The Department of Agricultural Economics in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences marked a major milestone with its first South Texas agricultural economics program graduates in McAllen.
Dina Santiago and Diego Chapa, who participated in May commencement ceremonies in Bryan-College Station, are the first graduates in the program designed to address the region’s need for professionals trained in economic analysis, sustainability and agribusiness.
The mission of the agricultural economics program, launched in 2022 at the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen, is to serve South Texas through high-impact and regionally relevant education.
“This program is not just an extension of our College; it’s a strategic anchor in South Texas,” said Rudy Nayga, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Bryan-College Station. “We want our students to serve, innovate and lead in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.”
Student education unique to South Texas agriculture
The South Texas program offers a unique blend of classroom instruction and experiential learning focused on the Rio Grande Valley’s economic and agricultural landscape. Students participate in research projects, internships, industry engagement and policy discussions with real-world applications.
“The success of our first graduates is a testament to the program’s relevance and the dedication of our faculty,” said Samuel Zapata, Ph.D., associate professor at the McAllen Center. “We’re preparing students to tackle the economic challenges unique to South Texas agriculture.”
The agricultural economics program at the McAllen Center prepares students in food policy, finance, trade, sustainability and rural development. With a curriculum tailored to the region and faculty support from both the McAllen and College Station campuses, the program offers a direct pathway for local students to enter high-demand careers or pursue graduate studies.
“Agricultural economics was a perfect bridge to branch into many careers while staying close to what’s truly near to my heart, agriculture,” Chapa said. “The McAllen campus provided high-impact experiences like visiting trade hubs, attending conferences and working with local agribusinesses.”
“The diversity of the program, from finance and trade to policy and sustainability, has helped me shape my career goals and skill set,” Santiago said. “Agricultural economics is essential to the future of Texas, especially here in the Rio Grande Valley. Whether it’s trade, land use or technology adoption, this field sits at the center of change.”
Both Santiago and Chapa have said they will pursue master’s degrees in environmental economics and agribusiness, respectively.
