Dr. Clay Mathis, Director of King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management, to Become the Department Head for Animal Science at Texas A&M University in College Station
Kingsville, Texas – The King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM) announces the departure of Dr. Clay Mathis, Director and Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Endowed Chair. Dr. Mathis has accepted the position of Department Head of Animal Science at Texas A&M University in College Station and will begin serving in that role this October. Dr. Mathis joined the Institute in 2010, and quickly established himself as a leader whose focus on the mission and vision of KRIRM not only advanced the Institute’s initiatives, but bolstered the master’s program and broadened its outreach efforts. Throughout his leadership, he maintained crucial relationships with industry leaders that furthered the reach of KRIRM and through networking opened up opportunities for students to expand their knowledge of the industry as a whole.
“This has been an amazingly fulfilling journey,” says Dr. Mathis. “Nothing has been more satisfying and motivating to me than to watch the growth of our graduate students during the two years they spend at KRIRM, and seeing them succeed beyond their own expectations. I see the influence and the positions these alumni hold today, and I think back to the new students that arrived eager to learn just a few years prior. I am proud that the two years these students spent in Kingsville with our KRIRM team was at least a part of the success these students and their families enjoy today. Beyond that, I am also proud that these exceptional alumni are modeling excellence in ranching across this nation. It will be exciting to watch KRIRM grow in impact and service through the compelling mission of Sustaining our Ranching Heritage through Education, Innovation, and Outreach.”
Dr. Mathis leaves KRIRM in a strong position. Today, KRIRM is positioned for significant expansion. With renewed commitment from the TAMUK administration for additional positions, and with the continued financial support of stakeholders that invest in the mission, KRIRM will be adding several new faculty positions in the coming year. These new faculty will help expand the research and outreach of KRIRM, and will certainly help to leverage the teaching and research opportunities made available through the gift of the H.R. Smith Ranch.
KRIRM and TAMUK have begun an active search for Dr. Mathis’ replacement. Dr. Rick Machen, who has been with KRIRM in a faculty position since 2016, will lead the Institute as the Interim Director until the position is filled.
“On behalf of KRIRM staff, students, alumni, and the ranching industry, I extend a hearty thank you to Dr. Mathis for 13 years of leadership and service to the industry. We wish him the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his career,” says Dr. Machen. “I look forward to the identification and recruitment of the third Executive Director of KRIRM and the continuation of ongoing education, outreach, and innovation efforts the Institute is known for.”
To learn more about the position, visit the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Job Board or contact the KRIRM office at (361) 593-5401.
The official press release is available here.