Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Administration

College Highlights


November 2024

 2024_Randall_Williams_FFA

Dr. Randall Williams honored with VIP Citation at 97th National FFA Convention & Expo

KINGSVILLE (Nov. 26, 2024) — Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) Professor Emeritus of Agriculture Science Dr. Randall Williams was one of 17 individuals honored with a VIP Citation during the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention & Expo on Oct. 25 in Indianapolis IN.

The VIP Citation honors dedicated individuals who, through their hard work and cooperation, contribute to the FFA mission of student success and whose unwavering commitment has been instrumental in shaping the future leaders of agriculture.  Click here to read more.

 

 

August 2024

 

Click Here for the Fall 2024 Faculty Meeting Presentation.

 

 

July 2024

Walters_Rachel_2024

Texas A&M University-Kingsville graduate student Rachel Walters was selected to attend a two-week workshop conducted by the U.S. National Tick Collection 5th Annual Tick Workshop last month at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia.

Walters, a Master of Science student in Range and Wildlife Science, applied for and was granted an invitation to the workshop, which provided beneficial for her upcoming master’s thesis prescribed fire impacts on ticks and tick-borne diseases in coastal South Texas grasslands.

Click here to read more.

 

June 2024

Kunta_2020

Dr. Madhura Babu Kunta, Texas A&M University-Kingsville research associate professor of horticulture and plant pathology, and his team were selected to have a research article focused on citrus resistant to Huanglongbing (HLB) disease featured as the cover story in Vol. 13, Issue 11 of Plants, an online international semimonthly scientific journal that focuses on fundamental and applied plant science.

The research topic focuses on the genetic composition of three citrus-related plants resistant to HLB chosen for breeding by the research team.

Click here to read more.

 

 

April 2024

 Hoskinson 2024

Texas A&M University-Kingsville Associate Director of Veterinary Technology Christine Hoskinson was recognized as the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) Licensed Veterinary Technician of the Year at their annual conference in Irving, Texas.  Click here to read more.

 

March 2024

 Chris Flores-Lopez

Chris Flores-Lopez (B.S., M.S. 2021) was an undergraduate and graduate student supported by TAMUK's Sustainable Water Use for South Texas grant from the National Science Foundation. Chris interviewed South Texas stakeholders to identify key water resource issues of importance and synthesized these into a unique case study. His paper, published in the Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education in 2022, ranks in the top 10% of papers downloaded since the time of publication. Click here to read the paper.

 
 

 

February 2024

Wildlife_Soc_2024 

The Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society (TWS) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville attended its annual Texas Chapter Conference on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Houston, where it brought home 12 awards and top honors.  Click here to read more.

 
 
 
 

January 2024

Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Ranks #1 for four years straight among all Texas A&M System Regional Universities Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and Conservation Programs in Higher Education Research & Development Expenditures by NSF National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics FYs 2019-2022 report.

Click Here for R&D Expenditures

  

June 2023

USDA awards $20M grant to Texas A&M-Kingsville to prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders

  Mast

Texas A&M University-Kingsville has been awarded a $20 million grant by the United States Department of Agriculture to establish a collaborative, 5-year program that will help Hispanic students learn the skills needed to enter the workforce in an agricultural-related career. It is the largest single grant the university has received in its near 100-year history.

The grant award comes as part of a $262.5 million dollar investment in higher education institutions as part of President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) “From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals Program” will oversee the 33 project partners granted through this effort which are comprised of 1890 Land-grant Universities, 1994 Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSI), Alaska Native-serving and Native Hawaiian-serving Institutions.

Dr. Natasha Mast, associate professor of animal science and ruminant nutrition, is the project director for the grant.

 

 November 2022

  Dr. Bart Ballard received title of Regents Professor from Texas A&M System

Ballard2023

Texas A&M University System Regents named Dr. Bart Ballard, professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, a Regents Professor for 2022-2023.

“I am honored and humbled to receive such a prestigious award and be included in the group of past recipients,” Ballard said. “It is fulfilling to know that my teaching, research, and service have been acknowledged with such accolades.”

Ballard is the department chair of Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences in the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He teaches and conducts research on the ecology and management of birds with a focus on waterfowl and other waterbirds.

 

September 2022

Fall 2022 College Meeting Presentation (Click to Open)

 

August 2022

Texas A&M-Kingsville ranks first for best agribusiness program in the state for 2022.

Texas A&M University - Kingsville sits at the top of a ranking list of 2022 Best Value Agribusiness Schools in Texas according to CollegeFactual.com.

College Factual is a website created to help students discover a college and career they love without debt holding them back, its website states.

Click Here to Read More

 

March 2022

Texas A&M-Kingsville Vet Tech program assists with sea turtle surgeries

Sea-Turtle-Surgery-2022

Texas A&M University-Kingsville students assisted a surgical team with the Texas State Aquarium as they performed surgeries on green sea turtles, Wednesday, March 9, 2022 in the Veterinary Technology facilities on campus.

Click Here to Read More

  

December 2021

Dr. Fidel Hernandez named Regents Professor  

  Fidel-Hernandez-2022

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents recently designated 12 Texas A&M System faculty members and seven agency service, extension or research professionals as Regents Professors and Regents Fellows for 2020-2021.

One of the 12 faculty members is Dr. Fidel Hernandez, Texas A&M University-Kingsville professor in the Department of Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences and the Alfred C. Glassell Jr. Endowed Professor in Quail Research with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute.

Click Here to Read More

 

March 2021

 

Kunta2021

Dr. Madhura Kunta an assistant research professor at the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center received an award to fund research on treatment and control of the citrus greening disease.

Click Here to read about the funding for Dr. Madhura Kunta's research on treatment and control of the citrus greening disease.

   

 

February 2021

TAMUK Professor Dr. Sandra Rideout-Hanzak to receive funding for wildlife podcast.  

A new podcast will shed light on wildlife issues in South Texas. Click Here.

Dr. Sandra Rideout-Hanzak

 

Agricultural Leaders Scholarship Endowment established at Texas A&M University - Kingsville.

Pictured below are donors to the new Agricultural Leaders Scholarship Endowment at Texas A&M University - Kingsville.  Shown from left, are Dr. Mark Hussey, President of Texas A&M University - Kingsville, Tom Best, Glenda Best, Judy Colston and Bill Colston, Jr.

  Ag Leader Scholarship

January 2021 

Texas A&M - Kingsville honors four professors emeriti - including Dr. Fred Bryant and Dr. Tim Fulbright from the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.  Click Here for the article.

 

November 2020

Dr. Scott E. Henke presents 3 new books.

  Henke_Books

  Dr. Scott E. Henke, Regents Professor of Human-Wildlife Interactions and Mammalian Diseases

 

Henke_Books_group

Dr. Shad Nelson, Dean CLAGNR, Dr. Mark Hussey, President TAMUK, Dr. Scott Henke, Chair RWSC, Dr. David Hewitt, Executive Dirctor CKWRI

 

Dr. Scott E. Henke, Chair of the Dept. of Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, presented three new books he authored, in collaboration with his amazing teams of Research Scientists, to Dr. Mark Hussey, President of Texas A&M University - Kingsville.  Dr. David Hewitt, Executive Director of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and Dr. Shad Nelson, Dean of the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, were proud to share this moment to recognize the great resources Dr. Henke provides to enhance wildlife science education.

Book Titles:

American Alligators: Habitats, Behaviors, and Threats (Animal Science, Issues and Research)

Becoming a Wildlife Professional

Aflatoxins and Wildlife: Exposure, Problems, Detection and Control Methods 

 

 

 

Grant helps launch new programs. Click Here to find out more.

October 2020

Celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week 2020 . Click Here to find out more.

We have a New RELLIS Agribusiness program.  Listen to the video as Dr. Roger Hanagriff tells you about the program and how to get started! To read more, click here.

 

September 2020 

 

Free Virtual Symposium on the Future of the Wildlife Enterprise - Click here for information.

 

USDA NRCS - Earth Team Volunteers - Internship UG Program - STEP UP Video

 

 

Novel New Orchard Planting Designs for Sustainable Water Use for Citrus

Citrus Center awarded grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture 

   

Dr. Mamoudou Setamou, Interim Director, TAMUK Citrus Center, Weslaco, TX

The Texas A&M-Kingsville Citrus Center has been awarded over $1,000,000 in grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture to continue imperative citrus research in Weslaco.

 

August 2020

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM

Wildlife Photography

Students in Range and Wildlife Sciences at Texas A&M University-Kingsville can take courses in Wildlife Photography.  Students learn how to take engaging photos that promote wildlife conservation by increasing the public's interest in wildlife and the outdoors.  Student's also learn how to take photographs that document research activities and animal characteristics.  Finally, photography is not only important professionally for wildlifers but, for many, will become a life-long passion that gives them another way to enjoy wildlife.  Click here for more information.

May 2020

Randall DeYoung

CKWRI Research Scientist Randy DeYoung has been selected by The Wildlife Society as a Fellow.  This award recognizes members who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service to our profession. Congratulations! 

 

Turkey Book Turkey_Book_2

The Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is excited to report that Wild Turkeys in Texas, a book from an outstanding team of CKWRI scientists, is available now.

Wild Turkeys in Texas addresses important aspects of wild turkey ecology and management in Texas, but its principles are applicable anywhere Eastern, Rio Grande, or Merriam’s turkeys exist. This book marks the continuation of one of the biggest success stories in the research, restoration, and management of the wild turkey in North America. 

  

April 2020

Small Business Survival Strategies During Coronavirus / Roger Hanagriff / Texas A&M University - Kingsville

March 2020

Students and faculty win big at 56th Texas Chapter of Wildlife Society Awards 

2020 Wildlife Soc Awards

February 2020

Stephen Lukefahr

 Texas A&M - Kingsville Professor to Receive Darwin B. Nelson Distinguished Research Award

Texas A&M-Kingsville Students and Faculty earn awards at Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society competition

 

January 2020

2020 Spring Faculty & Staff College Meeting

December 2019

First-ever Photographic Guide for South Texas Sand Sheet Vegetation Now Available

November 2019

Veterinary Technology program assists Texas State Aquarium with surgery on Green Sea Turtles

VetTech Turtles

September 2019

Texas A&M-Kingsville receives $5 million from NSF to establish Sustainable Water Use center

Texas Native Seeds receives $2 million in support of continued work

August 2019

King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management - receives $19 million gift.

King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management hosted the John B. Armstrong Lectureship on Systems Thinking in Ranching, August 12-15th.

July 2019

USDA-NRCS Student Summer Program - Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources together with the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

May 2019

Kelley Wood earns the 1st Wildlife Photography Certificate

Kelley Wood

South Texas Native Seeds led by Forrest Smith in Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute receive the Texas Environmental Excellence Award by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

South Texas Natives

April 2019

Agriculture Mechanics Show

TAMUK Rodeo Team wins the Calf Scramble at the 2019 Buc Days Rodeo.

TAMUK Rodeo Team

The soils team in the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences place in the Top 10 in a Team Soil Pit Competition at California Polytechnic State University.

TAMUK Soils Team

Dr. Michael Tewes on Ocelot Reserve.

Dr. Michael Tewes

March 2019

Texas A&M University - Kingsville (TAMUK) Rangeland Management and Ecology Program receives initial accreditation by the Society for Range Management (SRM).

2019 Ag Olympics

From Path to Plate >> Learn more in the video below.

  Texas Native Seeds receives the 2019 Texas Environmental Excellence Award

The King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management hosted 48 ranchers at the Managing Farm and Ranch Employees lectureship in Kissimmee, Florida, February 21-22, 2019. This lectureship was held in partnership with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation.


 

Two faculty members received major awards. Dr. David B. Wester, professor, received the Educator of the Year award and Dr. Bart Ballard, professor and C. Berdon and Rolannette Lawrence Endowed Chair in Waterfowl Research, was made an Honorary Life Member.

    

February 2019

Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society, 73rd Annual Meeting. Read More.

Citrus Center Winter Festival

Queen Citrianna, Victoria Silva  John Watson (Citrus Center Farm Superintendent) with visitors
  Queen Citrianna, Victoria Silva  John Watson (Citrus Center Farm Superintendent) with visitors

Dr. Veronica Ancona, explaining how to recognize and control citrus diseases  Visitors sampling new varieties
Dr. Veronica Ancona, explaining how to recognize; Visitors sampling new varieties
; and control citrus diseases.

King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management - Preserve America's Ranching Heritage

Dr. Alfonso "Poncho" Ortega's new book entitled: Wildlife Ecology and Management in Mexico  read more

   

King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management - Ranch Management Graduate Student Networking Opportunities

Recruiting future Javelinas!

Skidmore-Tynan High School on Campus

 

Tuloso-Midway Career Day, Gregory-Portland

Dean, Dr. Shad Nelson recruiting for the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences and Dean, Dr. Natalya Delcoure recruiting for the College of Business Administration.

January 2019

TAMUK's student chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America received the Chapter of the Year Award

Citrus Center Winter Festival

Spring 2019 College Meeting Presentation

Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences students gain valuable career experience through USDA partnerships

December 2018

Dr. Randall Williams named Regents Professor

Texas Hispanic Farmer and Rancher Conference

Processed Meats Product Show

Texas A&M AgriLife Research Vegetable Field Day

November 2018

Dr. Mani Skaria - Citrus scientist providing faster-growing citrus trees with micro-budding

USDA-NRCS Soil Scientists Prepares Students for Regional Soils Contest

2018 BBQ Cook-Off Winners

October 2018

Citrus Center Honors Dr. Steven Tallant for his Outstanding Leadership and Support

  Citrus Center Honors Dr. Steven Tallant  Citrus Center award speech Dr. Steven Tallant and Citrus Center group photo

Wildlife Photography Classes

Texas A&M University-Kingsville Making a Difference through (NIFA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture

King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management - Horse Program Success Symposium

TAMUK Soil Judging Team takes 1st Place Team Competition and 3rd Place Overall

Vet Tech Week

September 2018

USDA Student Internship Presentation

August 2018

Fall 2018 College Meeting Presentation

July 2018

Iliana Rodriguez, a former student, spent Two Months in Uganda Inspire: 25 Reasons to Return.

May 2018

Drs. Tanner Machado and Rick Machen hosted the Texas Beef Council's Pasture to Plate Program Event.

Veterinary Technology Pinning Ceremony - Seventeen veterinary technology students received commemorative pins during the first annual Veterinary Technology (VETT) Oath Ceremony and Reception on Friday, May 18th.  Watch the video below:

Foundation Announces the John M. Howard Agricultural Science Scholarship Endowment

Yolanda Ballard, Assistant Director of Administration for the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute was given the "Bringer of Light" award.

April 2018

2018 A&M-Kingsville Junior Agricultural Mechanics Show

2018 Marc Cisneros Center for Young Children Easter Egg Hunt

Dr. Ben Turner in collaborative research with partners in New Mexico on Effects of Climate Change on Communally Managed Water Systems Softened by Shared Effort

Dr. Steven "Boot" Chumbley and Ag Mechanics help Boy Scouts earn welding merit badges.

February 2018

George Chavarria with Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture during the 'National Ag Day' celebration held at the USDA building in Washington, DC

72nd Annual Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society Meeting at Rio Farms, Inc. in Monte Alto, TX, February 9th

TAMUK Wildlife Society receives an award from the National Wild Turkey Federation, as Best New Chapter.  This award has never been received by other universities.

January 2018

King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, at Texas A&M University-Kingsville has only a master's program for Ranch Management in the world.  Watch KRIS 6 News report below:

Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and Texas Natives receive grant money for Monarch Butterfly and Native Plant Habitat Restoration Project

King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management received grant money for student scholarships

Dr. Kathleen Rees, President of the Textiles and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC).  The Fashion Merchandising program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville holds the distinction of being the very first program in the nation to become an Affiliate Member of TAPAC.

Spring 2018 College Meeting Presentation

November 2017

Dr. Bart Ballard winner of the 2017 Conservation & Environmental Stewardship Award

Dr. Bart Ballard and Ph.D. student, Jay VonBank are collaborating with the University of Missouri on research on greater white-fronted geese.

October 2017

Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Range and Wildlife Society team takes 5th Place in International Quiz Bowl

Texas A&M University-Kingsville signs Memorandum of Agreement with Texas A&M University Vet School

Wildlife Society helping clean up efforts in Refugio

September 2017

Drs. Shad Nelson and Benjamin Turner (pictured below) travel to Israel and Jordan to attend the International Arid Lands Consortium.  Official bio on His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talai

CARACAL Summary Report - Texas A&M University-Kingsville 2017 Interns: Claire McReynolds, Taylor Shirley, and Sarah Garza

August 2017

Fall 2017 College Meeting Presentation

USDA Weekly Update featuring Jaclyn Robles and Taylor Shedd

Dr. Lenny Brennan honored by quail group for quail science achievements

June 2017

$1 million endowment honoring Mr. Clarence F. "Dick" Schendel

Human Sciences, Fashion Merchandising ranking #46 Nationally

Central/South Texas Beef Council visits Texas A&M Kingsville meats lab - see video below.

May 2017

TAMU-K Citrus Center 2017 Texas Environmental Excellence Award Winner

March 2017

TAMU-K Citrus Center - Texas Project for Ag Water Efficiency: Citrus

Texas A&M-Kingsville Wildlife Society brings home trophy number 13

February 2017

Dr. Fred C. Bryant receives the Sustained Lifetime Achievement Award

Javelina Rodeo Team Hosts College Championship Rodeo - See KIII-TV 3 link

Dr. David Hewitt, Named Director of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

January 2017

USDA Announces $8.8 million Available to Support Agriculture Programs at Hispanic Serving Institutions

Spring 2017 College Meeting

November 2016

Human Sciences Department, Family and Consumer Sciences Program ranked 14th among 50 programs in the nation.

Dr. Scott Henke received Student Chapter Advisor of the Year award

Dr. Fred Bryant and Stephen "Tio" Kleberg to be inducted into 2017 Texas Conservation Hall of Fame

October 2016

Dr. Mamoudou Setamou, featured on the cover of J. Economic Entomology.

Dr. Leonard Brennan, Honored as Fellow of Ornithologist's Union (AOU)

Funding Announcement for Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

August 2016

Fall 2016 College Meeting Presentation

USDA Directors Visit Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center

Rising Star Recipient Dr. Veronica Ancona-Contreras

Morgan Rosenbaum, first veterinary technician intern in Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) relationship with TAMU-K students and STEP UP Program (See YouTube video below) 

April 2016

CKWRI receives the Conservation and Stewardship Award

Listen to an MP3 of the "Texas Wildlife Radio Show"

March 2016

Drs. Allen Rasmussen and David Wester win rangeland awards

Dr. Fidel Hernandez to receive Professional Conservationist of the Year Award

Wildlife Society receives Chapter of the Year award

February 2016

Dr. Allen Rasmussen receives Fellow Award from the Society of Range Management

Javelina Rodeo Team Host College Championship Rodeo

January 2016

Spring 2016 College Meeting Presentation

December 2015

Dr. Randall Williams, Recipient of the 2015 Chancellor's Academy of Teacher Educators Award

November 2015

Wildlife Society wins Outstanding Chapter in North America award

August 2015

Fall 2015 College Meeting Presentation

June 2015

Regents Professor Dr. Steven Lukefahr assists in rebuilding rabbit farms destroyed in Nepal tremor

May 2015

Faculty and Staff Receive End-of-Year Recognitions

March 2015

Dr. Shad D. Nelson, receives the 2015 Blue Legacy Award in Agriculture, by Texas State Water Conservation Advisory Council.

February 2015

Dr. Greta Schuster receives the 2014 Chancellor's Academy of Teacher Educators award.

Congratulations to Onelisa Garza! She has been selected by the USDA to attend the 2015 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum.  She is one of 30 students funded to attend on February 17-20, 2015 in Crystal City, VA.

January 2015

Spring 2015 College Meeting Presentation

October 2014

Dr. Timothy Fulbright receives the Charles Weddle Award at the Native Plant Society of Texas Annual Awards Banquet.

March 2014

Dr. Fidel Hernandez named 2014 Fulbright Scholar

February 2014

Citrus Center team members receive USDA Administrator's Award

Wildlife Society students and faculty bring home awards from state meeting

August 2013

Fall 2013 College Meeting Presentation

July 2013

Dr. Seung Bong Ko has garment accepted for the 104th Annual Conference contest

Willey, Scott A., K.J. Matheney, L.W. Pierce, P.W. Shackelford, and R.H. Williams. 2013. An Analysis of the Multi-County New Land Owner Educational Program with a Primary Focus on Weed and Brush Control/Soil Fertility Concerning Adoption of Best Management Practices, Environmental and Economic Impacts.  Texas County Agricultural Agents Association Meeting. Horseshoe Bay, Marble Falls, TX. July 28-31, 2013. 1stPlace Poster Contest Winner.  Read more>>

June 2013

Fashion Merchandising program puts Texas A&M-Kingsville in top rankings

May 2013

Dr. Randall Williams receives the 2013 Prestigious Piper Professor Award from the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation

February 2013

Dr. Fidel Hernandez, honored by LULAC Council 1