College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

  • Email
  • Decrease text size
  • Increase text size

Sams Named Executive Associate Dean

June 10, 2009

Writer(s): Dave Mayes, 979-845-2803,d-mayes@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – Dr. Alan Sams will return to Texas A&M University Aug. 27 to become executive associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences according to an announcement by Dr. Mark Hussey, vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Sams has been dean of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson University in South Carolina for the past two years. Prior to that appointment, he pursued a 20-year career at Texas A&M, rising from assistant professor in poultry science in 1987 to professor in 1999 and head of the poultry science department.

“Dr. Sams brings to his new position an extensive portfolio of experience in administration, teaching and research,” Hussey said. Sams will provide day-to-day oversight and operational guidance for the college, he added, along with coordinating with the university and the agriculture agencies on academic, budgeting and programmatic efforts.

While at Texas A&M, Sams served as interim head during the successful launch of the new Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Hussey noted. Sams also “helped build vibrant international programs and outreach in the Department of Poultry Science,” he said, including leading numerous study-abroad programs and organizing an annual international poultry conference in Mexico over a span of eight years.

Sams earned a bachelor's degree in poultry science and food and resource economics in 1982, a master's degree in poultry science in 1984, and a doctorate in food science and human nutrition in 1987. All are from the University of Florida.

Return to College Newsletter


About the college:
With an enrollment of almost 6,700 students in 14 academic departments, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees and has a faculty of nearly 400 members, including two Nobel laureates. Research programs include food sustainability and safety, human and animal health, genetics, renewable natural resources and bioenergy.  Mark Hussey is Vice Chancellor and Dean. 

Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/aglifesciences.