Tryon Wickersham earns Piper Professor designation
Animal science professor recognized for dedication to teaching and mentorship of students
Tryon Wickersham, Ph.D., professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science, has been named a Piper Professor by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation.
Wickersham is a Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence in the animal nutrition section of the Department of Animal Science and associate head for research. He is also a member of the graduate faculty.
The foundation selects 10 winners annually to recognize teaching rather than scholarship, research publication or administration. Selection is based on nominations submitted by colleges and universities across Texas.
“At the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, we seek to hire faculty members who ignite a passion for their fields in their students,” said Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences. “It’s wonderful to see Dr. Wickersham gain this well-earned, prestigious award for his inspiring efforts.”
Providing high-impact learning for students
“Dr. Wickersham’s recognition is a shining example of the world-class faculty in the Department of Animal Science,” said Clay Mathis, Ph.D., department head. “His dynamic and innovative teaching program and designation as a Piper Professor is a testament to this effort. We are proud of him, not just for being recognized, but for his positive influence on the students we teach.”
Teaching undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in animal nutrition and beef production, Wickersham’s most notable contribution in the classroom and to the scholarship of teaching and learning has been Principles of Animal Nutrition. He has taught the honors section of the course for the past 16 years and teaches a larger section to about 250 students per semester.
Principles of Animal Nutrition is a foundational course in animal science required for admission into most veterinary medicine programs. The course attracts a range of students, including animal science majors and those studying biomedical science, zoology, biology and nutrition.
Wickersham designed the class to give students opportunities to build on multidisciplinary backgrounds and grow where gaps in their understanding exist.
Students across the department also benefit from Wickersham’s involvement as the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee chair, which resulted in improved course learning outcomes, degree plans, course sequencing and high-impact learning experiences.
He is also instrumental in creating and teaching the Panhandle Trip class, which allows students to experience all segments of the beef production value chain in a unique and in-depth manner.
Honors and awards
The Piper Professor designation is a continuation of Wickersham’s recognition for excellence as an educator.
Among his accolades are the 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 the Texas A&M AgriLife Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence – Teaching.
