Texas A&M Honors 14 Faculty at Annual IMPACT Summit Celebration

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University celebrated 14 faculty members on November 12, 2025, during its second annual IMPACT Summit. This event recognized the faculty’s contributions in areas such as innovation, mentoring, and community building, collectively branded as IMPACT.

The awards ceremony, held by the Office of Faculty Affairs, highlighted the University’s commitment to fostering a scholarly community. By celebrating the accomplishments of its faculty, Texas A&M underscores its reputation as a leading institution for world-class research.

Recognizing Faculty Excellence

This year’s event focused on identifying rising stars within the faculty, creating networking opportunities, and enhancing career trajectories. The IMPACT Summit also serves as a platform to amplify the influence of faculty members and support their ongoing excellence.

Among the distinguished honorees were:

• Felipe Aburto, Ph.D., assistant professor of pedology and soil biogeochemistry, recognized through the Faculty Early Career Development Program.
• Julie Howe, Ph.D., professor of soil chemistry and fertility, named an American Society of Agronomy Fellow.
• Bill Rooney, Ph.D., a sorghum breeder and Regents Professor, recipient of the Crop Science Research Award.
• Briana Wyatt, Ph.D., associate professor and soil scientist, honored through the Faculty Early Career Development Program.
• Reinaldo Cooke, Ph.D., Burkhart Endowed Professor for Beef Cattle Research, awarded the Bouffault International Animal Agriculture Award.
• Andy Herring, Ph.D., John K. Riggs ’41 Beef Cattle Professor, recognized with the Animal Management Award.
• Sushil Paudyal, Ph.D., assistant professor of dairy science, awarded the Excellence in College and University Teaching Award.
• George Perry, Ph.D., professor of beef cattle reproductive physiology, recognized with the Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award.
• John Crompton, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor, named a Fellow of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism.
• James Petrick, Ph.D., professor and graduate program chair, also recognized as a Fellow of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism.
• Jennifer Gillett-Kaufman, Ph.D., instructional associate professor, awarded the Excellence in Teaching and Student Engagement Award.
• Gabriel Hamer, Ph.D., AgriLife Research entomologist and professor, named a Fulbright Scholar.
• Rodolfo Nayga Jr., Ph.D., professor and department head, recognized as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
• Rebecca Seguin-Fowler, Ph.D., professor and associate director at the Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, named a member of the National Academy of Medicine.

Building a Community of Scholars

The IMPACT Summit is more than just an awards ceremony; it is an initiative aimed at creating a supportive network for faculty members. By recognizing achievements and fostering collaboration, the event enhances career success and promotes innovative research.

For further details about the event and to view photos, visit the Texas A&M Office of Faculty Affairs website at https://facultyaffairs.tamu.edu/elevate-your-impact/impact-summit.html.