Tag Archives: Service

ALEC faculty lead mentoring program for first generation student veterans

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Texas A&M’s recognition as a military-friendly university attracts many veteran students, and as a result, provides various activities, programs and support to ensure Aggie student veteran success. One of these is the First Generation Veterans learning community, or #FirstGenVets, a year-long comprehensive program composed of first generation undergraduate veterans and faculty and staff from across the university. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (AGLS) facilitators include Drs. Summer Odom, Julie Harlin, Barry Boyd and Lori Moore – faculty in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications –… Read More →

Aggie veteran completes 40-year journey to earning degree

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For University Studies – Leadership major and veteran Bobby Deiss ’80, his graduation from Texas A&M University this week is a story 40 years in the making. Deiss, who first came to Texas A&M in 1976, left after the summer semester after failing to maintain his grades. He was told to take 15 hours from a community college before reapplying to Texas A&M, which he never did. However, the following year, he was invited to join the Corps and came back to campus for Fish Orientation Week, thinking… Read More →

Debbie King retires after 46 years of service with Texas A&M

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After 46 years of service in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications (ALEC), Debbie King, senior administrative coordinator, plans to retire. Since 1971, King has served as the assistant to all ALEC Department Heads, including Drs. Earl Knebel, Herman Brown, Glen Shinn, Chris Townsend, Jack Elliot and Clare Gill. King began her career at Texas A&M University when she was 18-years-old after marrying a former student in January 1971. “I was a newlywed to an Aggie at the time and followed him to College Station,” King… Read More →

Wingenbach chosen to serve as Winrock International volunteer for USAID’s farmer-to-farmer program

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It’s been 30 years since Gary Wingenbach, professor of international agriculture in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, volunteered his time to help farmers combat soil erosion in Guatemala. Prior to his acceptance in a two-week assignment with Winrock International’s Asia Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Program/Bangladesh, he had served in the U.S. Peace Corps from 1985-1987. The goal of Winrock’s F2F program is to strengthen the capacity of formal and informal Agriculture Education and Training (AET) institutions to publicize agriculture technologies and innovations, provide relevant training, conduct applied… Read More →

Whitaker’s Heart for Service

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By: Mollie Lastovica For Cory Whitaker, graduation puts him one step closer to his dream of serving others. The May 2013 agricultural leadership and development graduate has been revered as a selfless servant with a heart of gold. And while he plans to pursue a career in agricultural sales, he has long-term goals of doing what he does best, helping others. “I want to build a good financial backing and then want to open my own horsemanship therapeutic practice specializing in special needs children,” Whitaker said. “I have… Read More →

Edney Practices Servant-Leadership through the Association for Career and Technical Education

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By: Mollie Lastovica Last November, more than one election was taking place. Amidst the federal election season mayhem, the Association for Instructional Materials, a division of the Association for Career and Technical Education, held an election of its own, culminating with Continuing Education Assistant Professor Kirk Edney, Ph.D., assuming the role of Vice President. “I am most looking forward to the opportunity to examine curriculum products from other entities,” Edney said. He notes the importance of quality curriculum in education and hopes that his service as Vice President… Read More →

A Commitment to the Future: ALEC, RPTS & Texas 4-H Partner to Impact Youth Development Programs

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By: Mollie Lastovica Providing professionals in the youth development field with resources and training opportunities to engage in positive youth development, the Sequor Youth Development Initiative has made positive strides in securing a brighter future for the nation’s youth since 2009. Currently, three members of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications faculty serve on the executive committee for the Sequor YDI. Professor Tim Murphey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor John Rayfield, Ed.D., and Assistant Professor Lori Moore, Ph.D., represent the department on the committee comprised of delegates from… Read More →

ALEC faculty and students help prepare 4-H students for advocacy

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  By: Taylor Demski 26 students from across the state attended the 2012 Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador program July 16 through July 19 at Texas A&M University. Organized by Assistant Professor and Extension 4-H and Youth Development Specialist Billy Zanolini, Ph.D., the program allowed high school students the chance to engage in high level learning designed to develop advanced leadership skills related to mentoring youth and advocating for animal agriculture. ALEC faculty, graduate and undergraduate students participated by teaching sessions focused on learning and leadership styles, as well… Read More →