Dr. Chris and Dr. Joe Townsend ’67 Chair in Leadership Education and Student Excellence
Texas A&M supporters, Nancy and Leroy Shafer ’67, gave the initial gift of $100,000 to fund the chair, launching a giving campaign to reach the $2 million goal needed to fully fund and support programs and outreach for current and future leadership students.
The Endowed Chair in Leadership Education and Student Excellence honors and continues the leadership legacies of Drs. Chris and Joe Townsend by providing excellence in leadership mentorship to undergraduate and graduate programs through outreach education. A special emphasis will be placed on linking executives to students needing direction and mentoring.
The holder of this Chair will enhance existing leadership programs within the department and increase the impact for students for generations to come.
This program will be guided by an external advisory committee of Aggies with an appreciation of the powerful and positive influence that Dr. Chris and Dr. Joe Townsend (’67) had on the lives of students at Texas A&M University.
Chair Responsibilities
Specifically, the Chair, utilizing Advisory Committee input, will develop mentorship programs in the following areas:
Mentorship
In the spirit of the Townsend’s legacy, one of the many purposes of this chair will be to provide students with advice and mentorship during their time at Texas A&M University and then beyond.
Leading Graduate Programs
Working in conjunction with other graduate programs within and outside the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, this chair will work to create opportunities for students to thrive in their respective graduate programs.
Career Advising
Providing former students and Alumni with support in the early stages of their career to help with their personal advancement.
Read about the Townsend Endowment Opportunity
Continuing the legacy of leadership in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, a campaign to fund a multi-million endowment in memory of Joe Townsend, Ph.D., and honoring Chris Townsend, has kicked off.
Be a part of supporting the next generation of Leaders in Agriculture
Dr. Chris and Dr. Joe Townsend sought ways to find the best in students and help Aggies reach their full potential. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to student development left a widespread, lasting impact on many students.
To honor the lasting legacies of Dr. Chris Townsend and Dr. Joe Townsend, an initial fund has been created to help establish an endowed chair in Leadership Education and Student Excellence. Once we’ve reached our goal, this chair will help support personal leadership growth among students, develop mentorship programs and drive professional development opportunities for early-career Aggies.