In 2007, Texas FSA launched the Campus Liaison Program with 16 agency liaisons representing eight universities. The program has since expanded to include 48 Campus Liaisons representing more than two dozen colleges and universities across the state.
Texas has about 180 fully-accredited colleges and universities throughout the state. Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) recognizes the importance of sharing the FSA mission with those future business leaders, colleagues, farmers and ranchers. In order to reach students in the most personable manner possible, Texas FSA implemented the Campus Liaison Program.
Campus liaisons are FSA employees who represent the agency at college and university events. Most of the liaisons are graduates of the universities they visit. These professionals, who go the extra mile to reach our next generation of agriculture experts, come from every mission area in Texas FSA. The Campus Liaison program was established in 2007, and the first group of 16 liaisons began their efforts coordinating with eight universities the following year. The original goal was to better connect FSA with university recruiting by including graduates from that university.
During the inaugural year, liaisons attended six events at their university. Currently there are 48 liaisons who attended more than three dozen individual events.
Judith A. Canales, Texas Farm Service Agency State Executive Director, has been pleased with both the success and growth of the program.
“FSA has developed a promising effort with the designation of campus liaisons who serve as facilitators with universities in agriculture programs throughout Texas. We have talented people all over Texas who are building connections with potential future team members or future producers,” said Canales.
Terri Trevino, Texas FSA District 10 Director (far left), and Judith A. Canales, Texas FSA State Executive Director and University of Texas at Austin (UT) alum (third from left), speak to students about FSA employment opportunities and programs during a recent career fair at UT. Their participation was the first time Texas FSA attended a UT Austin career fair, further expanding the Campus Liaison program.
Dustin Wright, County Executive Director in Johnson, Tarrant, and Bosque Counties, is the campus liaison for Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. Wright earned his agriculture degree from Tarleton, and frequently participates in career fairs at his alma mater. He recognized several reasons the program is so important.
“Most students do not really know what we do in FSA until they meet with Agency employees. We are able to disseminate program information that could have a major impact in students’ lives once they graduate. Not only are we educating future employees, but possibly future customers,” said Wright.
Billy Lawton, Program Leader with Prairie View A&M University’s Agriculture and Natural Resources. Cooperative Extension Program, has seen the benefits from his students’ exposure to the business of agriculture.
“Our recruiting partnership with Texas FSA has been beneficial for all of us. During career fairs, FSA professionals have done a great job of explaining the world of agri-business. And along the way, our students have begun asking better and better questions. Our ag students have gotten a great look at the variety of careers in agriculture that they might not be able to get once they graduate,” said Lawton.
The Texas FSA Campus Liaison program now includes two dozen colleges and universities, and continues to grow as new liaisons reach out to other alma maters across the state. To learn more about the Farm Service Agency in Texas, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/tx. To learn about employment opportunities for students, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/students.
