Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications

Department Head:  Dr. Stacy K. Vincent

Interim Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Programs:  Dr. Tim Murphy

The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications (ALEC) includes a student-centered faculty and staff offering undergraduate degrees leading to professional careers. Using a blend of asynchronous and synchronous courses, our programs offer a unique combination of practical, hands-on experiences and critical people skills required for success in today’s fast-paced careers. Upon graduation, our students are uniquely equipped for leadership, education, communications, and training roles in the broad field of agricultural education and human performance in both domestic and international settings.

We offer three Bachelor of Science degrees: Agricultural Communications and Journalism, Agricultural Education, and Agricultural Leadership and Development; and five minors: Agricultural Communications and Journalism, Extension Education, International Agricultural Development, Leadership, and Youth Development.

Degree Programs

Agricultural Communications and Journalism (AGCJ)

This program prepares the student to work in writing, broadcasting, public relations, and multimedia communications. Students in this program will complete courses in writing, editing, and basic digital design. Courses include professional skills in the areas of social media, scientific writing, journalism, magazine production, photography, public relations, and multimedia content creation.

Agricultural Leadership and Development (ALED)

This program prepares the student to work with people involved in agriculture and life sciences and other related fields. Students in this program will complete courses in personal and organizational leadership, ethics, and leading change. Specialized courses include courses such as team leadership, leading volunteers, and agricultural extension-related courses.

Agricultural Education (AGED)

This program prepares the student for a degree and teacher certification in Agricultural Food and Natural Resources (AFNR Grades 6-12). Students in this program will study agricultural content areas, educational technologies, instructional design, and program planning in agricultural education. The program is aimed at creating high-quality secondary agricultural education teachers. Program graduates can succeed in agricultural education careers as well as industry careers.

For more information about each of our programs, visit the specific majors tab or visit the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication website.


Degree Minors

We offer five minors to complement a student's degree. Each minor provides our students with foundational knowledge and concepts required for success in future careers. Careers may include communication specialists, extension educators, developers of youth programs and students seeking positions as leaders in domestic or international settings.  

  • Agricultural Communications and Journalism (AGCJ)
  • Extension Education (EXED)
  • International Agricultural Development (IDAG)
  • Leadership (LDAG)
  • Youth Development (YDEV)

For more information on each minor, visit the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication website.

Briers, Gary E, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Iowa State University, 1978

Culbertson, Avery, Instructional Assistant Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, University of Florida, 2013

Elbert, Chanda D, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, The Pennsylvania State University, 2000

Elliot, Jack, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Ohio State University, 1988

Hamner, Tanya, Assistant Professor Of The Practice
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
MFA, Academy of Art University, 2018

Harlin, Julie F, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Oklahoma State University, 1999

Herbert, Bruce E, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, University of California at Riverside, 1992

Leggette, Holli R, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2013

Lepley, Toby L, Visiting Lecturer
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2003

Lockett, Landry L, Senior Lecturer
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2007

Lund, Randy S, Instructional Assistant Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M Univeristy, 2022

Moore, Lori L, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, University of Florida, 2003

Murphrey, Theresa P, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1997

Murphy, Timothy H, Senior Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1995

Nelson, Chad E, Instructional Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2019

Odom, Summer Felton, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2011

Parish, Shannon Louise Norris, Assistant Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2020

Preston, Tammie M, Instructional Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2014

Quijada Landaverde, Rafael Antonio, Assistant Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, The Ohio State University, 2022

Ripley, Jeff P, Visiting Professor of the Practice
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2008

Rotter, Craig A, Lecturer
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2004

Saunders, Clint, Professor Of The Practice
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
MS, Texas Tech University, 2002

Spears, Allyson, Instructional Assistant Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2025

Strong, Jennifer R, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Oklahoma State University, 2007

Strong, Robert L, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, University of Florida, 2010

Stutts, Erin, Assistant Professor Of The Practice
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
MED, Texas A&M University, 2004

Vincent, Stacy Kendall, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, University of Missouri-Columbia, 2010

Wang, Jun, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Colorado State University, 2013

Wingenbach, Gary, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Iowa State University, 1995

Xu, Zhihong, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2020