Texas A&M adds expert Todd Franks to expand outdoor enterprise track
New hire brings decades of experience in human dimensions, outdoor enterprise management
Todd Franks, Ph.D., joined the Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management as an instructional assistant professor of human dimensions of natural resources.
Franks brings extensive experience and an established reputation in wildlife management, business, hospitality and outdoor recreation to the department.
“Incorporating human dimensions into a natural resource curriculum is essential because conservation challenges are as much social as they are ecological,” Franks said. “Understanding stakeholder values, cultural perspectives, economics, communication and policy helps future professionals design solutions people will support.”
In addition to teaching human dimensions and natural resource policy-focused coursework, Franks is tasked with the management and growth of the department’s outdoor enterprise management track, launched last year.
This program allows undergraduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management to tailor their coursework to gain the skills needed for diverse careers in the growing field of outdoor-based enterprises, such as ecotourism and diversified ranching operations.
Student mentorship with a career-focused perspective
Franks said his more than two decades of experience in the outdoor recreation industry — ranging from wildlife tourism and hospitality management to visitor experience research — allow him to provide students with career-focused mentorship and guidance.
“My unique background enables me to foster cross-campus partnerships that enhance interdisciplinary opportunities for our students,” Franks said. “This collaborative approach is instrumental in supporting the needs of both our students and the outdoor industry.”
Prior to joining Texas A&M, Franks was a professor of practice and program coordinator of wildlife enterprise management at Auburn University.
“I am passionate about combining my teaching and industry expertise to foster a dynamic learning environment for students in Texas A&M’s outdoor enterprise management program,” Franks said.
