Texas A&M AgriLife has renamed its Poultry Science Research, Teaching and Extension Center, often referred to as the Farm, to honor donors whose support is helping shape the future of poultry science education, research and industry training.
The facility is now known as the Barbara J. Huffman and William M. “Bill” Huffman ’53 Poultry Science Farm Complex, recognizing the couple’s investment in a program that continues to prepare students for careers across the poultry industry.
Located in College Station, the facility serves as a cornerstone for hands-on teaching, applied research and industry engagement within the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Poultry Science. The 16-acre complex supports all aspects of the production and processing of poultry and eggs and includes two classrooms for student instruction.
“The Huffman name belongs here because it reflects Texas A&M AgriLife’s belief in learning by doing and in connecting what we know to work that truly matters,”said Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences.“That focus on people and service is what guides our work at this complex and across the land-grant mission.”
Former student gives back to program that shaped life, career
Huffman was a member of the 1952 Texas A&M Collegiate Poultry Judging Team that won the National Poultry Judging Contest, and the following year he was the highest scoring individual at the 1953 National Poultry Judging Contest. Huffman said he applied the analytical and decision-making skills he learned in poultry judging in his career as a lawyer and other endeavors.
He and his wife said they were thankful to have their names associated with the Department of Poultry Science because the program gave him so much as a student and is doing the same for students today.
“The department made a lasting impact on my life,” Huffman said. “Our hope is that by supporting the department and this complex, we might impact students in ways that enhance their careers and lives.”
Department leadership said the naming of the complex reflects both gratitude for past support and confidence in the future of poultry science at Texas A&M.
“Bill has said that his time in the program instilled foundational skills that served him personally and professionally,” said Audrey McElroy, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Poultry Science. “He has mentioned leadership, responsibility, practical application of fact and good decision-making, and we believe those abilities and so many more are what make this program special. That connection makes Barbara and Bill’s support and investment in our future and students’ futures even more meaningful.”
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