Dear Friends:

Like everyone else these days we are immersed in a whirlwind of change around the university and within the department. Dr. Bobby K. Marks, University President, has announced his retirement, effective August 2001. Dr. Ken Craycraft, former Dean of the College of Education and Applied Science, moved into a new position as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academics in the Texas State University System (our system) in Austin. Dr. Carl Harris, our former Dean has replaced him on an interim basis while the national search for his replacement is being conducted. We recently completed two national searches for new faculty members to replace Dr. David Moorman, who retired last May and Dr. Jim Casey, who took a permanent faculty position at California State University - Fresno.

We are constantly reviewing our curriculum, seeking feedback from alums and industry representatives in order to prepare our graduates for the many changes that will face them in their lifetimes. This summer we are offering two courses in international agriculture. That in itself is not so new, but this is our first time to teach them on foreign soil (Puebla, Mexico). What a great experience that will be for both our faculty and students.

Our student body continues to expand with about 570 now declaring agriculture as a major at Sam Houston State University. This is the largest number of agriculture majors at SHSU in the past 30 years. Career opportunities have never been better for our graduates, regardless of their field of concentration.

Speaking of our students, over 150 of them will represent our department and university at various state and national conferences, competitive events, exhibitions or recruiting activities throughout the academic year. We are so thankful for the support you provide for these activities. I am very proud of the leadership role our students take, both on and off campus. Amanda Kimbrell, Junior Agricultural Sciences Major, was elected as Sam Houston State University Student Body President this past spring, the second Agriculture major to do so in three years.

The SHSU Agriculture Alumni Association is making great strides under the current leadership. Membership is at an all-time high and the faculty and staff are elated over the support the Ag Alumni Association is providing the department. This newsletter is partly the result of that support. I hope you enjoy it. Come see us when you can.

Best wishes,
Bobby Lane