College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

From exciting study abroad trips to incredible research opportunities, faculty, staff and students of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are spreading AGvocacy to every corner of the map this summer. With so many different activities, I couldn’t possibly list them all, but here are just a few of the highlights:

Study Abroad: New destinations lead to exciting new journeys
Many of our students and faculty will be experiencing a broad scope of international agriculture and life sciences opportunities first-hand as they study abroad. This year, we have added a whole host of new programs to our roster, including a new trip to Namibia, which Tracy Rutherford and Gary Wingenbach will be leading, featuring a photojournalism focus. In addition, Luis Tedeschi will be leading a trip to Brazil with an animal science focus, and Susanne Talcott will be guiding a trip to Italy with an emphasis in food science.  There are numerous other trips scheduled throughout the academic year, and you’re almost certain to find one that interests you and fits into your academic program, but start making plans soon! To find out what programs are offered, visit the Texas A&M University Study Abroad Programs Office.

ANRP Internships: Spend a summer in D.C.
Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) interns will be applying their political prowess in the nation’s capital this summer. In fact, there are a total of 14 interns this year who will be working full-time on Capitol Hill for a member of the Texas Congressional Delegation, the House Committee on Agriculture, or other agencies that focus on agriculture or natural resources. Each student gets the opportunity to learn about policy, get practical work experience, expand his/her professional network and potentially be offered a job. In addition to great life experience, the internship also earns students academic credit towards their degrees. And possibly most spectacular of all, the students will be in D.C. during the most patriotic time of year, the Fourth of July. From fireworks over the Washington Monument to concerts on Capital lawn, it’s an experience to remember. If you’re interested in finding out more, visit the ANRP website!

As for me, I’ll be celebrating the 150^th Anniversary of the Morrill Act, which established our land-grant university and our mission of teaching, research, extension, and service. The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) will be hosting a national convocation on June 26 in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the myriad innovations and accomplishments of the past 150 years. I’m so pleased to participate in such a pivotal event as it will call national attention to the work of land-grant and public universities at a time when support for these institutions is waning and awareness of the significance of agriculture and life sciences education is seemingly at an all-time low. The event will be a celebration of our past and a tribute to our exciting future of learning, discovery and engagement.

Be sure to tell me all about your plans by leaving a comment below!

Thanks and gig ‘em!

Mark A. Hussey, Ph.D
Vice Chancellor and Dean
Agriculture and Life Sciences

Categories: News