Colleagues,
In a recent meeting where we were discussing how to make our research-based faculty more competitive for election into the National Academy of Sciences, an academy member from Texas A&M University stated the importance of national recognition in the selection process. Without this, the path for selection is much more difficult.
Likewise, I have been in several committee meetings where potential candidates from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences were evaluated for nomination for a University Distinguished Professor title. Those who have served on the university committee stated the importance of national recognition as a consideration for selection as a distinguished professor.
Receiving national recognition helps with activities such as promotion, tenure, and professorship and chair appointments.
Although this encouragement is focused on research recognition, our teaching, extension and service faculty and staff are encouraged to do the same. National recognition of someone’s work speaks volumes of its importance and impact, no matter one’s role in our organization.
When the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the agencies within the Texas A&M AgriLife family receive this recognition, our enterprise is elevated, bringing prestige to Texas A&M University and The Texas A&M University System.
For many of our disciplines, there are national organizations that have award programs designed to recognize members. Other disciplines may not have the advantage of these national organizations, making ways to recognize work on a national level more difficult.
This message is to urge our faculty and staff to strive to achieve national recognition for their work, and for our leaders to help them with this process.
Thank you,
Jeffrey W. Savell
Vice Chancellor and Dean, Agriculture and Life Sciences