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.
“This honor is the pinnacle of a 44-year professional career of teaching at the high school, community college, and university levels,” Williams said. “Being recognized as a VIP by an organization that I've spent 63 years associated with is the ultimate honor of the many awards and recognitions that I've accumulated through those decades of service. I always tried to remember that my students were not there because of me, but rather that I was there because of them. Following that mantra was what allowed me to stay focused on my service to those who were in front of me.”
“Besides the external acclamations, it has brought me great satisfaction and intrinsic rewards, and I'd like to thank my colleagues and peers, and especially all of my former students that honored me by attending my classes,” Williams added. “It has been a pleasure working with and serving all of you, TAMUK, and the FFA Organization.”
Williams began at TAMUK as an associated professor in the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in 1990 and spent time as a Professor of Agriculture Sciences and Interim Chair of the Department of Agronomy and Resource Sciences.
While at TAMUK, Williams left his mark as he received numerous accolades before retiring in 2020.
In 2013, Williams was the recipient of the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation Piper Professor of 2013 Award, naming him as a Piper Professor. It is an award given to just 10 individuals per year in the state of Texas.
In 2016, Williams was inducted into the Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators (CATE).
Williams also was named a Regents Professor by the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) for the 2017-18 year.
Following his retirement, Williams would be designated as Professor Emeritus by the TAMUS in May 2021 and would enter the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hall of Honor in 2024.
“Dr. Randall Williams is a legend in Agriculture Science education in the state of Texas,” said Dr. Shad Nelson, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Dr. Williams is a student advocate and tends to not just be recognized by others for the great years of works, but he knows each student he has served extremely well. To the point that he remembers where they come from and where they currently are working, and their influence in furthering agriculture science and education throughout Texas. Dr. Williams is a giant of a man with a tremendous sized heart for the success of students.
“There are few professors at TAMUK that have or will have graduated more Graduate Masters students than Dr. Williams, not to mention the undergrad students he has influenced,” Nelson added. “This recognition by the FFA at the National level is a spotlight on a life well lived in the service to the students of TAMUK. Extremely well deserved.”
While at TAMUK, Williams graduated and certified 298 as Agriculture Science Teachers into the Texas Public Schools System, and he chaired the Graduate Committees of 258 Master of Science graduates. He was the author, or co-author of 17 publications, and garnered over $310,000 in grant funding.
Williams also was dedicated to and garnered recognition from outside organizations such as the FFA and Texas County Agriculture Agents’ Association (TCAAA). He also served on the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas (ATAT) Board of Directors for four years and was honored with an ATAT Lifetime Membership Award in July 2020.
“The 30-year career that I had at Texas A&M University-Kingsville was the final plateau that afforded me the real opportunities to serve not only our university students, but also to serve the Texas FFA Association at the state level, and ultimately, at the National FFA Organization level,” Williams said.
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