Ramsey earns top teaching honor from Texas A&M University
Animal science faculty member recognized for innovation, student impact and commitment to undergraduate education
Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Shawn Ramsey, Ph.D., assistant department head for academics in the Department of Animal Science, has been awarded the University Professorship for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence, one of the university’s highest honors for teaching faculty.
The award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate exceptional teaching, innovation in pedagogy and a sustained commitment to student success. Ramsey is one of only two Texas A&M University faculty members to receive the honor this year, alongside Asha Rao, Ph.D., in the Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences.
“Dr. Ramsey’s approach to teaching is rooted in mentorship, innovation and a deep commitment to preparing students for real-world success,” said Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “His impact spans the classroom, the livestock arena and international borders, shaping students into leaders and lifelong learners.”
Ramsey’s pursuit of teaching excellence
Ramsey earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M in 1990 and his master’s and doctoral degrees from New Mexico State University.
He joined the Department of Animal Science faculty in 1995, serving as one of the state’s Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service sheep and goat specialists.
Since then, he has taught thousands of students in introductory and advanced animal science courses, including those on sheep and goat production, as well as wool and mohair judging classes. He also created Animal Science 111, a hands-on course designed to immerse second-semester freshmen with limited experience into working directly with all types of livestock and equipment.
Ramsey also created and continues to coordinate one of Texas A&M’s largest student education abroad programs. Since August 2012, 490 students have traveled abroad to New Zealand, Ireland, England, Wales, Uruguay, Argentina and Australia.
Additionally, he has developed over 350 internship opportunities, and he is known for his student-centered and innovative lectures, which have been presented to more than 28,000 students.
Honoring a career of student impact
Ramsey’s honors include the Margaret Annette Peters Advising Award, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching, the Dean’s Outstanding Achievement Award for Educational Enrichment and Innovation and the AgriLife Extension Superior Service team award with the Texas Sheep and Goat Expo Team. He also received the Association of Former Students Individual Student Engagement Award earlier this year.
University Professorships for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence are conferred upon the most accomplished teachers of undergraduates at Texas A&M. The three-year professorship includes a monetary award and a bursary to support teaching and expand opportunities for professional development. Recipients are expected to be actively involved in faculty development programs for teaching for the duration of their award.
University Professorships for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence are made possible through generous endowments by George and Irma Eppright, John I. Kincaid and Arthur J. and Wilhelmina Doré Thaman.
More information about the 2025 University Professorships for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence recipients is available on the Faculty Affairs website.
