Howdy,

As a first-generation college student, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development with an emphasis in Leadership, and later a Master of Science in Agricultural Education with a focus on Economic and Rural Development meant more to me than simply earning degrees. It represented an opportunity that changed the course of my life and ultimately led me to a career devoted to strengthening communities through economic development. The education I received provided more than technical knowledge; it taught me how to lead, build relationships, solve complex problems and serve others.

One of the things I remember most about entering the department were the people who welcomed me. The first person I met was Charlene Boggus, whose kindness immediately made me feel like I belonged and had found a home. She introduced me to Dr. Gary Briers, who would later serve on my master’s committee, and like so many others who have the privilege of knowing him, I quickly found a mentor and friend whom I still converse with every time I am on campus. Dr. Briers then introduced me to Dr. Chris Townsend, who became my undergraduate advisor and a true trusted mentor. Looking back, those relationships were just as important as anything I learned in the classroom. They believed in me, challenged me to grow and demonstrated the kind of leadership I have tried to emulate throughout my career.

Agricultural Leadership is fundamentally about understanding people, resources and complex systems, then bringing those pieces together to create meaningful progress. It’s how the department builds champions of agriculture, leaders who carry that mindset into whatever field they enter, and it is exactly what economic development requires. Every day I work with municipalities, businesses, universities, state agencies and elected officials to solve challenges, identify opportunities and build consensus around projects that improve communities. Whether negotiating multimillion-dollar development/incentive agreements, addressing how to pay for infrastructure needs or aligning diverse stakeholders behind a common vision, I draw on the leadership principles I first learned through my education.

Being a first-generation college student also shaped how I approach leadership. I understand the value of opportunity because I have experienced the impact it can have on a person’s life. That perspective has made me a collaborative leader who believes in investing in people, mentoring others and helping to create opportunities for future generations. Those values have guided me throughout my career.

My professional journey has taken me across Texas, Louisiana and Washington, D.C., serving in executive leadership positions, working as a legislative liaison for the sorghum industry, and now leading economic development initiatives. Throughout each of those roles, the lessons I learned through this department, one built to grow champions of agriculture, have remained constant. This department emphasizes the Aggie Core Values: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service, qualities that continue to influence how I lead organizations, work with elected officials, support existing businesses, recruit new investment and pursue long-term economic prosperity for rural communities.

When I reflect on my career, I can clearly see the lasting influence of my education: it opened doors that I never imagined possible as a first-generation college student and it gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities that have allowed me to make a meaningful difference in the communities that I work with. More importantly, it introduced me to many incredible people, from my spouse of 27 years, Dr. Susan Watson, Dr. Briers, both Joe and Chris Townsend, and so many, many others. And most importantly, I saw a change in generational struggle when I attended my oldest daughter’s Aggie graduation. I am looking forward to attending my youngest daughter’s Aggie graduation next year.

For all of these reasons, I remain deeply grateful for ALEC and for the faculty, both past and present. It has also been a privilege to give back by serving on the ALEC Advancement Board, where I have had the opportunity to support the continued growth of a program that has had such a profound impact on my life and career. Serving alongside faculty, former students and industry leaders has only deepened my appreciation for the department’s commitment to developing champions of agriculture, future leaders who carry this department’s values into every field they choose. The lessons I learned there continue to shape my decisions, my leadership and my commitment to creating sustainable economic growth and stronger communities.

Sincerely,

Ray Watson '98

Member, ALEC Advancement Board

Partner, US Consults

We want to celebrate that impact and see where your ALEC journey has taken you. Submit a photo of yourself at work and tell us how you're championing agriculture. Your story may be featured in a future newsletter or shared across our digital channels.

Have a story to share?

Fill out the form below. Please reach out to Jada Trosper, who coordinates our Champions in Agriculture spotlights, at jada.trosper@ag.tamu.edu if you have any questions.

Science Influencers program caps five years of impact

The Science Influencers program, directed by Dr. Holli Leggette, marked five years of turning undergraduates into confident science communicators. Since its USDA-funded launch, the program has trained cohort after cohort of students to translate research into stories the public can actually use across blogs, video and social media, proof of what ALEC does best: helping people find their voice.

Bielecki '12 '15 honored as Outstanding Early Career Alumnus

Dr. Christopher Bielecki '12 '15 earned the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' Outstanding Early Career Alumni Award for his work in agricultural diplomacy. As agricultural counselor at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, Nigeria, Bielecki has represented U.S. agriculture from Washington, D.C., to China, Kazakhstan and Nigeria, helping open a $30 million ethanol market and manage more than $130 million in food security programs. His doctorate came from ALEC, and his career shows just how far that training travels.

Save the date: ALEC tailgate

Join us for an exciting Fightin' Texas Aggie game day tailgate! Come enjoy delicious food, great company and plenty of spirit when we gather to cheer on the Aggies as they take on the University of Tennessee. Bring your family, friends and enthusiasm for a fun-filled day of football. Gig 'em!

Sexton '27 named Peer Mentor of the Year

Savay Sexton '27, an agricultural leadership and development major, was named Texas A&M's Peer Mentor of the Year, chosen from 612 peer mentors campuswide. Sexton has spent the past two years mentoring first-year students in AGLS 125, and her instructor, Lisa Whittlesey, said her dedication was "among the best ... I have ever experienced with students or employees."

Landaverde and McCord earn top research honor

Dr. Rafael Landaverde and graduate student Sarah McCord received the Outstanding Oral Research Presentation of the Year award at the AI in Agricultural and Natural Resources Conference, held this year at North Carolina State University.

2026 ALEC Apex Award recipients

Congratulations to this year's Apex Award recipients, recognized for outstanding achievement across our undergraduate and graduate programs.

Agricultural Communications and Journalism: Naomi Sell, Outstanding Freshman; Ellie Hert, Outstanding Sophomore; Ally Beth Means, Outstanding Junior; Sydney Van Cleave, Outstanding Student

Agricultural Education: Riley Stokes, Outstanding Freshman; Jacob Story, Outstanding Sophomore; Madison Parrish, Outstanding Junior; Campbell Kuryk, Outstanding Student

Agricultural Leadership and Development: Mary Elizabeth Bone, Outstanding Freshman; Wilson Winchester, Outstanding Sophomore; Jaxon Rasco, Outstanding Junior; Savay Sexton, Outstanding Student

Graduate Awards: Khalilur Rahman Faysal, Outstanding Presentation; Emmanuel Okolo, Outstanding Refereed Article; Hailey Browning Lacour, Outstanding Teaching; Dr. Shuai Ma, Outstanding Researcher; Rilee Wood, Outstanding Thesis; Dr. Karissa Palmer, Outstanding Dissertation

The strength of ALEC comes from a community that chooses to stay engaged. Whether you’re interested in mentoring students, advising programs, partnering with faculty or supporting scholarships, your involvement helps shape the next generation of agricultural leaders.

I'd love to hear from you. Please reach out, and we can discuss ways for you to get involved. 

Dr. Stacy Vincent

Department Head

stacy.vincent@ag.tamu.edu

About the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications

The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications at Texas A&M University prepares leaders of character dedicated to serving the greater good. Through teaching, research and Extension, the department develops leaders who champion agriculture by connecting leadership, communication and education to the challenges and opportunities shaping agriculture today.

aglifesciences.tamu.edu | alec.tamu.edu

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