MISSION STATEMENT
The Department of Agribusiness functions in the land-grant tradition of teaching, research and extension by providing baccalaureate and graduate studies that are compatible with the times and within the reach of all qualified, capable individuals who are interested in further developing their technical and professional skills. The department endeavors to provide a cohesive, dynamic, forward looking and market-driven educational process that includes instruction, experiential learning, leadership development and research. Specifically, the department's efforts are conducted through the following task:
1. The department provides undergraduate and graduate programs for the initial preparation, updating and upgrading of Agribusiness Education and Extension professional personnel. We also contribute to the preparation of personnel in other fields. Special attention is given to identifying and meeting the needs of the highest levels of professional training.
2. A primary task is the creation, development, and testing of important and new ideas relevant to Agribusiness Management, Rural Sociology, Agribusiness Education and Agricultural Economics.
3. In order to extend its creation, development, and testing of important ideas relevant to Agribusiness and enhance its own capabilities, the department seeks to disseminate specialized knowledge and skills with appropriate individuals, organizations, and agencies at the local, state, national, and international levels.
4. The department regularly reassesses the tasks and priorities of on going programs. Instructional programs are offered in the fields of Agribusiness Education, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, and Agricultural Science. Courses for Industrial Technology students and Non-degreed agribusiness teachers seeking Certification are also taught. Additionally, the department teaches computer utilization courses which are taken by students in the School of Agricultural, Environmental Sciences and other schools.
In order to maximize the effectiveness of service to several constituencies, utilize its resources efficiently, and facilitate relationships within the School and University, department faculty are divided into teams based on fields of study. The teams are responsible for assisting with student admission to the programs, student advisement, program development, and faculty hiring. Faculty on tenure track are required to spend some portion of their time on one or more teams. Units other than teams are named centers. The Chair of the department reports to the Dean of the School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Team members and Center Leaders report to the Chairperson.
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