Poultry science complex renamed to commemorate Huffman gift

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on Thursday approved the renaming of the Poultry Science Research, Teaching and Extension Center, often referred to as the Farm, to honor a gift from Barbara and William “Bill” Huffman ’53.

Now known as the Barbara J. Huffman and William M. “Bill” Huffman ’53 Poultry Science Farm Complex, the facility serves as a cornerstone for hands-on teaching, applied research and industry engagement within the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Poultry Science.

Located in College Station, the 16-acre complex supports all aspects of the production and processing of poultry, meat and eggs, and includes two classrooms.

“Barbara and Bill Huffman’s visionary support reflects a deep belief in the power of poultry science to prepare students, advance discovery and serve the industries that feed the world,” said Audrey McElroy, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Poultry Science. “Their investment strengthens our ability to lead nationally while creating meaningful, hands-on opportunities for the next generation of professionals serving the agriculture, food and health industries.”

Longtime devotion to Texas A&M and poultry science

Bill Huffman’s loyalty and appreciation for the department began when he was a student, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in poultry science in 1953. His time in the department helped shape a lifelong appreciation for the discipline and its impact on agriculture and leadership.

 “My experience in the department most certainly set me up for success in school, in my career and in life,” he said.

In the spring of 1952, Huffman was a member of the Texas A&M Junior Poultry Judging Team that won the Junior National Poultry Judging Contest. In the fall semester that same year, as part of the Senior Poultry Judging Team, he was the highest scoring individual at the Senior National Poultry Judging Contest.

Bill Huffman said he applied the skills he learned in poultry judging to his private law practice.

Giving back

The Huffman’s support for poultry science extends well beyond the newly named complex. In 2020, they established the Barbara J. Huffman and William M. “Bill” Huffman ’53 Chair in Poultry Science, strengthening the department’s ability to recruit and retain high-impact research and teaching leaders.

Previously, to recognize the decades of success of the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ poultry judging teams, the Huffmans donated funds for a trophy case in the Kleberg Animal and Food Sciences Center.

In addition to the Department of Poultry Science, the Huffmans have supported Texas A&M through contributions to many scholarships, the Corps of Cadets, The Association of Former Students, the Mays Business School and the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

The Huffman’s gifts to Texas A&M are managed by the Texas A&M Foundation, the primary academic fundraising institution for Texas A&M whose mission is to build a brighter future for Texas A&M University by raising and investing major gift endowments.

Department leadership says the naming of the complex reflects both gratitude for past support and confidence in the future of poultry science at Texas A&M.

“This complex represents the intersection of education, research and real-world application,” McElroy said. “The Huffman’s investment helps ensure our students and faculty continue leading the way in advancing poultry science and strengthening the industries that depend on it.”