Alan Sams

Dr. Alan Sams is the interim provost and vice president for academic affairs for Texas A&M University.

Dr. Sams earned his Ph.D. in food science and human nutrition at the University of Florida and joined the Texas A&M University faculty in 1987. He is a professor in the Department of Poultry Science and was a member of the intercollegiate faculty of Food Science and Technology. During his 30 years at Texas A&M, Dr. Sams rose through the faculty ranks, served as head of the Poultry Science Department and the Nutrition and Food Science Department, as well as executive associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He also served as dean of agriculture, forestry and life sciences at Clemson University and both dean of agricultural sciences and director of the statewide Agricultural Experiment Station agency for Oregon State University.

Under his leadership, colleges have expanded and diversified enrollment, while growing student participation in high-impact experiences and increasing graduation rates. He led several multi-college academic programs and campus-wide research initiatives and was successful securing philanthropic and governmental support for their programs and capital facilities. Most recently, he returned to Texas A&M as vice president of operational innovation, a role in which he facilitated organizational change across the university enterprise.


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