Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has selected a distinguished alumnus as the new head of the Department of Animal Science.
Clay Mathis, Ph.D., whose tenure at Texas A&M begins on October 1, already has a vision for building the department a world-class reputation through an emphasis on modernization and quality undergraduate and graduate programs.
“I’m excited about the opportunity for the department to be even more impactful as we look into the future,” Mathis said, according to AgriLife Today.
Having completed both his bachelor’s in animal science in 1993 and his master’s in the physiology of reproduction in 1995 at Texas A&M University, Mathis is no stranger to the department.
Currently, the department has eight degree programs covering an array of topics in animal science, such as animal behavior, dairy science, equine science, food science and technology, and meat science.
It conducts research in over 15 different fields with a focus on better informing farmers, ranchers, and policymakers on best practices for the agricultural sector.
Mathis’ own research has focused on the factors driving success in the cow-calf business sector, including managerial approaches on the ranch level and best practices for the post-weaning health of beef calves.
Mathis aims to bolster the department’s research initiatives to make it the country’s leading applied research center as well as the go-to place for aspiring students in animal science.
The pathway to achieving this is by leading, inspiring, and empowering the faculty, Mathis asserted.
“Excellence in teaching, research and extension can only be achieved when faculty and staff are engaged, equipped, aligned and supported,” he said.
“I have learned the importance of, and found success by, cultivating a culture of high but reasonable expectations, honest feedback, life balance, mutual respect and genuine trust, which has yielded a very high level of faculty and staff team commitment and extraordinary team results,” he added.
Mathis — who also holds a doctorate in ruminant nutrition from Kansas State University — has held notable positions at the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and New Mexico State University since 2010.
During his tenure at the King Ranch Institute, Mathis expanded the institute’s mission to include research, established a doctoral training program, and developed a new master’s program in ranch management.
In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Mathis is vice-chair of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Beef Quality Assurance Advisory Group and co-chair of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Beef Innovations Hub External Advisory Board. He has served on several committees within the American Society of Animal Science and is a member of several other associations.
Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, expressed enthusiasm for Mathis’ appointment.
“We are very excited to bring Dr. Mathis and his skillset as an educator, researcher and administrator to the Department of Animal Science,” said Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences, according to AgriLife Today. “His leadership will be crucial as Texas A&M continues as the preeminent leader in animal science education and research, nationally and internationally.”
As reported in The Dallas Express, Texas A&M is building a new $350 million campus in Fort Worth and recently hired Kim McCuistion, holder of a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in animal science from Kansas State University, and a doctorate in agriculture from West Texas A&M University, as associate vice chancellor and inaugural director.
The new campus will house the Texas A&M System Research and Innovation Center, where public-private research projects will be conducted.
