Stacy Vincent, Ph.D., has been appointed head of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, effective Aug. 1.
Vincent brings a broad range of experience in agricultural education, academic leadership and student-focused teaching. He joins Texas A&M University from the University of Kentucky, where he served as professor of agricultural education and director of undergraduate studies in Agricultural Education and Advocacy.
“The faculty and staff in this department are exceptional, and Dr. Vincent will help take what we already know is fantastic and make sure the rest of the world knows it too,” said Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Raised on a hay, tobacco and beef farm in the foothills of Appalachia, Kentucky, Vincent’s passion for agricultural education began early. He taught high school agriculture for seven years and has earned national recognition for his teaching and research.
He was named the 2021 Outstanding Teacher Educator for the Southern Region by the American Association for Agricultural Education and was recognized for the best research manuscript at the organization’s national conference.
A vision rooted in impact and connection
Vincent said the decision to leave his home, farm and university in Kentucky was not easy, but the opportunity at Texas A&M was unlike any other.
“I’ve been looking for a leadership opportunity where I could move the needle,” he said. “But when I looked at this department and Texas A&M University, I knew this wasn’t just a place to move the needle. This is where the needle is.”
He plans to grow the department’s presence as a leader in preparing students for meaningful careers and service, emphasizing a people-first approach in everything the department does.
“This department has the potential to be a one-stop shop for lifelong development,” he said. “From early education programs to mid-career leadership development, we can support Texans throughout their journey.”
He believes the department’s core disciplines: youth development, leadership, education, communications and extension, naturally work together to amplify impact.
“They all blend together perfectly,” Vincent said. “We prepare students to understand agriculture, but also to lead, teach and communicate it in ways that serve people and strengthen communities.”
Faculty support and student success
Vincent said his top priority is building strong relationships with faculty and staff. In his first few months, he plans to meet with each faculty member to understand their goals and how he can help them succeed.
“I’ll be asking them six questions, including what legacy they want to leave,” he said. “My job is to help them find the tools and opportunities to make that happen.”
Creating a supportive, high-energy culture is also central to his leadership style.
“When people are having fun, they’re more productive,” he said. “We can be professional, focused and excellent, and still enjoy the work along the way.”
Vincent said he stays in touch with his former graduate students and values the personal and professional connections built through teaching and mentoring.
“When I told my former students in a group text that I had accepted this position, I said that I feel like a turtle on a fence post. I don’t know how I got here, but I know I didn’t do it by myself,” he said.
Shaping the future of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications
Vincent’s long-term goals include growing external partnerships, developing new academic programs and building a strong funding base for faculty and student support. He also plans to raise the department’s national visibility.
“When top programs from across the country are in the room, I want Texas A&M and this department to stand out as a leader,” he said. “We have the talent, the mission and the momentum to be recognized at the highest level.”
The department was officially established in 2006, but its roots date back more than a century through programs in agricultural science, communications and teacher education. Today, it is one of the largest departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, with more than 1,200 students and a faculty of 40.
“This department has the people, the mission and the reach to lead,” Vincent said. “It’s a privilege to be part of its next chapter.”
