Agenda Item No.
AGENDA ITEM BRIEFING
Submitted by:
Eddie J. Davis, Interim President
Texas A& M University
Subject:
Approval of a New Doctor of Philosophy in Agribusiness and Managerial
Economics Degree Program, and Authorization to Request Approval from the
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Proposed Board Action:
Approve the establishment of an intercollegiate PhD of Philosophy in Agribusiness and
Managerial Economics degree program at Texas A&M University, authorize submission of
Texas A&M University’s program request to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
(THECB), and certify that all applicable THECB criteria have been met.
Background Information:
The PhD in Agribusiness and Managerial Economics is an intercollegiate degree program to be
administered by the Intercollegiate Faculty of Agribusiness (IFA) which comprises faculty from
the Department of Agricultural Economics and the Mays Business School. The proposed
doctoral program builds on the continuing synergy between the faculties participating in the IFA.
Students entering the PhD in Agribusiness and Managerial Economics will follow a prescribed
course of study designed to integrate business and economics training for career paths in
teaching and research in academia, government, and industry.
The increasing complexity and integration of the global food and agribusiness system is creating
demands for higher-level skills in agribusiness sub-disciplines of finance, supply chain
management, management and marketing. Currently, doctorate programs address this market
demand indirectly through a PhD field area in Agribusiness as part of a doctorate in Agricultural
Economics or Business Administration.
The proposed degree was approved by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the May
Business School, the University Graduate Program Council, and the Faculty Senate, with final
approval by the Interim President on January 26th, 2007.
Texas A&M University requests approval from the Board of Regents for a new PhD in
Agribusiness and Managerial Economics as summarized in the Attachment.
A&M System Funding or Other Financial Implications:
The administration of the IFA resides in the Department of Agricultural Economics and the
proposed degree program is expected to replace the current field area resulting in transference of
support and resources. No new courses, faculty, or facilities will be required, making this
proposal highly cost effective.
Agenda Item No.
(INSTITUTION, BOLDED, ALL CAPS CENTERED)
Office of the President
Date of Submission
Members, Board of Regents
The Texas A&M University System
Subject:
Approval of a New Doctor (of Philosophy, Education, or other Field of Study as
applicable) Degree Program (with a Major in Field of Study, if applicable), and
Authorization to Request Approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board
I recommend adoption of the following minute order:
“The Board of Regents approves the establishment of a new degree
program at (Institution) leading to a Doctor (of Philosophy, Education, or
other Field of Study, as applicable) degree (with a major in Field of Study, if
applicable).
The Board also authorizes submission of (Institution)’s new doctoral
degree program request to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
for approval and hereby certifies that all applicable criteria of the
Coordinating Board have been met.”
Respectfully submitted,
(CEO’s SIGNATURE)
CEO’s Name, Title
(One or two spaces)
Approval Recommended:
(Three spaces)
(2-inch underscore)
Name *
Chancellor
(Three spaces)
(Other signature blocks, as required)
* See Signature Block Style for current names/titles.
Approved for Legal Sufficiency:
(2-inch underscore)
Name *