Gina Pospichal, a graduate student at West Texas A&M University, balances a life in Nebraska as a K-12 school counselor, high school English teacher, and co-owner of her family’s cattle ranch. Her interest in both agriculture and education led her to the Master of Agriculture program at WTAMU.  “I chose this program because it allows me to balance teaching, ranching, and family life while continuing to grow as a student,” Gina says. She credits the support of the faculty as one of the highlights of her experience: “Every professor I’ve had has been supportive and genuinely invested in my success. They understand the challenges of balancing school with careers and families, and they provide the encouragement and flexibility that make it possible.” Gina appreciates that the coursework challenges her to think critically about the future of agriculture and equip her with the skills to make a difference. She finds the program ideal for working professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and influence in the field, crediting both the curriculum and faculty for supporting her growth. Gina says, “This program has given me the confidence to grow as both an educator and as an agricultural leader.” Gina’s experience highlights how the Master of Agriculture program at WTAMU cultivates leaders ready to guide the future of agriculture.

Graduate student Jessie Worley is a secondary agriculture teacher in Southern Virginia. Her passion for agriculture fueled her desire to expand her knowledge in a well-rounded degree. “I decided that I wanted to obtain my Master's Degree in Agriculture after being the first in my family to obtain a college undergrad degree. I began searching online for programs and the online Master of Ag program here at West Texas A&M fit my idea perfectly.” Jessie loves the program because, “I have had wonderful professors who helped in any way that they could which has allowed me to be successful in this program so far.” For a full-time teacher like Jessie, “this program is perfect for full-time working individuals and those who have families as well. I feel supported by the professors and staff, and they truly want to see you succeed! Go Buffs!”

Taylor Osbourn, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent with Texas A&M Agrilife says, “What drew me to West Texas A&M first was the people. The leadership in the Agricultural department at West Texas A&M is second to none and is made up of individuals that I have a great deal of respect for. West Texas A&M’s commitment to production agriculture education and providing students with hands on training and experience is a huge priority for me.” He says that the department's ability to connect students with industry leading experts in large scale production agriculture on an individualized level was very integral in his decision to join the program. “During my master’s course I really enjoyed discussing and researching the challenges we face and will continue to face in agriculture and coming up with solutions to these challenges. Topics like sustainability, artificial intelligence, lab grown meats, etc. were some of the most challenging but rewarding in terms of challenging us to come up with different ways to deal with these topics.” He loves that the program encourages the students how to lead and be advocates for the agriculture industry and its producers. “Knowledge is powerful, but being able to communicate and advocate effectively is the key to preserving and protecting agriculture for years to come, that’s what I enjoyed the most about my experience at West Texas A&M.”