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09.21.09
Dr. James Heird Brought on Board to Bridge TAMU Equine Programs
COLLEGE STATION, TX - Internationally renowned
equine scholar, Dr. Jim Heird has joined the Texas A&M
family.
Heird was hired as a joint appointment between the College of
Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) and the College
of Agriculture and Life Sciences as Executive Professor and
Coordinator of the Equine Sciences Initiative.
"For many years, Texas A&M has been home to some of the
finest equine scientists and clinicians in the nation," said Dr.
Eleanor Green, dean of veterinary medicine. "We are so fortunate to
be able to bring in another exceptional faculty member that will
help to synergize the efforts between the CVM and the College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences."
This new Equine Studies position has been established to bring
the equine programs in the CVM and in the College of Agriculture
and Life Sciences together to better leverage the assets and
talents in both colleges.
"Each of these colleges has an excellent equine program," states
Heird. "If we can combine the efforts of these two programs we will
be able to improve teaching, outreach and research in equine
sciences which would benefit both our students and the equine
industry."
The first order of business for Heird will be to do a complete
assessment of each program.
"We will look at what assets each program currently has and
where we can grow greater collaborations," says Heird. "These might
be anything from teaching integration to advanced facilities. We'll
just have to see what's available."
Once Heird has analyzed the assets in both colleges, his
challenge will be in helping faculty develop collaborative efforts
and finding new ways to reach out to the equine industry.
"The equine industry is such a major contributor to the economy
of our state," said Dr. Mark Hussey, vice chancellor and dean for
agriculture and life sciences. "And Texas A&M is better
positioned than any other institution to support this industry with
research and teaching."
Heird came to Texas A&M from Colorado State University where
he was director of teaching and outreach for the equine sciences
program.
"Colorado State has an excellent equine program and I will
definitely miss working there, but the number one reason I chose to
come to Texas A&M is that it has the resources and faculty
necessary to have the best equine program in the world," says
Heird.
Along with the physical assets of Texas A&M, Heird also was
attracted to the spirit of the University.
"Aggie spirit and pride and the history of excellence of the
College of Veterinary Medicine and the Animal Science program
really leads you to believe that there is a desire to be great,"
comments Heird. "I think with the resources and desire we have here
we can not only be great, we can and will be the best."
Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc - (979) 862-2675
Cell - (979) 739-5718
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