COLLEGE STATION — Dr. Charles A. DeYoung, dean of agriculture and human sciences at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, has been named assistant vice chancellor for agriculture and life sciences for the A&M System. This appointment is in addition to his current responsibilities as dean.
DeYoung now will serve as a direct link between the A&M System Agriculture Program and the system’s seven universities, with initial emphasis on programs at Kingsville.
The A&M System Agriculture Program includes the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas Animal Damage Control Service, Texas Forest Service, Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, and associated programs at System universities.
Dr. Edward A. Hiler, vice chancellor for agriculture and life sciences of The Texas A&M University System, said this appointment formalizes existing linkages between the A&M System Agriculture Program and the Kingsville institution and provides a springboard for new joint activities throughout the system.
“We have a strong interest in the growth of collaborative programs in agriculture and view the addition of Dr. DeYoung as a win-win situation,” Hiler said. “This appointment makes a clear, tangible statement of our commitment to joint programs within the system.”
Dr. Manuel L. Ibݧez, president of Texas A&M-Kingsville, said he is particularly pleased to see someone from Kingsville chosen for the new position.
“This appointment demonstrates not only the A&M System’s dedication to joint programs but also the strong leadership and presence of Texas A&M-Kingsville in cooperative efforts all around the state,” he said.
DeYoung said the joint activities already in place represent only the beginning of what the A&M System can accomplish.
“I plan to work closely with system agriculture program leaders to explore new opportunities and become a visible advocate for increased interaction among system universities and agencies,” he said.
“Joint programs, and especially jointly funded faculty positions, are an efficient use of our system resources, providing more capabilities at a lower cost,” DeYoung added.
Some of the current joint programs between The Texas A&M University System Agriculture Program and Texas A&M-Kingsville include a joint doctoral program in wildlife and fisheries sciences, the joint program under way at the Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Weslaco with the Texas A&M-Kingsville Citrus Center, and several joint faculty positions in human sciences, animal science and wildlife and fisheries sciences.
Dr. Barry B. Thompson, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, praised DeYoung for his vision and ability.
“Dr. DeYoung has an excellent record of leadership in Texas agriculture and is one of the main reasons the agriculture program at Texas A&M-Kingsville is flourishing,” he said.
DeYoung has been with Texas A&M-Kingsville since 1974. He has served as director of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and has held the titles of assistant professor, associate professor and professor of wildlife management. He earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science from Texas A&M in 1969, a master’s degree in biology from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University- Kingsville) in 1971, and a doctorate in range science from Colorado State University in 1977.
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