AgriLife Extension names veteran agent to regional role
Robert Pritz will assume West Central District regional program leader duties Jan. 1
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, [email protected]
Contact: Robert Pritz, 325-672-6048, [email protected]
SAN ANGELO – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has named Robert Pritz as the new agriculture and natural resources regional program leader for the agency’s West Region.
Pritz, currently the AgriLife Extension agent in Taylor County, will be headquartered at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo. He will assume his new duties Jan. 1, following the retirement of his predecessor, Marvin Ensor, who retires Dec. 31 with 37 years of service.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, AgriLife Extension executive associate director, College Station, said Pritz will oversee the program planning effort in the West Central District’s 23 counties and the Far West District’s 23 counties. He will also coordinate with others in similar positions across the state.
“I am extremely excited to have Robert in this position,” Ballabina said. “The West Region has outstanding county agents, specialists and programs. I know Robert will continue to look at ways the West Region can build on their programmatic efforts and enhance their partnerships in support of the agency’s mission. He will be a valuable member of the agency’s central leadership team.”
Ballabina said Pritz will also continue to bring strong programmatic leadership to the region.
“Over the years Robert has demonstrated his effectiveness in program development and has implemented highly effective programs in ag and natural resources,” she said. “He will provide leadership to regional program development, will work with agents to develop high-impact programs, and will work closely with commodity groups and other partners to advance agency programs.”
Pritz earned a master’s degree in range science from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Angelo State University, San Angelo. He has served in his Taylor County role since 2008 and was name the agency’s county coordinator in 2013.
Pritz began his AgriLife Extension career as an assistant county agent in Wise County, where he served from 1995-1997. He then transferred to the agriculture and natural resources post in Callahan County before accepting the Taylor County assignment.
Pritz said he is excited to have the opportunity to lead AgriLife Extension programming efforts in the West Region.
“I am eager to learn about the great county efforts across the region as well as build relationships with agriculture and AgriLife Extension stakeholders,” he said.
Pritz has received many awards and recognitions throughout his career. Some of these include honors bestowed through the National Agricultural County Agents Association and the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association. Within these two groups he has garnered distinguished service and achievement awards. He also earned the Grassroot Award from the Texas Section of the Society for Range Management and the Texas Wheat County Agent Award.
