Jeanie Stein, a long‑time employee at the Audubon Sugar Institute of the LSU AgCenter, made history on February 3, 2026, at the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) meeting held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Ms. Stein became the first woman ever to receive the American Sugar Cane League (ASCL) President’s Award, a prestigious honor presented annually to an outstanding member of the Louisiana sugar industry. The award was presented by ASCL President David Thibodaux in recognition of her decades of dedicated service.

Jeanie Stein has spent more than 40 years supporting the sugar industry through her work at the Sugar Research Station and the Audubon Sugar Institute. Her research on sugar losses throughout the milling process has had a lasting impact on improving factory operations and efficiency.

This milestone award reflects her exceptional contributions and long‑standing commitment to strengthening Louisiana’s sugar industry.