Rank brings experience and positive thinking
Leadership in new role at East Texas A&M
COMMERCE, Texas — Following an extensive national search, Dr. Brian Rank has been appointed dean of East Texas A&M University’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR).
CASNR offers more than 25 undergraduate majors, minors, and certificates. The university also features a variety of award-winning competitive teams and state-of-the-art facilities for agriculture, livestock and wildlife.
Dr. Rank joins the Lyon family from Arkansas Tech University, where he served as an associate professor and agricultural program director for the Department of Agriculture and Tourism. He secured $730,000 for state-of-the-art agricultural laboratory equipment and more than $500,000 for a new agricultural machinery laboratory, establishing himself as an enthusiastic leader.
Dr. Brian’s Rank
Rank has experience in strategic planning, curriculum and program development, and has a special interest in agricultural education. He has published over 45 articles and given numerous presentations. He is also passionate about service and outreach, serving on several university and community committees and councils. In addition to his academic contributions, Mr. Rank has extensive industry experience including ranching and rural real estate consulting, seed stock production, and cattle welfare.
Mr. Rank expressed his enthusiasm for his new role. “I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for CASNR and East Texas A&M University. East Texas A&M has a long history of serving students and the broader East Texas community. Marshall and Sulfur Bluff College I have fond memories of FFA competitions on campus when I was an agriculture teacher there, and it was great to see the university’s warm welcome.”
Additionally, “CASNR’s faculty are truly outstanding and I am inspired by their dedication to student success. I look forward to working with the CASNR community to build a strong foundation and serve rural and urban populations.” We look forward to developing innovative and imaginative programs to serve and see what we can achieve together as we build for the future.”
Dr. Tammy Vacha Haas, provost and vice president for academic affairs at East Texas A&M, said she is pleased to welcome Mr. Rank as the next leader of CASNR.
“Dr. Rank not only brings deep knowledge of East Texas and our university, but he also has great past experience that gives us confidence in university-wide collaboration and his ability to move this university forward,” Vachahas said. said. “His forward-thinking approach, focus on interdisciplinary programs and research, coupled with his deep respect for our university’s traditions and community, make him the ideal candidate to lead CASNR into its next chapter of growth and success.” It has been a very selective selection.”
Rank holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Science in Agricultural Education from Iowa State University, a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from Oklahoma Panhandle State University, and an Associate of Applied Science in Ranching and Feedlot Operations from Clarendon University. I got the number.
Dr. Rank will begin his role as ETAMU’s dean on January 1, 2025.
