Twelve Standouts for 2026

Two outstanding students from LSU’s College of Agriculture have been chosen to represent the LSU Tiger Twelve Class of 2026: Chandler Collins and Madelyn Faith Phillips.

The Tiger Twelve is an esteemed program that celebrates a group of exceptional undergraduate seniors who have made significant contributions to campus life at LSU and have had a positive impact on the Baton Rouge community.

Being selected for the Tiger Twelve is a significant honor that reflects each recipient’s hard work, dedication and accomplishments. These students have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service and commitment throughout their time at LSU, embodying the core values of the university.

Chandler Collins, of Baton Rouge, graduated with a degree in textiles, apparel and merchandising. During her time at LSU, Collins has been actively involved in a variety of organizations and experiences that have shaped her personal and academic growth. A central part of her journey has been her involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., where she has held leadership roles including vice president, membership co-chair and corresponding secretary. In 2024, Collins was inducted into the Order of Omega, an experience she credits with deepening her engagement within the broader Greek community. Having served as chapter president, she says the organization challenged her to lead with intention and reflect on the lasting impact she wanted to leave at LSU.

Madelyn Phillips, of McComb, Mississippi, is an LSU Ogden Honors College student who graduated with a degree in nutrition and food sciences. Phillips and a fellow classmate are responsible for starting a branch of the Food Recovery Network at LSU, which focuses on repackaging leftover food from on-campus dining halls into ready-made meals and distributing it to designated refrigerators around campus. Phillips also has worked closely with Project 225, the Food Insecurity Branch, the Backpack Program, the Baton Rouge Food Bank and the LSU Food Pantry.

■ Ava Arceneaux

College of Agriculture Celebrates Spring Graduates

On May 15, the LSU College of Agriculture celebrated 293 graduates during its spring commencement ceremony, part of the largest LSU class in history, with 5,710 degrees awarded across 12 schools. Eight of the College of Agriculture graduates were honored as LSU Distinguished Communicators, a distinction earned through a rigorous program that includes four intensive communication courses, faculty mentorships and experiences outside the classroom. The Distinguished Communicator Medal is a permanent commendation on each graduate’s official transcript.

■ Staff Report