Dear Friends and Alumni:

     I bring you greetings from the Sam Houston State University Agricultural Sciences Department.
     
      Much has happened since our last newsletter, most of which I am happy to report has been good. Scattered throughout this edition of Agri News you will find updates on new construction projects, student achievement, faculty changes and accomplishments, alumni news, and much more. Enrollment remains strong. Approximately 550 students are majoring in agriculture at SHSU. The 1998 report from the Food and Agricultural Education Information System shows that Sam Houston State University ranks 15th in the nation among non-land grant institutions in terms of student enrollment in the agricultural sciences.

     I feel certain that the quality of our faculty and academic programs coupled with the opportunities we offer our students to develop leadership and interpersonal skills through participation in departmental clubs and organizations play an important role in our success. But I know too that the reputation for professional excellence enjoyed by our graduates and your frequent recommendation for potential students to take a look at us are critical factors that contribute to the desire of students to pursue their academic careers here. In his comments to the faculty of the College of Education and Applied Science at the start of the Fall 1999 semester, Dean Kenneth Craycraft said, "the Department of Agricultural Sciences has the highest retention rate of all the academic departments on this campus." I am very proud of that, and I know that each member of this faculty and staff does his or her level best to provide a superior learning experience for our students while encouraging them to gain the communication and social skills they will need to be successful in the world beyond our walls.

     I cannot express to you what a joy and pleasure it has been working with the officers and board members of the Agriculture Alumni Association this past year. They are really going the extra mile to support this program and we appreciate it immensely. To close, we will not rest on our laurels. There is work to be done and we are actively engaged in activities that will help us climb even higher in the rankings. As always, we need and appreciate your support. I hope you enjoy reading the newsletter, and by all means, let us hear from you.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Lane
Professor and Chair