Texas A&M AgriLife honors personnel with Vice Chancellor’s Awards in Excellence

Vice Chancellor’s Awards in Excellence honors will be presented to Texas A&M AgriLife faculty, staff and graduate students from across the state at the Texas A&M AgriLife Connect ceremonies on Jan. 8 on the Texas A&M University campus.

Since 1980, the agency has annually recognized individuals and teams who have made exceptional contributions with the Vice Chancellor’s Awards in Excellence, the highest employee awards given by Texas A&M AgriLife.

All recipients of awards serve within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, and organization-wide at Texas A&M AgriLife. 

Following is a list of the awards and the recipients:

Research Awards

Early Career Research

Salvatore Calabrese, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, is the Early Career Research Award winner. Calabrese’s research evaluates sustainable water and ecosystem management practices and the impact of climatic change and land management practices on the hydrologic cycle and, in turn, on the spatiotemporal dynamics of carbon and nutrient cycles. His research agenda on hydro-biogeochemical dynamics across scales is relevant in the current context of climate-smart agriculture practices and sustainable ecosystem services. His passion for addressing contemporary environmental issues while providing novel solutions via high-quality publications has earned him several prestigious awards: the Ecological Society of America Outstanding Publication Award, the Embassy of Italy Award for Research in Food Equitability, and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research New Innovator Award.

Mid-Career Research

Katie Lewis, Ph.D., AgriLife Research soil chemistry and fertility scientist and professor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Lubbock, is the Mid-Career Research Award winner. Lewis’ integrated research, teaching and outreach programs focus on regenerative agriculture development, sustainable nutrient management, and soil and water conservation management in semi-arid regions. She leads high-impact research that has translated to increased agricultural productivity, improved soil health, decreased water demand from the Ogallala Aquifer, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, sequestration of carbon and nitrous oxide, and increased conservation tillage adoption. Additionally, Lewis has been exceptional in training the next generation of scientists through support of graduate student research, and educating agricultural producers, industry representatives, policymakers and the public about sustainable agriculture.

Research

The Research Award winner is William “Bill” Rooney, Ph.D., AgriLife Research sorghum breeder, Regents Professor and Borlaug-Bayer Chair in Crop Improvement in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Bryan-College Station. Rooney directs the AgriLife Research Sorghum Improvement Program, where he pioneered the concept of bioenergy sorghum and developed the world’s first bioenergy breeding program. His program is a world leader in developing specialty grain sorghum hybrids, and he and his research team are leading experts in interspecific and intergeneric hybridization methods in sorghum and their application to breeding and research. Rooney is recognized internationally for his research and breeding activities in grain, forage and bioenergy sorghum. He has led research projects in South Africa, the Horn of Africa, Central America, South America and Asia. These projects have had wide-ranging goals, but all focused on utilizing the germplasm and techniques developed in his program and extending them worldwide.

Graduate Student Research

Jiaying Zhu, Ph.D., who recently graduated and now serves as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, is the Graduate Student Research Award winner. In the lab of Xiuren Zhang, Ph.D., Zhu contributed to groundbreaking research by pursuing a novel method to determine the effect of RNA secondary structure on the fate of RNA molecules in plants. Zhu has published nine papers as a first- and/or co-author and has two more under review. She has written an in-depth article providing an update on the state of the field and emerging technologies to study RNA secondary structure and its effect on the fates of RNA molecules. Additionally, Zhu presented her discoveries with insights to better understand how RNA secondary structures are determined and the role of structured RNAs in plant biology. She has been requested by journal editors to review manuscripts, demonstrating her recognition as a rising-star scientist.

Technical and Programmatic Staff

Alison Lund, program manager in the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, NRI, is the Technical and Programmatic Staff Award recipient. Lund supports several initiatives spanning NRI’s programming, with a focus on the convergence of natural resources conservation, working lands and military land sustainability. She also supports the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management faculty to ensure seamless collaborations between scientific research and extension activities. Her efforts to advance the U.S. Department of Defense’s goals of military readiness and resilience include creating stakeholder-based, interactive web tools to help promote compatible development around military training spaces. Lund’s work to quantify the value of ecosystem services and her comprehensive research and reports show her commitment to balancing sustainable growth with preserving Texas’ natural resources.

Teaching Awards

Tenured/Tenure-Track Teaching

Gerard Kyle, Ph.D., professor and associate head for academic programs in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, is the Tenured/Tenure Track Teaching Award recipient. For 20 years, he has redefined the classroom with undergraduate study abroad programs and high-impact learning experiences in protected area management. His classes blend in-class instruction, transformative field experiences, and engagement with some of the world’s premiere thought leaders working in protected area management and conservation. In addition to his study abroad program, he teaches a class that features a week-long field experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for students interested in pursuing careers within state and federal land management agencies. Student evaluations note his passion, commitment, empathy and care for them as individuals, and the quality and quantity of knowledge gained through his courses.

Academic Professional Track Teaching

Mollie “Megan” Reynolds, Ph.D., principal lecturer, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, is the Academic Professional Track Teaching Award winner. Even before completing her dissertation at Texas A&M in 2010, Reynolds began developing her unique teaching skills to inspire and support students in learning how genetics apply to their future careers and lives. She effectively restructured her class in a flipped format and now teaches both online and face-to-face classes. Based on student feedback and a desire to deliver a high-quality course, she recreated her lecture videos three times. She also wrote the textbook used for her course to address the unique needs of students aiming for diverse careers in areas such as agriculture, health care, engineering and wildlife management. One letter of support said, “Her teaching not only equips students with knowledge but also empowers them to analyze and apply that knowledge effectively.”

Graduate Student Teaching

Nan Zhang, a teaching assistant and doctoral student in the Department of Animal Science, is the Graduate Student Teaching Award winner. Zhang has been a teaching assistant in ANSC 305, Animal Breeding, a core department course, for eight semesters, and is responsible for 30 to 70 students per semester. She also taught ANSC 111, Animal Production Systems, in spring 2024. One student wrote for her nomination that her consistent communication, kind interactions, and constructive feedback on homework have been “unrivaled by any other teaching assistant that I have had.” Zhang is a gifted communicator with an incredible empathetic ability to momentarily adopt the learner’s perspective and then adapt her instruction to meet the learner’s needs.

Student Success and Relations

The Student Success and Relations Award winner is Tammy Neel, program manager in the Department of Horticultural Sciences. Neel has made an outstanding impact on the success and development of both undergraduate and graduate students through her service-oriented approach. Her dedication to student mentoring, professional development and care is exceptional. She connects students with valuable internships, research experiences and career opportunities. One of Neel’s most significant contributions is the organization of the annual Horticulture Career Fair, a unique event within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She coordinates this fair, which consistently draws over 30 companies and provides students with internship and job offers directly tied to their future careers. Her dedication to preparing students through coaching, workshops and personal mentoring ensures they are fully equipped to make the most of these experiences.

AgriLife Extension Education Awards

County Agent

Shawnte Clawson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension family and community health agent in Hale County, is the Extension Education-County Agent Award winner. Clawson is deeply committed to helping individuals reach their full potential. She builds strong agency partnerships, identifies valuable learning opportunities for residents of all ages, and dedicates herself to delivering impactful programs tailored to the community’s needs. Throughout her 14-year career with the agency, she has taken on a variety of impactful roles, including leading as a District 4-H program specialist and agent in Swisher and Ector counties. Her programs showcase her strong expertise in community safety, health and wellness education, food protection management, youth development, and volunteer engagement. Her passion for child passenger safety, innovative programming ideas and exceptional leadership skills have earned her respect across the state.

Extension Specialist/Program Specialist/Extension Associate Serving State or Region

Justin Scheiner, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension viticulture specialist and associate professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, is the AgriLife Extension Specialist Award recipient. Scheiner’s significant contributions have made him a key figure in the Texas wine industry, which has tripled in size over the past decade. He was instrumental in organizing the first Texas Grape Crush Report and Vineyard Production Survey, both vital resources for industry stakeholders, and for establishing two new American Viticultural Areas. His research focuses on sustainable viticulture, spanning critical topics such as canopy management, irrigation practices, soil health and herbicide drift. He also was involved in the 2023 release of the Pierce’s disease-tolerant Blanc Du Soleil grape cultivar. His work through the years has resulted in practical, science-based solutions widely adopted by growers across the state.

Service Awards

Public Service in Forestry

Hughes Simpson, Texas A&M Forest Service assistant director for external relations and strategic planning officer, is the Public Service in Forestry Award winner. Simpson provides vision and strategic leadership, resulting in approximately $400,000 of federal funds annually supporting the Texas A&M Forest Service while also building and nurturing relationships with state legislators. He has a masterful understanding of budgeting, business development and strategic planning. Most recently, he developed and implemented the Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute. This state-of-the-art program provides transformative experiences and empowers external participants to further promote the advancement of natural resource stewardship throughout the state. Much of Simpson’s career has involved service and leadership in water resources, including creating and leading the Texas Partnership for Forests and Water.

Diagnostic Services

Kiril Dimitrov, DVM, Ph.D., assistant agency director for microbiology and research at TVMDL, is the Diagnostic Services Award recipient. In his five years with the agency, Dimitrov has continually proven to be a service-minded leader. His contributions have elevated the organization and significantly impacted the animal health community he serves. Dimitrov has been lauded for his coordination skills, and his technical expertise has garnered an international reputation. He actively participates on national committees and working groups and frequently consults with other diagnostic laboratories on projects. These collaborative efforts were exemplified earlier this year when he was a part of the core group of scientists who identified highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cattle. While at TVMDL, Dimitrov’s name has become synonymous with service — to his colleagues, his section members, other labs, clients and the veterinary diagnostic community.

Staff Awards

Business Operational Staff

Kristi Smith, senior business administrator in the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology and the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, is the Business Operational Staff Award winner. Smith became the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management business administrator in 2016 and played a critical role as two new departments were created and old units were closed in 2020. She worked tirelessly to set up departmental finances, move inventory and complete all the necessary paperwork during the new departments’ creation amid Texas A&M AgriLife Centralization and COVID-19. She ensured the faculty experienced minimal impact. She is highly competent and very effective in training and mentoring her staff and organizing their work to make the team effective. The department’s faculty and staff rely on Smith’s insight and efficiency in helping manage complicated financial and grant activities.

Administrative and Programmatic Staff

Courtney DeBord, executive assistant in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, is the Administrative and Programmatic Support Staff Award recipient. Officially she supports three administrative offices, but she really supports many other individuals inside and outside the vice chancellor’s office. “Suffice it to say that without Courtney, this program wouldn’t happen,” one nominator wrote. She coordinates the Vice Chancellor’s Awards process, overseeing over 80 nominations in 21 categories – from nomination eligibility to notifications to the awards ceremony. She also is responsible for managing undergraduate scholarships within the College, overseeing the allocation of over $1.7 million in funds to more than 1,200 individual student scholarships across the College. One nominator said, “Courtney makes the professional lives of those in the Office of the Vice Chancellor so much richer, productive and rewarding. When she is given something, consider it done and consider it done well.”

AgriLife Professional Service Units Staff

Rudy Ruedas, Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications brand outreach coordinator, Austin, is the Professional Service Units Staff Award winner. Ruedas’ dedication to innovation, leadership and employee development has transformed internal operations within the Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications unit. And, his efforts have profoundly impacted the state as he helps Texas A&M AgriLife members throughout all county and regional offices stay “on brand.” His dedication and enthusiasm have dramatically increased Texas A&M AgriLife’s brand awareness across the state and nation. Ruedas’ institutional knowledge and strong relationships with colleagues have been crucial in building resources that benefit employees statewide. His understanding of various department needs and collaboration across teams has created better tools, resources and relationships that enhance efficiency, communication and trust across the organization.

International Involvement Award

Muthukumar “Muthu” Bagavathiannan, Ph.D., the Billie Turner Professor of Agronomy and AgriLife Research weed scientist in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, is the International Involvement Award winner. Bagavathiannan leads a robust program with significant international involvement, including research, teaching and service. He has established himself as a leader, nationally and internationally, in weed science. His approach is innovative and inclusive – he accesses any and almost all technology, ranging from genetic resistance to alternative means of mechanical weed control. In addition, he is interested in the changes in weed populations that make them hard to control. Bagavathiannan’s international reputation has increased exponentially as he has developed research linkages with international research institutions, hosted international students and scholars, and become a leader in the global integration of digital imaging for weed identification.

Administration Award

Roel Lopez, Ph.D., head of the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management and director of the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, is the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Administration winner. Lopez is recognized for his visionary leadership, innovation and ability to inspire and unify as an administrator. A testament to his outstanding administrative ability is his development and execution of a strategic plan that addresses the department’s immediate needs and long-term goals of Texans. This roadmap has guided faculty recruitment, new curriculum development and extension priorities, all while ensuring alignment with the College and multiple agency strategic plans. His commitment to investing in people is evident in his faculty recruitment and dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment within the department. He has cultivated a culture of excellence that encourages faculty, staff and students to thrive.

Special Services Award

Lupe Garcia, maintenance foreman at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Amarillo, is the Special Services Award recipient. For the last 19 years, Garcia has provided the necessary maintenance services to keep six office building complexes, associated lab spaces, six unique storage barns and 12 greenhouses operating efficiently. He fulfills the many ongoing, station-wide maintenance requests and handles all lab or office space modification requests. This includes splitting a large room into several small offices to accommodate a growing program’s staffing needs or remodeling a greenhouse to the specifications of a new faculty member with novel research ideas. Garcia has such a diverse skill set that he often saves the agency money by doing all the work himself. As his direct supervisor, Kathy Wingate said, “Lupe can build fences and walls, pour concrete, lay tile, replace toilets and sinks, paint walls … the list is endless.”

Collaboration Awards

Partnership

The Partnership Award winner is the Reaching Food Insecure Youth Through GRUB Farm Initiative. On the team are AgriLife Extension agents in Lubbock County — Cory Edwards, family and community health; Amber Bozeman, urban youth development; Brooke Walser, Better Living for Texans; Christina Reid, horticulture; and Ronda Alexander, 4-H youth development. The team also includes Sandy Garcia, South Plains Food Bank GRUB Farm director. Together, their efforts have forged a powerful partnership that makes a meaningful difference in empowering youth, promoting health and wellness, and combating food insecurity across the South Plains region. Almost 36,000 Lubbock County residents are considered food insecure. The partnership is addressing this challenge through focused gardening and nutrition education. The South Plains Food Bank GRUB Farm leadership program is designed to teach youth ages 14 to 18 life and job skills using the farm and community gardens as a backdrop to this education. This initiative increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables, promotes physical activity, and improves food security while reducing the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular issues. By equipping youth with skills to grow and prepare their own food and adding essential financial literacy skills such as budgeting and planning, the program fosters lifelong habits that enhance individual lives and contribute to the community’s overall well-being.

Team

The Team Award winner is the TVMDL-Canyon High Pathogenic Avian Influenza Testing Team, consisting of Alexis Thompson, DVM, Ph.D., DACVPM, resident director; Stephanie Merrell, assistant program director; Katie Kleinhenz, DVM, veterinary pathologist; Jonatan Sanchez-Gama, laboratory supervisor; Aubrey Brasher, diagnostic technician; and Torri Key, diagnostic technician. When reports of an issue with dairy cattle in the Texas Panhandle, New Mexico and Kansas started coming in from January to mid-March, this team was called upon for answers. While there were many clinical signs, the most concerning was an abrupt drop in milk production of up to 100%. Initially, it was suspected the illness might be related to feed, but tests revealed no atypical pathogens. TVMDL formulated a set of recommended tests. Within two weeks, technicians had performed over 1,200 tests from almost 400 animals and processed eight cattle necropsies. Dairies began to report dead birds near their barns and cats with neurologic symptoms. Using these species as clues, the team tested some dairy samples for avian influenza. TVMDL’s decision to test for HPAI led to some of the first-ever detections in cattle. This team of individuals had a significant, tangible impact on the livelihood of dairy producers in the Texas Panhandle, New Mexico, Kansas and beyond. Without their expertise and talent, TVMDL would not have been able to respond to the dairy industry in their moment of need.

Photos from the awards ceremony will be available on Jan. 9 at Texas A&M AgriLife PhotoShelter.