COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M University’s agriculture program will help communities revitalize the American tradition of an educated electorate and a strong democracy by enhancing service to those communities, the program’s leader told supporters at a semi-annual meeting.
Dr. Edward A. Hiler, vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, told the college’s development council that a recommitment to the land- grant concept can help improve life for all citizens of Texas during its Oct. 25 meeting.
For Texas A&M, that will mean improving higher education opportunities for all, continuing excellence in the teaching-research-extension model of the land-grant system, and serving the people of Texas even more thoroughly than in the past, Hiler said.
“Legislation founding the land-grant system was the most important higher education legislation in the history of this country and maybe in world history,” Hiler said. “It made the vision of universities available to more than just the social elite.”
“My vision is of an agriculture program built on a sense of community. At its root, a sense of community involves the belief that we can invigorate our land-grant tradition and mission, reshape our organization, and be the premier agricultural program as viewed by our peers and, more importantly, by those we serve.”
The daylong council meeting, made up of agricultural administrators and supporters of the program from throughout the state, included several presenters who illustrated Hiler’s points.
Among them was Dr. Sallie Sheppard, the university’s associate provost for undergraduate studies, who explained how admissions processes bring to Texas A&M not only increasing numbers of students with high admissions examination scores and good grades, but also those who may not have performed so well in those things. For instance, students who demonstrate leadership skills, strong work habits, or determination to succeed despite extenuating circumstances are considered and often admitted.
Many such young people come from smaller communities and make the kind of students and citizens who demonstrate both accomplishment and a sense of committment to their communities, Hiler said. The agriculture program worked closely with university officials to encourage admissions for such students, Hiler said.
Council members also heard about agriculture program efforts to improve undergraduate education and increase recognition for excellent teachers.
“We can strengthen the legacy of the land-grant system by an unwavering commitment to an outstanding teaching program. It all starts with excellent undergraduate teaching,” Hiler said.
With strong undergraduate programs, it is easier to strengthen research and extension efforts and complete the teaching, research and extension mission of land-grant institutions, Hiler said.
“We can lead if we work closely together internally, forge strong partnerships externally, and link with communities of all sizes,” he said.
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