1. Defining Futures for Agricultural Economics Parr Rosson Professor/Extension Economist Director, Center for North American Studies Department of Agricultural Economics Texas A&M University

2. The Mission “Accessible, Practical Education for the Public Good” Teaching ResearchExtension Under Assault, But Highly Relevant Today

3. The Setting We Have a Strong Department Increasing Demands on the Unit Faculty Departures Shrinking Budgets & Continued Uncertainty

4. Challenges Maintaining Program Excellence Achieving Excellence in Others Meeting Changing Needs of Constituents Filling Current & Expected Faculty Vacancies Expanding Our Resource Base Expanding Our Resource Base

5. Alternative Futures or Visions Consistent Top 10 Department of Agricultural Economics? A Nationally Prominent Department of Agricultural Economics? The Status Quo? The Nationally Prominent Department of Agricultural Economics?

6. Administrative Approach Vision Led & Mission Oriented Emphasize Teamwork & Mentoring Participatory, Soliciting Input & Feedback Informed, Deliberate & Decisive Build Synergies from Diversity Build Synergies from Diversity

7. Why is Synergy Important? Work Together So that Output of the Unit is Greater than the Sum of Working Separately Diversity of the Department is a Major Strength!  Large Number of Sub-Disciplines  Large Number of Faculty  Wide Geographic Dispersion Across the State

8. Building Synergies Shared Vision Set Priorities Appreciate What Each Other Does Work Together for a Common Purpose Excellence in All We Do!

9. Common Theme Across Teaching, Research & Extension Create New Knowledge Validated by Peers Extended to the Public Increase Scholarship!

10. Incentives & Rewards Incentives Salary Enhancement & Incentive Programs Overload Pay Salary Supplements  Rewards Agency/College/University Professional Associations Stakeholder Groups Salary

11. Considerations for a Development Plan Focus on Our Common Purpose & Priorities Faculty Buy-In is Critical to Success Solicit Input from Stakeholders  Forming Coalitions Important Develop a Comprehensive Plan Be Bold in Implementing the Plan! Be Bold in Implementing the Plan!

12. Development Strategy Three Pronged Approach IndividualOpportunities TAMU/COALS New Initiatives Multi-State/Regional Entrepreneural Program Focused Interdisciplinary Coordinated

13. Considerations for Focus of Development Efforts Program Enhancement Commodity & Financial Policy Environment & Climate Food Safety & Health Economics New/Emerging Programs G lobal Energy I nfrastructure & Transportation F ood Systems & Food Security in Latin America

14. Final Thoughts  Capture the Synergies  Achieve Excellence through Scholarship  Focus on the Mission  National Prominence!

15. Thanks for Your Attention! Questions?

16. Recommendations of External Review Team Need a Common Vision & Mission to Set Priorities & Allocate Resources Align Budget Requests with Priorities Consider Resources Relative to Academic Demands Target Advanced Assistant &Associate Profs for New Hires in Teaching Program