Education

To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society. -Theodore Roosevelt

Texas A&M University

The University Program at Texas A&M celebrated significant student success in 2024, with three wildlife students graduating from the 3+2 program with the Bush School: Jacob Aston, Justin Bosse, and T. Ray Edwards. These graduates completed valuable internships with various organizations, including Texas Parks and Wildlife, Harris County tax office, and the US Congress. Additionally, Sidney Sanchez continued in her fourth year at the Bush School as a Doris Duke Conservation Scholar.

By the Numbers 3 Fellows 5 peer-reviewed publications	1 popular articles 1 presentations Endowed Professorship - Dr. Perry Barboz

Curriculum and Policy Education

The program maintains a strong emphasis on policy education through multiple courses, including Fish and Wildlife Law and Administration for undergraduates and advanced capstone courses in the Master of Public Service and Administration program. A new Natural Resources Conservation Service grant supported research on organizational networks for managing invasive species in the Great Plains, involving interdepartmental collaboration with the School of Education.

Research, Funding, and Outreach

In 2024, the program secured diverse funding from multiple sources, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Geological Survey, and various state wildlife departments. Total research expenditures reached $317,953, with an impressive leveraging ratio $8 for every $1 from the B&C endowment for research. Research focused on large mammals’ responses to environmental changes, particularly caribou and moose populations in Alaska.

The program produced five peer-reviewed publications in 2024, primarily focusing on wildlife nutrition, physiology, and behavior in northern species. Notable publications included studies on caribou responses to food supply changes and moose behavior in the boreal forest. The program also published a policy analysis piece examining stakeholder values in wildlife conservation programs.

The program maintains strong alignment with Boone and Crockett Club’s mission through regular engagement with Club members, hosting bi-annual updates and spring campus meetings. A notable collaboration with B&C Member Sam Cunningham addressed invasive aoudad impacts on Texas bighorn sheep.