About
Department Overview
The Texas A&M University Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications was officially founded in September 2006. Many of the department’s disciplines like agricultural science and agricultural communications and journalism have a long history at Texas A&M University. The roots of our department date back to over 100 years ago and form the foundation of agriculture and public education in Texas. Now, we have grown and evolved to become one of the leading departments in agricultural leadership, education and communications.
By student enrollment, we are one of the largest departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, with approximately 850 students, 40 faculty and post-doctoral researchers, professional service staff and five emeriti faculty. Our size doesn’t stop us from providing a people-first environment in which our students can grow and learn. We invite you to learn more about our values and aims and how you can become part of our story as we advance the next generation of leaders in agriculture and the life sciences.
Department head
Dr. Stacy Vincent
Effective Aug. 1, 2025, Dr. Stacy Vincent will lead the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications at Texas A&M University. Dr. Vincent brings a broad range of experience in agricultural education, academic leadership and student-focused teaching. He joins Texas A&M from the University of Kentucky, where he served as professor of agricultural education and director of undergraduate studies in Agricultural Education and Advocacy. Dr. Vincent was named the 2001 Outstanding Teacher Educator for the Southern Region by the American Association for Agricultural Education and was recognized for the best research manuscript at the organization’s national conference. Dr. Vincent plans to grow the department’s presence as a leader in preparing students for meaningful careers and service, emphasizing a people-first approach in everything the department does.
Mission
Our mission is to improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals and communities in Texas, in the nation and the world through high-quality teaching, research, Extension, and outreach programs that communicate crucial information for agricultural sciences and human performance.
Vision
We advance the scholarship in our field of study through innovative approaches to teaching, research, and outreach. We provide balanced academic curricula that link science, technology, leadership, education, communications, and human performance systems. We are recognized as one of the premier programs of agricultural leadership, education, and communications worldwide and forge interdependent relationships with other world-class programs that share complementary missions, and we assist those programs aspiring to serve their countries and the world better.
Looking to the Future
We are extremely optimistic about our future direction and purpose. We have developed a new, bold strategic plan and are committed to be the global flagship department in preparing the best leaders, educators, and communicators in the world. We will accomplish this by ensuring a high-quality curriculum, mentoring students, delivering the best Extension programming, developing adult leaders, working with global partners for the co-creation of knowledge and the development of human capacity, and generating scholarship with societal impact.
Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications News
From Texas to Namibia: An agricultural leadership journey
One grew up under the vast skies of rural West Texas. The other spent her early years navigating life across the Middle East and South America. Zoee Nolen ’26 and Meredith Macfadyen ’26 came from opposite worlds. This summer, their paths converged in the heart of southern Africa. Through the 2025 Namibia Education Abroad program, they found not only common ground but a shared sense of purpose that left a lasting mark.
Aggies experience transformational internships at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is more than just a celebration of agriculture, music and rodeo — it’s a proving ground for Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences students. Through internships offered by the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, students are given the opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop professional skills and build connections that often launch careers.
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