TAMU Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications

09/04/2026

In Professor Tanya Hamner's Media Production in Agricultural and Life Sciences course, students are developing the skills to create compelling visual stories that connect people to agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences. From video production to digital storytelling, these Aggies are learning how effective communication can make an impact far beyond the classroom.

09/03/2026

Aggie Action Spotlight: Deanna Crawford🎉

As a nontraditional, first-generation student, Deanna is proving that it's never too late to chase your goals and embrace new opportunities.

This summer, Deanna participated in an international study experience in Da Nang, Vietnam, where she explored global event destinations, visited major tourism and convention sites, and gained a broader understanding of how culture, technology, and leadership shape the hospitality industry around the world. The experience expanded her perspective on leading in diverse environments and reinforced the importance of lifelong learning.

The experience challenged her to think globally, lead across cultures, and continue growing as a leader. As a single parent, she hopes her journey inspires her children and future Aggies to pursue their dreams, embrace new opportunities, and develop the leadership skills needed to make a difference in the world.

Way to represent ALEC on a global stage, Deanna!

Share your story or your friend's story here: https://forms.gle/8XdS5xMzkZ459B7b7

09/02/2026

Help us welcome Dr. Toby Lepley to the ALEC family! 🎉

Dr. Lepley joins the department as an Associate Professor of the Practice, bringing decades of experience in agricultural education, Extension, leadership development, and service.

Raised in Coldspring, Texas, on the shores of Lake Livingston, Dr. Lepley grew up immersed in agriculture, Extension, and education. A former 4-H and FFA member, he was inspired by parents who dedicated their careers to serving Texas communities through Extension and public education. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Sam Houston State University before beginning a 25-year career with Texas A&M AgriLife. He later served at Louisiana State University as Associate Vice President for Agriculture and Program Leader for 4-H and FFA.

Although he "retired" in 2024, retirement didn't last long. After teaching in ALEC as an adjunct, Dr. Lepley officially joined our faculty full-time this fall. He now teaches ALED 339, ALED 340, and ALED 424 while also supporting ALEC's online master's programs.

A Texas A&M Ph.D. graduate, Dr. Lepley says the strong sense of community, commitment to students, and unmatched Aggie spirit drew him back to Aggieland. His passion lies in Extension and service, focusing on helping education and leadership make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, communities, and organizations.

When he's not teaching, you'll likely find him growing plumerias, working on a 3D printing project, spending time with his three Miniature Schnauzers, or enjoying some beef jerky while listening to Neil Diamond.

Fun fact: Dr. Lepley once survived a tsunami!

We're excited to have his wealth of experience, leadership, and servant-hearted approach to education as part of the ALEC family. Welcome to Aggieland, Dr. Lepley! 👍

09/01/2026

Help us welcome Dr. Krysti Kelley to the ALEC family!🎉

Dr. Kelley joins the us as an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Education. Originally from Mission, Texas, she earned her bachelor's degree and Ph.D. from Texas Tech University and her master's degree from Oklahoma State University, all in agricultural education.

Before entering higher education, Dr. Kelley spent six years teaching high school agricultural education in Aledo, Texas, where she helped students develop leadership skills, agricultural knowledge, and a passion for lifelong learning. At Texas A&M, she will teach graduate and undergraduate agricultural education courses while also mentoring preservice teachers as they complete their student teaching experiences in agriscience programs across the state.

Born and raised an Aggie, Dr. Kelley says she was drawn to Texas A&M and ALEC because of the unmatched energy and the exciting momentum within our department. Her research focuses on improving teaching and learning by exploring how students think, learn, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

When she's not working with students, Dr. Kelley enjoys reading, kayaking, and traveling. Fun fact: she's visited 45 states and 14 countries, with Colorado and Austria among her favorite destinations. You can also win her over with Dot's Pretzels and a Diet Coke!

We're excited to have Dr. Kelley on our team and look forward to the impact she'll make on our students, future educators, and the agricultural industry. Welcome to Aggieland, Dr. Kelley! 👍

08/31/2026

ALEC students are building the skills needed to make a difference in their communities and future careers, thanks to the dedication of our outstanding faculty. From lively class discussions to learning from each other, Dr. Rotter is helping prepare the next generation of leaders, educators, and communicators.

08/28/2026

Welcome to the first episode of The Office Shenanigans!

At ALEC, we work hard and play hard. A special thank you to everyone who took the opportunity to throw a football at our department head, Dr. Stacy Vincent. We are happy to report he survived without a concussion.

Stay tuned for the next episode!


*We do not own the rights to the music

08/27/2026

Aggie Action Spotlight: Hannah Pace 🎉

This summer, Hannah served as an intern with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Rusk County, gaining experience in Extension programming and community outreach.

Hannah learned what life as an Extension agent looks like while serving the community that helped shape her. The experience gave her a greater appreciation for the impact Extension programs have on individuals, families, and youth across the county. Giving back to her hometown made the summer especially meaningful and further strengthened her passion for agriculture and service.

Congratulations, Hannah, on an outstanding summer!!

Share you and your friend's stories here: https://forms.gle/8XdS5xMzkZ459B7b7

08/26/2026

A wonderful read highlighting ALEC former student, Dr. Karissa Palmer ’23, ’26, through the words of current ALEC graduate student, Mamie Hertel. We are proud to celebrate the stories, achievements, and impact of our Aggie family. Read more at the link below!

Karissa Palmer brings her Texas A&M doctorate and passion for science communication to Mason County as a new AgriLife Extension health agent.

08/25/2026

From the classroom to the show ring, students in Dr. Lund's new Managing Youth Livestock Projects class are learning firsthand how to care for and work with show pigs. Not only does this course provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities, but the pigs raised through the program will be gifted to youth across Texas through the Maroon & White Youth Swine Program.

By connecting Texas A&M students with the next generation of livestock exhibitors, this program creates opportunities for Texas 4-H and FFA members to participate in livestock projects while developing leadership, responsibility, and agricultural skills of their own.

We're proud to provide opportunities that not only educate our students but also invest in the future of agriculture.

Applications for the Maroon & White Youth Swine Program are due September 1st at 11:59 p.m. Please email your application to Dr. Randy Lund at [email protected]

08/24/2026

Happy first day of class, Aggies!

We kicked off the semester the best way we know how, sending our faculty and graduate students off to class with a little sugar rush. We are excited to welcome everyone back for another amazing semester!