EDE Copy - Our Agencies

Click each button to learn about the agency/college and their leadership.

Cliff Lamb, Ph.D. Director

Agency Leadership

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is the leading research and technology development agency in Texas for agriculture, natural resources and the life sciences. Research's discoveries yield economic, environmental and health benefits that are key to the state’s success and vital to the lives of its citizens. AgriLife Research ranks among the top U.S. agricultural research entities with more than 500 initiatives each year in agriculture, natural resources and life sciences. Their statewide research presence is headquartered in College Station — a central hub for collaboration with scientists and research staff at Texas A&M University System campuses and 13 regional Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Centers across Texas.

Amy Swinford, D.V.M. Director

Agency Leadership

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) tests thousands of specimens from clients across Texas, in neighboring states, and around the world every business day, helping protect the health of livestock, poultry, companion animals, exotic animals, racing animals and wildlife. Veterinarians, animal owners, animal industries and government agencies depend on TVMDL’s globally recognized expertise for early detection and control of diseases. Accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, TVMDL is a Level 1 laboratory in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, a group of laboratories designed to provide a nationwide surge-testing, response and recovery capacity in the event of an animal disease outbreak. Over its history, TVMDL has played a critical role in recognizing and containing outbreaks of anthrax, avian influenza, chronic wasting disease, equine piroplasmosis and many other economically devastating animal diseases.

Rick Avery, Ph.D. Director

Agency Leadership

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is a unique education agency that provides programs, tools and resources on a local and statewide level that teach people improved agriculture and food production, advanced health practices, environmental protection, economic and youth programs. With 250 county offices serving Texans in all 254 counties, county Extension Agents serve families, youth, communities and businesses throughout the state. All of Extension's programs provide objective, practical and science-based information in conjunction with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D. Vice Chancellor and Dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences

Leadership

Agriculture and the life sciences have been integral parts of Texas A&M University since its founding in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. We are continuing that legacy through the students we educate and the scientific advancements we discover. From long-established programs, such as agronomy and animal science, to newer ones, such as forensics and spatial sciences, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is widely recognized as a leader in dozens of academic disciplines.

Al Davis Director

Agency Leadership

Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) is the leader in forestry for Texas and the nation. They work to ensure the state’s forests, trees and related natural resources are conserved and continue to provide a sustainable flow of environmental and economic benefits. TAMFS is also the incident management agency for state disasters such as wildfires, flooding and hurricanes. Forest Service delivers wildfire response and protection through the Texas Wildfire Protection Plan (TWPP). TWPP is a tested and proven emergency response model emphasizing ongoing analysis, mitigation, prevention and preparation, followed by a coordinated and rapid response. With legislative support, they are working to expand the plan, increasing the number of personnel and emergency response resources throughout the state.

Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D. Vice Chancellor and Dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences

Leadership

Texas A&M AgriLife includes four state agencies and one college within Texas A&M University and brings together the components of The Texas A&M University System focused on agriculture and life sciences. This assembly creates the largest comprehensive agriculture program nationally and empowers each individual unit to provide stronger support to the state of Texas through increased cooperation with others.