LSU College of Agriculture Cultivates Two Tiger Twelve Standouts for 2026

April 24, 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

Major: Textiles, Apparel & Merchandising
Concentration: Apparel Design
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

Chandler Collins, of Baton Rouge, LA., is set to graduate with a degree in textiles, apparel & merchandising from Louisiana State University. 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.

Collins identifies the Greek community as one of her most influential sources of support and inspiration. “From my sorority sisters to chapter advisors and the Greek life staff, I have been surrounded by individuals who exemplify leadership, service, and excellence,” Collins says. “Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in my potential have played a significant role in shaping me into the leader and woman I am today.”

Academically, Collins speaks highly of her experience within the College of Agriculture. She notes that the smaller class sizes, supportive faculty, and close-knit peer environment fostered a hands-on learning experience that enhanced her understanding of course material and encouraged active participation. Overall, Collins credits the College of Agriculture’s strong support system with significantly enriching her time at LSU.

After graduation, Collins plans to continue her education at LSU Flores MBA Program.

Reflecting on her recognition as a Tiger Twelve Honoree, Collins says, “Being named a Tiger Twelve Honoree is a deeply meaningful recognition. It signifies that the work I have dedicated myself to over the past four years has made a tangible impact. More than anything, it affirms that my efforts have contributed positively to others and to the broader LSU community. This honor reflects the growth, resilience, and leadership I have developed throughout my college experience, and it serves as a reminder that purposeful involvement and service can truly make a difference.”

Madelyn Faith Phillips

– Photo by Jacob Lofton

Madelyn Faith Phillips

Major: Nutrition & Food Sciences
Concentration: Nutritional Sciences/Pre-Medical
Minors: Biological Sciences and Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) Research
Hometown: McComb, MS

Madelyn Phillips of McComb, MS. is an LSU Ogden Honors College student who will graduate with a degree in nutrition & food sciences and minors in biological sciences and Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) Research. During her four years at LSU, Phillips was involved in numerous extracurricular activities, but she feels her most impactful work centered around food insecurity. Phillips and a fellow classmate are responsible for starting a branch of the Food Recovery Network at LSU. In conjunction with LSU Dining, the LSU chapter of the Food Recovery Network focuses on repackaging leftover food from on-campus dining halls into ready-made meals and distributing it to designated refrigerators around campus. In addition to her work with the LSU chapter of the Food Recovery Network, Phillips has worked closely with Project 225, the Food Insecurity Branch, the Backpack Program, the Baton Rouge Food Bank, and the LSU Food Pantry. A fierce advocate for those facing food insecurity, Phillips completed her honors capstone thesis on food noise, emotional eating, and food insecurity in LSU undergraduate students.

Phillips credits much of her success to the strong support system that has surrounded her throughout her academic journey. While her family and friends have played an important role, she also acknowledges three instructors and advisors who were especially influential during her time at LSU and in the College of Agriculture. She credits her academic advisor and instructor, Ms. Lindsay Barleycorn, who has guided her since her freshman year; Dr. Erin McKinley, her honors capstone thesis advisor; and Ms. Cindy Seghers, the faculty advisor for Project 225, all of whom provided mentorship and encouragement that helped shape her path.

“Dr. Erin McKinley was my honors capstone thesis advisor, and I truly could not have completed that project without her. She has been a wealth of knowledge that was instrumental in planning my thesis, researching it, analyzing the data, and creating the final product. She has inspired me to continue doing research as I continue on to get my master's and go to medical school,” she said.

After graduation, Phillips plans to attend Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University to obtain her masters in nutrition and to complete her dietetic internship. She looks forward to becoming a registered dietitian, as well as a dermatologist wanting to “bring these two things together so that I can look at the patient as a whole and treat not just the symptoms, but the root of the problem.”

Phillips is humbled to be recognized as a Tiger Twelve recipient amongst her peers. “It is an incredible honor and responsibility. It is a recognition of the things we have accomplished, but it is also trust we will continue making this university proud even after we leave.”

Congratulations to Madelyn and Chandler on this outstanding achievement! The College of Agriculture faculty and staff commend your hard work and wish you continued success in all future endeavors.