Program Review for

Agribusiness

2003-2004 Recommendations

 

 

 

I.                   Strengths:

 

  1. Well-qualified, dedicated faculty member who remains current with knowledge and skills.

 

  1. Cultural needs of students are met by developing specific skills for the region that can be applied to the international arena.  There are several foreign students in the program.

 

  1. Focused training has led to international job opportunities.

 

  1. Students receive a strong background in research and statistics and are able to apply their knowledge to work situations.

 

  1. Distance learning via TTVN is used with students a PVAMU, WTAMU, Pan Am.

 

II.                Weaknesses:

 

  1. The program needs an additional faculty member as a replacement.

 

  1. More funding is needed for the general budget, recruitment, faculty travel, and scholarships.

 

  1. The newest comprehensive exam policy is now in place but needs to be implemented with the next graduating student.

 

  1. Graduate student numbers are low but are increasing.

 

III.             Recommendations:

 

  1. Hire another faculty member as a needed replacement.

 

  1. Provide more funding for the program.  Specific requests will be incorporated in the IEP reports. 

 

  1. Begin implementation of the program’s comprehensive examination policy. 

 

  1. Continue use of distance learning as a way to increase student numbers, and increase efforts to recruit internationally. 

 

Program recommended for continuation.

 

Note: As Texas A&M University-Kingsville becomes a greater presence in the international community this program has the potential to meet the needs of a high number of foreign students.

 

 

 

Dean’s Comments

Some Observations concerning the Agribusiness graduate program

July 26, 2004

 

  1. A faculty vacancy in Agribusiness has been filled with Barry Dunn, a professor of Ranch Management.  Ranch Management is not identical to Agribusiness but it is similar.  Additionally, a search is underway to fill a third position in Natural Resource Economics, another similar discipline.  Both positions carry significant administrative responsibilities so teaching assignments are limited.   Both positions are being filled with experienced personnel.
  2. The shift in disciplinary emphasis, from traditional Agribusiness to Ranch Management and Natural Resource Economics, is in response to industry trends.   Adapting to shifting industry needs is a positive program attribute which should be reflected in the program review. 
  3. The newly formed King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management is closely associated with the Agribusiness program.  Formation of this new Institute is expected to significantly strengthen the Agribusiness program.  The King Ranch Institute is well funded and has a new endowment of approximately $7.3 million (pledged plus received funds).  This institute has received significant positive national attention.   Two new agribusiness graduate students will be enrolled Fall 2004 as a result of KRIRM funding.  Within two years we expect to maintain a standing enrollment of four graduate students in the KRIRM program.   Additional students may be attracted to the Agribusiness program as a result of the increasing programmatic strength generated for the Institute.
  4. The Natural Resource Economics position includes a ¼ FTE research appointment in the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute.  This joint appointment brings an exciting new dimension (and new resources) to both programs. 

 

Outcome and Assessment Report

Agribusiness

February 24, 2005

 

  1. Hire a new faculty.
    1. A faculty vacancy in Agribusiness has been filled with Barry Dunn, a professor of Ranch Management.  Ranch Management is not identical to Agribusiness but it is similar. 
    2. The shift in disciplinary emphasis, from traditional Agribusiness to Ranch Management and Natural Resource Economics, is in response to industry trends.  
  2. Provide increased funding.
    1. The King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management has increased the endowment to $8.2 million (pledged plus received funds).  This is an increase of $0.5 million since the last report in July 2004.  This institute has received significant positive national attention.   Two agribusiness graduate students were enrolled in Fall 2004 as a result of KRIRM funding.  Currently two additional students are being recruited to start this fall 2005 and funding will obtained to start 4 more students in the fall of 2006. 
    2. The Natural Resource Economics position includes a ¼ FTE research appointment in the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute.  This joint appointment brings an exciting new dimension (and new resources) to both programs.  A search and been completed and an offer has been made to a candidate for this position.
  3. A student has not reached the point to take the comprehensive exam.
  4. The use of TTVN and recruiting international students will continue to be emphasized in the future.