Where science meets stewardship—and your impact begins.
Giving to the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management
The Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management (RWFM) is at the forefront of advancing natural resource stewardship. From rangelands to coastal fisheries across the globe, our faculty, students and partners are tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing the conservation and science-based management of our land, water and wildlife resources.
As part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, RWFM is dedicated to advancing the land-grant mission, combining research, student training and Extension programming to deliver real-world solutions. Our work supports landowners, strengthens rural economies, and stewards the ecosystems that sustain us.
Private support is essential to advancing this mission. Your gift expands student opportunities, fuels innovative research and strengthens outreach efforts that serve communities across Texas and beyond.
Department Funding Opportunities
RWFM is continually advancing new ideas, programs and facilities that strengthen our ability to educate future leaders, support private landowners, and address the most pressing natural resource challenges in Texas and beyond. Philanthropic support helps transform these priorities into lasting impact.
Spotlight Opportunities
The projects highlighted below represent a selection of our current fundraising priorities and showcase some of the most exciting opportunities to make a difference. These featured initiatives are only a snapshot of the department’s broader needs.
Dr. James H. “Red” Duke Wildlife Conservation and Policy Program
To further strengthen the program’s impact, we are seeking support to grow an endowment funding student participation in professional conferences and policy-focused experiential learning opportunities. Support of this program prepares the next generation of conservation leaders to protect wildlife, inform policy decisions and advance the sustainable stewardship of our natural resources for generations to come.
Outdoor Enterprise Management Track
The Outdoor Enterprise Management Track prepares students for careers in the rapidly growing outdoor recreation industry by combining natural resource management, business and leadership training. By investing in this program, donors help cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of outdoor recreation, conservation and natural resource-based enterprises.
Dr. Robert Knight Range Endowment
Dr. Bob Knight dedicated more than 40 years to Texas A&M University, championing rangeland education, student mentorship and professional leadership. Support for this endowment sustains hands-on learning and professional development through competitive teams, a student-led herbarium, and an on-campus teaching garden — providing students with real-world skills in rangeland stewardship.
Ecological Natural Resource Training Area Multi-Use Facility
The 753-acre Ecology and Natural Resources Training Area serves as a living laboratory for students studying rangeland management, wildlife conservation, military science, entomology and other natural resource disciplines. Donor support will help create a world-class outdoor classroom that prepares future generations of leaders in conservation, natural resource management and environmental stewardship.
AquaWorks Demonstration Wetland
As demand for sustainable seafood grows, so does the need for modern facilities and workforce development. RWFM is seeking support to develop AquaWorks — an immersive outdoor classroom that further enhances opportunities for experiential learning and stakeholder engagement — as an additional phase of the Aquacultural Research and Teaching facility.
Department Funding Priorities
Beyond these featured priorities, additional facilities and programs across RWFM offer meaningful opportunities for investment that further strengthen our collective impact.
Support Experiential Learning
RWFM students learn by doing. Through conferences, internships and hands-on experiences at summer field camp, students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and develop the skills needed to become future leaders in natural resource management.
Invest in Education
Your support helps expand access to scholarships, graduate fellowships and faculty excellence. These investments create opportunities for students while ensuring they learn from outstanding educators and researchers.
Enhance our Living Classrooms
Learning extends far beyond the classroom. RWFM’s ranches, research sites and outdoor teaching facilities provide students with hands-on education and training opportunities. Continued support helps maintain and improve these unique learning environments. Check out our properties and labs.
General donations are directed to the Department Excellence Fund, which supports the highest priorities across the entire department unless a specific designation is made. For questions or to discuss giving options, please contact our development staff.
Donor Spotlight
Jenny Pluhar ’84
Jenny Pluhar ’84 is a nationally recognized rancher, rangeland conservationist and founding donor of the department’s Dr. Robert Knight Range Endowment. Her generous support directly empowers students to grow as rangeland professionals and strengthens the program Knight dedicated his life to.
Charlie Weldon ’90
Charlie Weldon ’90 is a businessman, professor and rancher who embodies the Aggie Spirit. Weldon supports students across the university through multiple scholarships, including the department’s Endowed Rangeland Management Scholarship.
Current Endowments and Scholarships
These endowed scholarships and funds reflect the vision and generosity of donors who believe in the future of our students and natural resources.
- Becky ’76 and Monty Davis ’77 Wildlife Conservation Endowment
- Caesar Kleberg Scholarship in Wildlife and Fisheries
- Charles B. and Jean G. Smith Endowed Scholarship in Rangeland Ecology and Management
- Charles J. Scifres Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Charlie Weldon ’90 Endowed Rangeland Management Scholarship
- Charlie Weldon ’90 Endowed Wildlife Management Scholarship
- Cheatham Family Dean’s Excellence Scholarship
- COADC-Dallas Ecological Foundation Endowed Scholarship
- Daniel W. and Lula Mae Lay Graduate Student and Lectureship Fund for Excellence in Wildlife Science
- Daniel Wayne Lay Undergraduate Endowed Scholarship
- Dr. Mort Korthmann ’61 Family Endowment
- Dr. Robert Knight Range Endowment
- E.J. “Dyk” Dyksterhuis Distinguished Lectureship Fund
- Endowed Fund for Excellence in Range Management
- Franklin F. Wasko Endowed Graduate Fellowship
- Garlyn O. Hoffman Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Harry Wayne Springfield ’59 Graduate Student Endowment
- James G. & Joan Teer Wildlife & Fisheries Endowed Scholarship
- James. H. ‘Red’ Duke ’50 Boone and Crockett Wildlife Conservation and Policy Program Endowment
- Jay ’80 and Karol Dreibelbis ’79 Wildlife Endowed Scholarship
- John Martin Carlisle ’40 Excellence Fund
- Joseph L. Schuster Leadership in Range Management Scholarship
- Lin and Lester Miyajima ’75 Memorial Aquaculture Scholarship
- M. Fox Ranch Wildlife Conservation Endowment
- Nell S. and A.H. “Fred” Walker ’36 Range Science Endowed Scholarship
- Nova Silvy Fellowship in Wildlife & Fisheries Science
- Range Science Memorial Scholarship
- Rangeland and Ecology Endowed Fund for Student Activities and Development
- Ray A. and Susan Murski Wildlife and Fisheries Research and Education Fund
- T.M. O’Connor Professorship in Range Science
- TAMU/UVG Int’t Program in Natural Resources Development
- Texas Aquaculture Association Endowment
- Virginia Ella Thomas Allen Endowed Scholarship
- Vola and Dr. Fred ’59 Palmer Scholarship
- Warren “Dub” Davis ’74 Endowed Scholarship
- West Texas Chapter, Safari Club International, Inc.
- William C. Spalsbury Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- William Crenan ’49 Range Science Scholarship
- William D. Welder Scholarship
Industry Partnerships and Corporate Giving
Investing in the next generation of natural resource leaders is one of the most meaningful ways your organization can make a lasting impact. The Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management offers opportunities for businesses to engage through philanthropy, student support and research collaboration. Our team will work with you to align your goals with meaningful, mission-driven impact.
Connect with us to explore how your organization can make a difference.
The Texas A&M Foundation
The Texas A&M Foundation builds a brighter future for Texas A&M University, one relationship at a time.
As a nonprofit and the primary academic fundraising institution for Texas A&M, we aspire to be among the most trusted philanthropies in higher education. Our team works with former students, corporations and other Texas A&M supporters to match their charitable interests with the university’s priorities. Gifts create scholarships, advance faculty endeavors, enhance student programs and fund campus construction, greatly enhancing Texas A&M’s mission to provide the highest quality undergraduate and graduate programs and develop new understandings through research and creativity.
Contact Our Development Team
We work closely with donors to connect your interests with opportunities that make a lasting impact. Whether you are giving for the first time or building on an established relationship, we’re here to help you find the right fit within RWFM.
