Web and News Media Coordinator ashley.charanza@tamuk.edu • 361-593-5401 Ashley Patterson, originally from Caldwell, Texas, joined the KRIRM staff in August of 2011 as the PR/Event Coordinator. In September of 2013, Ashley began in a new position as the Web and News Media Coordinator in which she handles the creation and distribution of all advertising and marketing materials for KRIRM, as well …
Niki Kaiser
Senior Administrative Coordinator niki.kaiser@tamuk.edu • 361-593-5406 Niki Kaiser joined the KRIRM staff in October 2016 as the Administrative Coordinator. She was born and raised in Harlingen, TX, where she developed a passion for education and agriculture at a young age. Niki received a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2009 and a Master of Science degree in Plant & Soil Science (2015), also …
Benjamin Turner, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor benjamin.turner@tamuk.edu • 361-593-2464 Dr. Benjamin Turner grew up in Normangee, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Sam Houston State University in 2009, followed by a Master of Science in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) in 2011. Between semesters during those years Ben interned with Texas Farm Credit in Robstown, Texas, Hunt Oil Company in …
Rick Machen, Ph.D.
Executive Director; Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Endowed Chair rick.machen@tamuk.edu • 361-593-4756 Rick Machen was born and raised in Central Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science from Angelo State University in 1981, and pursued graduate training at Texas A&M University in College Station, receiving a Master of Science in 1984, and a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition in …
Kim McCuistion, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor and Director Dr. Kim McCuistion serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of the new Texas A&M University System Fort Worth campus. In this role, Dr. McCuistion’s focus is to turn the new campus into a hub for collaboration between key Fort Worth industries and top research, education and workforce training assets of the Texas A&M …
Clay Mathis, Ph.D.
Director and Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Endowed Chair clay.mathis@tamuk.edu • 361-593-5401 Dr. Clay Mathis was named Director and Endowed Chair of the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in July, 2010. As Director, Dr. Mathis leads KRIRM faculty and staff, and oversees teaching and outreach efforts of the Institute. He maintains and develops …
Jason Van Tassell
Jason Van Tassell is a 2012 graduate of KRIRM. Upon Graduation, he accepted a the position of Livestock Manager at the Parker Ranch in Hawaii until July 2019. While in this role, he served on the Hawaii Cattleman’s Council and the Hawaii Cattle Producers Co-op. He later served in the position of GM of Sunlight Ranches located in Northern Wyoming …
Jim McAdams
McAdams Cattle Company Jim McAdams graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Agricultural Economics in 1972. While attending college, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and the Ross Volunteers. Following graduation, Jim moved to Walker County to become a manager at McAdams Cattle Company, where he worked until 1990. During the next 20 years, Jim …
Hughes Abell
Llano Partners, LTD Hughes Abell is founder and General Partner of Llano Partners, Ltd., a family partnership with ranching, farming, and cattle feeding operations in Texas, New Mexico, and Florida. He also actively manages private investments in oil and gas, timber, and commercial real estate. He currently serves as First Vice President of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and as …