About Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management
Department Overview
Our department is home to more than 400 students, led by 35+ faculty and staff with expertise in the biological sciences, social and human dimensions, and policy and Extension, to generate sound scientific research, facilitate meaningful science-based discussions and train students to the highest caliber. We continue to be a trusted resource to landowners, natural resource professionals, policymakers and other valued stakeholders, like you. Collectively, these efforts serve to realize the Land-grant mission as described through our three focus areas—teaching, research and Extension.
Howdy and Welcome!
I’m thrilled you’re here, and if this is your first time visiting the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management—no worries. We’re new here too and I’m honored to be your RWFM department head.
In 2020, Texas A&M AgriLife reimagined the ways that our two former departments of Ecosystem Science and Management and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences could approach natural resource stewardship with our students. Through that process, we created a department with a mission to lead with teaching, research, engagement and policy. When we thought about the caliber of education we wanted to offer, our vision started with you—the next generation of field experts, lifelong learners and professionals who will work at the nexus of research and outreach in rangeland grazing, land stewardship, aquaculture and wildlife management.
I look forward to continuing to develop and lead interdisciplinary teams to address our broad range of natural resource challenges and to facilitating these collaborative connections for our students, translating their education to real-world application. I’m glad you’re here to not only be a part of this department but of a more inclusive and diverse future as we accelerate impact for natural resource conservation.
Roel Lopez, Ph.D.
Department Head
Mission
To prepare the next generation of natural resource stewards through teaching, research, engagement and policy.
Vision
The sound stewardship of natural resources for present and future generations through the realization of the University’s land-grant mission.
Helping guide the future of student development: The RWFM External Advisory Committee
The Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries management is dedicated to producing career-ready natural resource professionals equipped with critical skills needed to address challenging, modern natural resource management issues. To aid in this endeavor, the RWFM External Advisory Committee was established in 2020.
Comprised of former alumni and recognized conservation leaders from across the state, the External Advisory Committee informs and advises the development of the department’s teaching, research and extension activities. Members of the committee represent all departmental areas of focus including rangeland, wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture. Their professional insight and feedback enable RWFM leadership to improve course offerings and student learning outcomes while ensuring applied and impactful research and extension efforts. In addition to virtual meetings with RWFM leadership throughout the year, the committee holds an annual meeting in College Station.
Members of the RWFM External Advisory Committee
| Craig Bond | Inland Fisheries Division Director, Texas Parks and Wildlife |
| Curry Cambell | President, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association |
| Joni Carswell | CEO and President, Texan By Nature |
| Stephen Diebel | Ranch Manager, Diebel Cattle Company |
| Justin Dreibelbis | Chief Executive Officer, Texas Wildlife Association |
| Chad Ellis | Chief Executive Officer, Texas Agriculture Land and Trust |
| Pat Fox | Retired Founding Managing Member, Rockpoint Group, L.L.C. |
| John Jones | Fisheries Biologist, Lochow Ranch Pond and Lake Management |
| Dandy Kothman | Resource Team Leader, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service |
| Bob Lusk | Lake Management Consultation |
| Corey Mason | Executive Director, Dallas Safari Club |
| Bob McCan | Ranch Manager, McFaddin Enterprises |
| Jenny Pluhar | Executive Director, Texas Grazing Land Coalition |
| Gary Price | Manager, Prairie Grove Ranch |
| Greg Simons | Texas Wildlife Biologist |
| Neal Wilkins | President and CEO, East Foundation |
| Clayton Wolf | Chief Operating Officer, Texas Parks and Wildlife |