Colleagues,
As we begin 2022, I am honored for the chance to return to Texas A&M as acting vice chancellor and dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences. I’d like to personally thank Dr. Patrick Stover for his four years of leadership of AgriLife and the many accomplishments which were made during that time. We wish him the best as he focuses on the Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture and the Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Evidence Center.
On January 1, we welcomed Dr. Cliff Lamb as acting director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Lamb will initially continue to hold his current position as head of the Department of Animal Science. Dr. Lamb became department head for Animal Science in 2017 and has been instrumental in increasing that department’s research portfolio. His programs have received more than $13.8 million in grant funds or gifts. He has published 130 refereed journal articles, along with more than 580 extension and research reports.
Additionally, on January 18 we will welcome Dr. Rick Avery as acting director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Avery has a long track record both in government and in government relations, from Capitol Hill to his current role as deputy director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments. He also worked with the Texas Association of Counties from 2014 through 2020. Before that he spent two decades with AgriLife Extension Service, the last ten years as director of the V.G. Young Institute of County Government. Avery takes over for Dr. Jeff Hyde, who announced this fall that he would be exploring new career opportunities.
Both Lamb and Avery are well-known within the Texas agriculture community and will bring invaluable leadership during this time of new beginnings. Please join me in expressing gratitude for their service to our institutions.
To every member of Texas A&M AgriLife: please know that together, we will continue to build upon AgriLife’s reputation for excellence in agriculture and the life sciences as we serve Texas, the nation and beyond. I thank you for your support during this time of transition. Likewise, I appreciate your patience as we adjust remote work schedules for those in Brazos County and work to keep all our employees safe during the recent COVID-19 surge. I know remote work can be a challenge, but the health of our colleagues and families is of upmost importance. We hope to share additional updates in the coming weeks.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best for a prosperous New Year!
Mark A. Hussey
Acting Vice Chancellor and Dean, Agriculture and Life Sciences
