Sunday, November 4, 2007
8-4
Catching the Next Wave: Recruiting new Aggies.
Scott Stanislav, Soil & Crop Science Department, Texas A&M University - Agronomy Club, 370 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843
The Texas A&M Agronomy Society recognizes the need to be proactive in recruiting new students to the agronomic professions. In a time of declining enrollments in agriculture programs and a growing ignorance among consumers as to where and how their foods are produced it is critical that bright new minds are attracted to our disciplines to sustain an agro-industry that is second to none. Our club members are involved in several activities designed to inform potential students of the rewarding careers available to them in the agronomic sciences. We are very active in promoting our department each spring semester through participation in a university-wide event known as Aggieland Saturday. This is a one-day event when incoming students and their parents can meet and interact with students and faculty from prospective departments of interest. Our club has been a core supporter in developing and showcasing displays for this event and in having representatives present to explain various options and programs available within our department. To catch an even younger wave, we have developed an “outreach program” that our members take to secondary schools, 4H meetings, etc. to plant the idea that there are challenging and rewarding careers in the agronomic disciplines available to students from a wide range of backgrounds.