The Office of External Relations, under the direction of the vice chancellor for agriculture and life sciences, communicates the needs, priorities and relevance of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory to outside interests. The External Relations team is the primary point of contact for elected officials, government agencies and external stakeholders at the state level. In addition, the Office of External Relations collaborates with The Texas A&M University System Office of State Relations. Through strategic communication and interaction, the office maintains consistency and coordination of contact with supporters while promoting numerous programs and initiatives.
External Relations Staff
Joe Cox
Associate Vice Chancellor
512.542.7830
Joe Cox, a native Texan from Belton, serves as associate vice chancellor for External Relations for Texas A&M AgriLife, reporting to the vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences, The Texas A&M University System. He represents Texas A&M AgriLife agencies before the Texas Legislature and other external interests.
Previously, Mr. Cox served as a legislative director, chief of staff, committee clerk and senior policy analyst in several legislative offices in the Texas House of Representatives, including Speaker of the House, focusing on policy areas of agriculture, natural resources, environment and energy. Prior to his work in the Texas House, Mr. Cox was employed by a private government relations firm representing a broad spectrum of business clients. In various capacities, he has worked fourteen legislative sessions.
Mr. Cox graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in government. He earned his master’s degree in political science at Texas State University. Remaining close to his roots, Joe resides in Bell County where he manages his family’s multi-generational livestock operation with his wife and three daughters.
Julia Lancaster has been serving as the program coordinator for External Relations since 2018. She joined AgriLife after working for a small fundraising firm managing several state and federal candidates. Before turning to public service, Julia spent several years in corporate sales for a top outdoor brand. Julia graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and has completed a certificate in Public Service Administration from the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1303 San Antonio Street, Suite 850
Austin, Texas 78701
