Department of Animal Science faculty recognized for teaching excellence
Wickersham, Herring celebrated during awards ceremony
Two Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science professors were honored for teaching excellence at the 2024 Faculty Affairs Spring Awards Ceremony on April 26, receiving awards presented by The Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University and The Texas A&M University System.
Tryon Wickersham ’98, Ph.D., professor of animal nutrition and associate head for research, is one of two faculty members honored with the 2024 Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence Award, which is conferred upon the most prestigious teachers at the university.
Andy Herring ’94, Ph.D., a John K. Riggs ’41 Beef Cattle Professor and associate head for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in the department, is one of six faculty members honored with the University Professorships for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence awards conferred upon the most accomplished teachers of undergraduates at the university.
“The Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M is one of the largest and most complex departments of animal science in the nation, serving as a leader in discovering and applying science-based knowledge on animals and animal products,” said Clay Mathis, Ph.D., professor and department head. “Dr. Wickersham and Dr. Herring’s dedication to their scientific discipline and passion for teaching is helping us meet our charge to provide dynamic and innovative teaching programs.”
Wickersham named Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence
According to the award, recipients exhibit a profound commitment to excellence in teaching as indicated by their scholarship of teaching and learning within their discipline and their impact upon their students and colleagues.
“Dr. Wickersham’s impact reaches students far beyond teaching course materials — he truly cares about his students and strives to help them reach their potential, and more, during and after their time at Texas A&M,” Mathis said.
Presidential Professors receive a certificate, a commemorative medallion and a monetary award of $25,000. Awardees bear the designation “Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence” for the rest of their careers.
Wickersham teaches graduate-level courses and laboratories in animal nutrition. His most notable contribution in the classroom and to the scholarship of teaching and learning has been Principles of Animal Nutrition. Wickersham began teaching the honors section of this course upon his arrival and has taught it once annually for the past 15 years. He also teaches the larger section of the course to approximately 250 students per semester.
Principles of Animal Nutrition is a foundational course in animal science required for admission into most veterinary medicine programs. Accordingly, students in this course are a mixture of animal science students and students from many other majors, including biomedical science, zoology, biology and nutrition. Wickersham has designed the class to allow students to build on diverse backgrounds and grow where gaps in their understanding exist. His teaching strategies and techniques embrace inclusion considerations.
To date, 320 undergraduates have conducted research under Wickersham’s guidance and mentorship. He has been the committee chair for 11 doctoral students, 34 Master of Science and six Master of Agriculture students and has served as a committee member for an additional 65 students.
Wickersham is also recognized for contributing to the department’s teaching program as the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee chair. The redesigned curriculum addressed input from industry stakeholders, created course learning outcomes, increased the coherence of degree plans, improved course sequencing, and increased high-impact learning experiences for students.
He was also instrumental in creating and continuing to teach the Panhandle Trip class. This high-impact class allows students to experience all segments of the beef production value chain at a unique level and depth.
Wickersham earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University and his master’s degree and doctorate in ruminant nutrition from Kansas State University.
Throughout his career, his excellence as an educator has been recognized by his peers, former students, and current students, including: Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching – College Level, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Honor Professor, Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching – University Level, North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Teaching Award of Merit, Center for Teaching Excellence Curriculum Fellow, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean’s Outstanding Achievement Award – Excellence in Teaching, and Texas A&M AgriLife Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence – Teaching.
Herring awarded University Professorship for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence
University Professorships for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence award winners are not only exceptional instructors, but also innovators in pedagogy, exploring new teaching methods, and seeking engagement with other educators in pursuit of excellence, according to the Texas A&M Faculty Affairs, which presents the awards.
“Dr. Herring’s teaching philosophy and style are systems-based and embrace interdisciplinary learning,” Mathis said. “He is driven by mentoring students to understand the fundamental concepts of the discipline and then envision various possible applications under new situations. He emphasizes creative and synergistic learning.”
University Professorships for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence carry a three-year monetary award and a stipend to support teaching and expand opportunities for professional development. Faculty members selected for these professorships are expected to be actively involved in faculty development programs for teaching for the duration of their award.
Herring earned his doctorate in genetics in 1994 and has been a Texas A&M faculty member for almost 22 years. He teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in beef cattle production and management and conducts applied research regarding ruminant livestock production systems.
Herring has believed in the scholarship of teaching and learning throughout his career and continually uses technology and class-based data to improve his courses. His teaching passion is inspiring students to become lifelong learners and to consider whole systems thinking.
Herring has authored a textbook used at 10 universities and authored or coauthored 76 refereed articles, 29 book chapters, 33 conference proceeding papers, 34 research/extension publications and 115 scientific abstracts. He has trained or co-trained 14 doctorate students and 45 master’s students.
His awards include National Teacher Fellow Award from the National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, Outstanding Young Scientist Award for Education from the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science, Texas A&M AgriLife Vice Chancellor’s Awards in Excellence for Graduate Teaching, Outstanding Animal Science Alumnus in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from Tarleton State University, the Association of Former Students college-level and university-level Teaching Excellence award, and the Texas A&M AgriLife Vice Chancellor’s Award for International Engagement.
