Todd Brashears, a professor within Texas Tech University’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, has been designated president-elect of the Association for International Agricultural & Extension Education (AIAEE). The honor was formalized at the group’s ‘40 and Fresh: Looking Back, Focusing Forward’ national conference last month in Orlando, Florida.

In other action at the meeting, Amy Boren-Alpizar, an associate professor within the Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, was named an AIAEE Fellow. The honor is given to members who have made exceptional contributions to the profession and who have no less than eight years and no more than 15 years of service as a professional in agricultural and extension education and who showed great promise for continued contributions. 

Separately, other recognitions included:

• Distinguished Oral Presentation (AEC Doctoral Student Hannah Ford, AEC Professor Courtney Meyers, AEC Department Chair Scott Burris, AAEC Assistant Professor Modhurima Dey Amin, and AAEC Assistant Professor Syed Badruddoza)
• Distinguished Oral Presentation (AEC Doctoral Student Angela Ospina and AEC Associate Professor Amy Boren Alpizar)
• Distinguished Poster Presentation (AEC Doctoral Student Gilbert Odilla and AEC Professor David Lawver)

Brashears will take over leadership of the AIAEE organization at the 2025 annual conference. Established in 1984, the AIAEE is a professional organization for agricultural and extension educators who share a common goal of strengthening agricultural and extension education programs and institutions worldwide. 

Brashear research broadly centers on the components of educational programming and the interaction of personal characteristics, knowledge, and behaviors within the agricultural workforce. In the past he has worked in multiple Latin American countries to facilitate effective training that improved the level of safety in a multitude of food products. His doctorate in agricultural education is from Texas Tech.

CONTACT: Scott Burris, Chair, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-8689 or scott.burris@ttu.edu

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