Our work in Texas, the United States and beyond improves our health, protects our environment, enriches our youth, and feeds our world. And not only does our work enrich lives but it also creates jobs and a stronger economy. So, as April marks the celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, I’d like to thank each and every one of you and highlight a few our recent “green” initiatives and accomplishments. Improving Water Quality and Quantity The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) recently won the Texas Environmental Excellence… Read More →

Please join Texas A&M AgriLife as we celebrate the retirements of our fellow faculty and staff, we thank each and every one of them for their outstanding contributions to each of our agencies and college. Their talents and dedication have made a difference in our community, our state, our nation and our world! January 2011 – January 2012 Retirements Richard Aaron Arthur Angulo Evelyn Arrington-Smith Rupert “Glenn” Avriett William  Ballew Sharon Banister Margie Barton Mary Ellen Battle Deborah Benge-Frost Sharon Braunagel Martha Briones Lyn Brown Jerry Bryant Diana… Read More →

What is leadership? At its core, leadership is bringing others together to accomplish a common goal. Across Texas A&M AgriLife, our common goal is to promote education, research, service and extension in local communities and beyond ­– that’s the land-grant mission this institution was founded on, and the mission we still carry passionately today. Why lead? In my eyes, the answer is simple – to have a positive impact on Texas, the nation and the world. We are all a part of the Texas A&M University System because… Read More →

As part of the 2012 AgriLife Conference, we asked faculty and staff to send in their questions that they’d like to Ask AgriLife. This month, Dr. Craig Nessler, Director of Texas AgriLife Research, responds to a question about water conservation and research. “What emphasis does AgriLife plan to put on water conservation and research?” Although the current drought has brought water to the attention of everyone, it has always been a priority area for Texas AgriLife Research. In addition to the ongoing work on agricultural and urban water… Read More →

The Morrill Act is considered one of the most important pieces of legislation ever enacted….but why is that? Prior to the Morrill Act, private or Ivy League institutions were far out of reach for most Americans. Congressman Justin Morrill envisioned universities that were accessible to all, including the working class. And unlike existing higher education institutions at the time, these universities would reach out to improve communities and make their research widely available. The Morrill Act was signed on July 2, 1862, by President Abraham Lincoln. The Act… Read More →

Following right on the heels of our Centennial Year, we have yet another monumental year to look forward to as 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act. Not only did the Morrill Act make our land grant university system possible, but it established the mission to promote education, research, service and extension in local communities. Today, its scope has expanded farther than even its originators imagined. Agriculture and Life Sciences has gone global. And our mission is no longer isolated to agriculture and mechanics, but reaches… Read More →